Ver. 1.0UJ Aug 25, 2008
- 3 - Installation Manual for PV modules
A-5. TILT ANGLE SELECTION
The tilt angle of the PV module is measured between the surface of the
PV module and a horizontal ground surface. The PV module generates
maximum output power when it faces the sun directly.
For standalone systems with batteries where the PV modules are
attached to a permanent structure, the tilt angle of the PV modules
should be selected to optimize the performance based on seasonal
load and sunlight. In general, if the PV output is adequate when
irradiance is low (e.g., winter), then the angle chosen should be
adequate during the rest of the year. For grid-connected installations
where the PV modules are attached to a permanent structure, PV
modules should be tilted so that the energy production from the PV
modules will be maximized on an annual basis.
A-6. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
To ensure proper system operation and maintain the warranty, be
careful to observe the correct cable connection polarity (Figure 1) when
connecting the modules to a battery or to other modules. If not
connected correctly, the bypass diode(s) could be destroyed. All PV
modules must be grounded by electrical connection of the module
frames to ground. Care must be taken to arrange the system ground so
that the removal of one module from the circuit will not interrupt the
grounding of any of the other modules. For grounding, each PV module
has a hole in the frame for either a bolt, nut and washer, a ground lug
fastened by bolt or screw, or an appropriate screw (hardware not
provided). Installation for wiring shall be in accordance with the NEC
and grounding method shall comply with the NEC, article 250 and the
relevant instructions below. In a connection of this type, the hardware
(such as a star washer) must score the frame surface to make positive
electrical contact with the frame. The ground wire must not be smaller
than No.14 AWG (2.1 mm
2
), and should be sized according to the
NEC.
Hardware used must be compatible with the mounting structure
material to avoid galvanic corrosion.
The module junction box is shown in Figure 2. When connecting the
modules to a battery or to other modules, you must carefully observe
correct cable connection polarity as shown Figures 1 and 4. If not
connected correctly, the bypass diodes could be destroyed. This will
void your warranty.
Open the cover of the junction box by loosening the two cover screws
as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 3 shows the inside of the junction box. Typical terminal cabling
is AWG 14, but will be dependent upon system design as guided by the
National Electrical Code. Remove the appropriate grommets and route
the interconnecting cables through grommets as shown in Figure 3. To
remove the grommets, push them from inside of the box.
To connect wires to the terminal block, a wire lug connector may be
used as shown in Figure 6. For direct wiring, strip back insulation about
16mm (5/8”) and wrap stripped wire around screw under square
washer as shown in Figure 7. Tighten terminal screw securely with a
proper screwdriver. After completed terminal wiring, secure the cover of
the junction box.
Grounding Using Existing Ground Hole (Figure 8)
The existing ground holes can be used with stainless steel #10-32
bolts, #10 lock washers and #10-32 nuts. All grounding hardware must
have a thread count of at least 32 turns per inch. These holes may be
used to secure an outdoor-rated, tinned copper, UL listed lay in ground
lug such as Ilsco model GBL4-DBT or equivalent.
Grounding Using Existing Unused Module Mounting Hole
(Figure 9)
An existing otherwise unused module mounting hole can be used to
install the same grounding hardware noted above. Do not use a
mounting hole or hardware that is used for structurally mounting the
module. UL 1703 prohibits the use of a bonding fastener for any
purpose other than ground bonding.
A-7. MAINTENANCE
SHARP PV modules are designed for long life and require very little
maintenance. If the angle of the PV module is 5 degrees or more,
normal rainfall is usually sufficient to keep the module glass surface
clean under most weather conditions. If dirt build-up becomes
excessive, clean the glass surface only with a soft cloth using water. If
cleaning the back of the module is required, take utmost care not to
damage the back side materials. In order to ensure proper operation of
the system, please check all wiring connections and the condition of
the wire insulation periodically.
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Figure 1
SERIES WIRING (VOLTAGE ADDITIVE)
PARALLEL WIRING (CURRENT ADDITIVE)
Loosen the two cover screws to open the cover
Figure 2
