SUNPOWER CORPORATION
Safety and Installation Instructions - Document 514744 Rev B
©2015 SunPower Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications included in this manual are subject to change without notice.
The AC output/neutral is not bonded to ground outside of the microinverter. The
AC input and AC output circuits are isolated from the enclosure. System grounding
per NEC is the responsibility of the installer. If auxiliary grounding is desired to bond
metallic components in contact with the AC module (such as mounting rails), use
grounding hardware that has been certified to meet requirements for grounding
systems in UL 2703, UL 1703, or UL 1741 on anodized aluminum. The SunPower
InvisiMount™ mounting system is compliant with UL 2703 requirements and
module-to-rail grounding is achieved through its mid clamp and end clamp. When
selecting any grounding components avoid corrosion due to the use of dissimilar
metals. SunPower suggests that stainless steel parts be used between any copper
and aluminum connections.
4.2 Connections to AC Circuits
SunPower AC modules must be connected a utility source at the correct voltage
and frequency in order to operate and produce power. They are not stand alone
generators and do not create AC voltage thus are not capable of operation
independent of a utility-generated AC signal. The AC modules must be connected
only to a dedicated branch circuit. The cables and connectors supplied with
SunPower AC modules are certified and rated for the maximum number of AC units
in parallel only. DO NOT connect more AC module units together onto any single
branch circuit than are noted in the specific AC module specifications. This circuit
must be protected by overcurrent protection not exceeding the values stated in
the AC module specifications (see Table 2).
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of fire, connect only to a circuit provided with 20 A
maximum branch circuit overcurrent protection in accordance with the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
5.0
Module Mounting
The SunPower Limited Warranty for PV Modules is contingent upon modules
being mounted in accordance with the requirements described in this section.
5.1 Site Considerations
SunPower modules should be mounted in locations that meet the following
requirements:
Operating Temperature:
All SunPower AC modules must be mounted in
environments that ensure SunPower modules will operate within the following
maximum and minimum operating temperatures:
Max. Operating Cell Temp.
+85° C, +185° F
Max. Ambient Temp.
+50° C, +122° F
Min. Operating Temp.
−40° C, −40° F
Design Strength:
SunPower AC modules are designed to meet a maximum positive
(or upward, e.g. wind) and negative (or downward, e.g. static load) design pressure
described in Table 1 when mounted in all of the mounting configurations specified
in Section 5.2. Design strength of 2400 Pa corresponds approximately to a wind
speed of 130 km/h (81 mph), as tested per IEC 61215. SunPower AC modules have
also been evaluated to UL1703 for a positive or negative design load of 30 psf.
Fig. 2: Mounting locations for SunPower Modules
shows where to mount to the
module frame. Table 1 defines mounting options, attachment locations and
resulting load rating achieved for each module configuration.
Fig. 2:
Mounting locations for SunPower modules
Table 1: Mounting Configurations and Load Resistance
Module
Configuration
Mounting configuration
(valid mounting location in
mm)
Load rating
Wind (up & down) /
Snow (down)
Module
size
Frame
type
(frame
color)
End
mount
(A1)
Pressure
clamp or
clip
(B1)
Frame
holes
(C1)
96 cell G5 (black)
300-400
3000Pa / 6000Pa
50-400
50-400
3000Pa / 3000Pa
When mounting modules in snow-prone or high-wind environments, special care
should be taken to mount the modules in a manner that provides sufficient design
strength while meeting local code requirements.
Excluded Operating Environments and Reconfigurations
Certain operating environments are not recommended for SunPower AC modules,
and are excluded from the SunPower Limited Warranty of these modules. Request
your supplier to contact SunPower if there are any unanswered questions
concerning the operating environment.
5.2 Mounting Configurations
Modules may be mounted at any angle, from horizontal to vertical. Select the
appropriate orientation to maximize sunlight exposure. Specific information on
module dimensions and the location of mounting holes is shown in Fig. 2.
In order to prevent water from entering the junction box (which could present a
safety hazard), modules should be oriented with the junction box in the uppermost
position and should
not
be mounted such that the top surface faces downward
(e.g., on a tracking structure that positions the modules with the junction box
facing skyward during sleep mode).
Clearance between the module frame and mounting structure or grade is required
to prevent wiring damage and to enable air to circulate behind the module.
A
minimum of 2″ (5 cm) is required between the module frame and structure or
ground.
The module is only NRTL Listed for use when its factory frame is fully intact. Do
not remove or alter the module frame. Creating additional mounting holes may
damage the module and reduce the strength of the frame.
Modules may be mounted using the following methods only:
1)
Pressure Clamps or Clips
: Mount the module with the clips on the side frame
of the module. The side frames are attached to the longer sides of the
module. The centerline of the clips should be 6–15″ (15.2–38 cm) from the
end of the side frame. Installers should ensure the clamps are of sufficient
strength to allow for the maximum design pressure of the module.
2)
End Mount:
End mounting is the capture mounting of the length of the
module’s end frame to a supporting rail (the end frames are on the shorter
dimensions of the module). The end-mounting rail and clips or clamps must
be of sufficient strength to allow for the maximum design pressure of the
module. Verify this capacity with the mounting system vendor before
installation.
3)
SunPower-specified or SunPower-supplied mounting systems
: Modules
mounted with strict adherence to SunPower documentation, using hardware
systems supplied by or specified by SunPower.
5.3 Handling of Modules during Installation
Do not place modules face forward in direct contact with abrasive surfaces such
as roofs, driveways, wooden pallets, railings, or stucco walls. The front surface is
sensitive to oils and abrasive surfaces, which may lead to scratches and irregular
soiling. Never lift or move the modules using the cables or the junction box
under any circumstances.
