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REC Installation Manual - REC Alpha Panels - IEC 61215 /61730
Rev 13 - 11.22
PANEL INSTALLATION
REC solar panels are designed for capturing solar radiation and can be installed where they conform to all local structural regulations. If installing
REC solar panels in overhead or vertical constructions, the installer must ensure that all local building codes and regulations specific to such
installations are correctly followed. There are different options for securing REC solar panels depending on the design of the array.
Mounting
hardware is not supplied by REC.
Ensure the mounting structure can withstand anticipated wind and snow loads.
Follow the mounting hardware
manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations at all times.
SECURING OF PANELS
A typical installation of solar panels will be carried out with suitable rails and clamps. Other types of panel support, e.g., plates, must meet the same
specifications. Such installations have been found to be in compliance with IEC 61215 & IEC 61730 requirements for the maximum test loads of
+7000 Pa downwards pressure and -4000 Pa upwards pressure (+4666 Pa/-2666 Pa design loads)
Site-specific factors such as high wind or snow levels must be taken into consideration to ensure this limit is not exceeded.
When installing on mounting rails, ensure they run underneath the panel and provide support to the frame. The positioning of the rail must ensure
that the minimum clamp grip length (fig. 1) and the central point of the fixation, e.g., the bolt, is fully within the required clamping zone as indicated
on the following pages.
REC modules must be secured with a torque as shown in the table below (fig. 1). Clamp installation must be carried out according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, including specific hardware and torque requirements. Ensure the clamps used are suitable for the planned installation
and expected system design loads.
• The grip area must not extend onto the panel glass and/or cause cell shading,
• Avoid the application of excessive pressure to prevent frame deformation,
• The panel must be secured, e.g., clamped, at least once in each of the four marked zones shown below (fig. 2).
Fig. 1: Clamp specifications
Fig. 2: Panel quarter divisions
1
2
4
3
Min. grip length
Grip depth
NOTE
• In areas of snow build-up, panels can be subjected to forces in excess of the stated limit even when snow depth does not appear extreme,
potentially causing damage to the panel. If the installation may be affected by this, further panel support is recommended, especially on the
lower row of panels. For a detailed look see Annex 3 for 6-point mounting.
• In the case of any questions regarding mounting systems, or if the mounting system to be used does not match any of the instructions shown
in this installation manual, please contact REC for further support.
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Specifications
Length
Grip depth
5 mm - 10 mm
Min. grip length
40 mm
Torque
12 - 25 Nm
NOTE
Panels must be installed so that the cells are not shaded as this will reduce electrical output. If partial shading is inevitable at certain times of the
day or year, it must be kept to an absolute minimum. Remove any labels or stickers that may be on the front of the panels and ensure no residue
is left on the glass.
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CAUTION
There must be a minimum clearance gap of 20 mm between the uppermost part of the installation surface (e.g., rooftop) and the lowest part
of the panel (i.e., underside of panel frame) to avoid any damage to the panel and to ensure sufficient airflow for cooling, helping to improve
performance.
The surface below the panels must be kept clear of any objects that may cause damage to the panel.
Legend
Clearance Gap
Clamping zone
20-40 mm
40-60 mm
>60 mm
<20 mm
Test Load
(Design Load)
Test Load
(Design Load)
Test Load
(Design Load)
Test Load
(Design Load)
0 - 255 mm
X
+1200 Pa / -1200 Pa *
(+800 Pa / -800 Pa)
+2400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+1600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
X
255 - 375 mm
+1800 Pa / -1800 Pa *
(+1200 Pa / -1200 Pa)
+4200 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+2800 Pa / -1600 Pa)
+5400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+3600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
X
375 - 505 mm
+1800 Pa / -1800 Pa *
(+1200 Pa / -1200 Pa)
+6200 Pa / -4000 Pa
(+4133 Pa / -2666 Pa)
+7000 Pa / -4000 Pa
(+4666 Pa / -2666 Pa)
X
505 - 610 mm
+1200 Pa / -1200 Pa *
(+800 Pa / -800 Pa)
+3000 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+2000 Pa / -1600 Pa)
+5400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+3600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
X
610 - 700 mm
+2400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+1600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
+2400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+1600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
+2400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+1600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
X
0 - 200 mm
X
+1200 Pa / -1200 Pa *
(+800 Pa / -800 Pa)
+1600 Pa / -1600 Pa *
(+1066 Pa / -1066 Pa)
X
200 - 300 mm
X
+800 Pa / -800 Pa *
(+533 Pa / -533 Pa)
+2400 Pa / -2400 Pa
(+1600 Pa / -1600 Pa)
X
Once a module is secured in each of the 4 zones (fig. 2), additional clamps, i.e., ≥5, may be freely located on panel frame without
affecting the warranty. Loads marked with a
*
were not certified as part of IEC 61215/61730 testing; these have been evaluated by
REC’s internal testing process.
