Electrical Installation
Whenever possible use the jumper cables
provided by Sunflare. They are cut to the correct
size and have the proper mating connectors for
the modules. For making homerun cables follow
the instructions and requirements below.
Conductors
Use only USE-2 or UL 4703 “PV Wire” for jumpers
and homerun cables. These wires meet NEC
requirements per Section 690.31 (C) for use in
outdoor exposures in solar arrays. Minimum wire
gauge is AWG 12 (4mm2). Use larger gauge wire
(lower gauge number) for longer runs or where
reduced electrical resistance is desired. Follow
all NEC guidelines for wire size and installation
requirements.
Connectors
Use only Multi-Contact MC4 plug connectors
from Staubli (www.staubli-alternative-energies.
com). Using any other connector with a Sunflare
PowerFit20 module will void the warranty.
Fuses
All Sunflare PowerFit20 modules must be
protected by appropriate overcurrent protection
devices per NEC guidelines. The maximum
series fuse rating for the PowerFit20 module is
12A. Follow all NEC guidelines for fuse rating
requirements including size and type.
Connecting in Series
Only connect PowerFit20 modules in series
strings and protect each series from other
paralleled strings with proper overcurrent
protection. It is recommended that no more
than 6 modules should be in series per an AP
Smart component. No more than 20 AP Smart
components should then be connected in series.
12
Maintenance and Repair
The Sunflare PowerFit20 module is designed for
a 25-year life and under normal circumstances
should require no maintenance. However, due to
the wide variety of environmental conditions and
installation practices it is recommended to fully
inspect the system and all connections every 6
months.
Read these installation instructions thoroughly
before inspecting or servicing a Sunflare
PowerFit20 system. Inspection and service
should only be carried out by qualified personnel
using all appropriate OSHA recommended
personal protection equipment. Disconnect the
system prior to inspection. Replace any wires and
connectors that show signs of wear or damage.
Replace any WMS junction box cover that is
damaged or significantly degraded. If a module
is damaged, leave it in place. Do not attempt to
remove the module from the roofing surface unless
it poses an electrical risk. Doing so might damage
the roof surface.
If service or inspection is required, disconnect the
string with the damaged module from all other
strings and use black out blankets to cover all
modules in that string. Check that voltages are
below 5V. Then, disconnect the broken module
from the string and plug the ends of its junction
box connections using the MC4 Staubli sealing
caps PV-BVK4, and PV-SVK4. Then jumper around
the module and reconnect the string.
If the damaged module has compromised electrical
encapsulation it can be removed or encapsulated
in place using a black silicone sealant. Sunflare
will not be liable for roof damage if removing
the module or for any issues that may arise from
encapsulation by applying a sealant.
Cleaning
The Sunflare PowerFit20 module does not require
cleaning except in the case of heavy soiling from
dust or ash. If cleaning is found necessary to
achieve desired power performance, then it should
only be cleaned by professional solar module
cleaners. Prior to cleaning the system, it must be
inspected for safety and approved for cleaning by
qualified personnel. Failure to inspect the system
could lead to electric shock and possibly death.
Never use brushes, soaps, detergents or robotic
cleaners intended for use over glass modules to
clean the PowerFit20 modules. Use only water,
and if required a soft sponge. Do not use soap or
detergents to clean the module. Do not walk onto
the array unless absolutely necessary. Do not walk
on dirty modules or over clean modules with dirty
shoes. Debris underfoot can damage the top sheet
of the module leading to power loss and possibly
module failure.
Mechanical Load Rating
For design purposes, ASC7-16 Section 30
“Components and Cladding” should be used for
calculating the load requirements on the module.
Do not use the photovoltaic specific paragraphs
in Section 29 for load development on the
PowerFit20 product. Those sections are only
relevant to products that are mounted above the
roof surface and thus do not apply to the adhered
PowerFit20 module. Set the effective wind area
equal to one module.
