SIM425-002
3
operating load.
13.
Do not work alone (always work as a team of 2 or more people).
14.
Wear a safety harness when working above the ground.
15.
Do not wear metallic jewelry which may conduct electricity and enable
electric shock during installation.
16.
Do not damage the back sheet of PV modules when fastening the PV
modules to a support by bolts.
17.
Do not damage the surrounding PV modules or mounting structure
when replacing a PV module.
18.
Use UV resistant cable ties or other wire management hardware to
secure the interconnect cables. Drooping cables may cause various
problems, such as leading to electrical shorts.
19.
Take proper measures for preventing the laminate (consisting of
encapsulant, cells, glass, back sheet, etc.) from dropping out of the
frame in case the glass is broken.
20.
Cables shall be located so that they will not be exposed to direct
sunlight in order to prevent degradation of the interconnect cables.
21.
Do not cover the water drain function of the frame. There might be a
risk of frost damage when the hollow portion of the frame is filled with
water cumulation.
4. SITE SELECTION
In most applications, the PV modules should be installed in a location
where there is no shading throughout the year. In the Northern Hemisphere,
the PV modules should typically face south, and in the Southern
Hemisphere, the PV modules should typically face north.
Please make sure that there are no obstructions in the surroundings of
the site of installation. TAKE PROPER STEPS in order to maintain reliability
and safety, in case the PV modules are used in areas such as: Heavy snow
areas / Extremely cold areas / Strong wind areas / Installations over, or near,
water / Areas where installations are prone to salt water damage/corrosive
gas environment/ Small islands or desert areas.
The results of the ammonia test and the salt-mist-corrosion test on the
modules, carried out under such strict test conditions, should be disclosed
for reference purposes only. The decision on whether the modules are
suitable and compatible for each installation field will depend on the user’s
judgement and responsibility.
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.
5 degrees or more is recommended for the tilt angle of the PV module for
the maintenance. (See 9. Maintenance)
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.
6. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
(INCLUDING WIRING & GROUNDING)
To ensure proper system operation and maintain the guaranty, 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.
# Maximum series configuration: please refer to Table-1
(This value is calculated under the condition of Voc at - 40 °C.)
# Maximum parallel configuration: Parallel connection of each string shall
be conducted with following two options. Any other parallel connections
are prohibited.
a) Case of using the diodes; 1 diode per maximum 2 parallel strings
(Connet a diode or more in series for every string or every 2 parallel
strings for protection of module from reverse current over load.)
b) Case of using the fuses; 1 fuse per every string (Connect a fuse for
every single string for protection of module from reverse current over
load.)
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.
Cable characteristics
Cable size :
12 AWG (4.0mm
2
)
Rating temperature:
-40
°
C to +90
°
C (-40
°
F to +194
°
F)
Grounding
The frame grounding must consider the local requirement and regulation at
the installation site. When grounding is required, please refer to below
example connection (Figure 2). Please be careful in arranging the system
ground so that the removal of one module from the circuit will not interrupt
the grounding of any other modules.
For grounding, each PV module has a hole in the frame with the appropriate
symbol for either a bolt, nut and washer, a ground lug fastened by bolt or
screw, or an appropriate screw (hardware not provided). 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 be considered within the local requirement of local and regulation at
the site of installation.
( for US market )
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.12 AWG (Insulated for
90 degree C Min.) and can be insulated with green colored insulation or
insulated with green with yellow stripe(s) insulation. The ground wire should
be sized according to the NEC and other laws.
If modules are installed in a readily
accessible location (per NEC) where the
circuit is operating in excess of 30 volts,
nominal, maximum system voltage for
DC or 30 volts for AC circuits, NEC
requires installing the additional locking
sleeve connector (Multi Contact #PV-
SSH4, see Figure 3) on the connector.
Note that this sleeve is not included with the module.
Where common grounding hardware (nuts, bolts, star washers, spilt-
ring lock washers, flat washers and the like) is used to attach a listed
grounding/bonding device, the attachment must be made in
conformance with the grounding device manufacturer's instructions.
Common hardware items such as nuts, bolts, star washers, lock
washers and the like have not been evaluated for electrical
SERIES WIRING (VOLTAGE ADDITIVE)
Figure 1
PARALLEL WIRING (CURRENT ADDITIVE)
Figure 2. Example of acceptable ground connection
Additional locking sleeve
Figure 3 (MC; PV-SSH4)
