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REC Installation Manual - REC Alpha Panels - IEC 61215 /61730
Rev 13 - 11.22
PANEL MAINTENANCE
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
REC solar panels have been designed for easy maintenance, however cleaning solar panels can assist in optimizing electricity output. The need for
cleaning will vary dependent on location, rainfall, pollution levels and the angle of installation – the lower the angle of installation, the more cleaning
will be required. ‘Normal’ rainfall will naturally clean the panels if installed at a sufficient angle to ensure water runs off the surface. To optimize
electrical output it is recommended to clean the panels when dirt can clearly be seen on the glass surface.
Using a soft rubber squeegee, wipe the panel surface from the top downwards to remove any residual water from the panel glass. Take care not to
scratch the surface or introduce foreign elements that may cause damage to the panel. Always rinse the panel with plenty of water. Panels can be
left to dry in the air or wiped dry with a clean and soft cloth or chamois.
For more information on cleaning REC solar panels, consult the
REC Cleaning Information Sheet which is available to download from the online REC
Download Center www.recgroup.com/downloads. If in doubt at any time when cleaning the panels, stop and obtain professional advice.
SYSTEM INSPECTION
The system should be inspected regularly to ensure that:
• Fasteners are secure, tight and free from corrosion,
• Electrical connections are secure, tight, clean and free of corrosion,
• The mechanical integrity of the cables is intact,
• Bonding points to ground are tight, secure and free from corrosion (which could break the continuity between the panels and ground).
RECYCLING
REC makes every effort to ensure panel packaging is kept to a minimum. Please check local recycling capability. The paper and cardboard packaging
can be recycled and the protective wrapping and panel separating blocks are also recyclable in many areas. Recycle packaging and panels according
to local guidelines and regulations.
DISPOSAL OF OLD ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Panels should be recycled at the end of their useful life according to local guidelines and regulations. By ensuring REC solar panels are disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent any negative impact on the environment and human health. The majority of the panel components can be recycled.
For installations in the European Union, REC solar panels are subject to WEEE regulations. The symbol in fig. 16 as found on the label on the rear
of the panel indicates that this product must not be treated as household waste and must be disposed of at an appropriate collection point for the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The recycling of the different components and materials will help to conserve natural resources.
Fig. 16: WEEE symbol
The European WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive regulates the correct recycling of electronic and electrical
waste in all member states of the European Union (EU). For end-customers it is a free of charge disposal system, financed by the
manufacturers and importers, where panels can be brought to a local recycling depot, or in the case of larger numbers, be picked up from
site, as is the case with other electrical equipment, e.g., refrigerators or televisions. The extensive process steps for proper disposal are
strictly regulated and place no further obligations on the owner of the panels. For more information about the recycling of this product,
please contact your local recycling authority or recycling center.
CAUTION
• Panel cleaning must always be carried out when the panels are cool, e.g., early morning, to avoid breakage through thermal shock.
• Use of high pressure hoses or cleaners is not permitted as these may damage the panels, laminate or cells.
NOTE
• Avoid putting pressure on the on the panel surface when cleaning or drying, e.g., leaning, standing or resting buckets on it.
• Use only deionized water free from grit and physical contaminants, at ambient temperature and use a sponge, microfiber cloth or a soft
brush to wipe away the dirt (rainwater, tap water or diluted alcohol may also be used as a secondary solution).
• For further cleaning a mild, biological and biodegradable washing-up liquid may be used.
• If stains require more effort to be removed, Isopropyl alcohol of a concentration less than 10% may be used. Acidic or alkaline detergent may
not be used.
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