General safety
◇ Installation of solar photovoltaic systems may require specialized skills and knowledge. Installation should be performed only by qualified individuals.
◇ All modules come with a permanently attached junction box. The modules have UL certificate use #12 AWG wire terminated in Multi-contact connectors. ASW can provide customers with fitted cables for easy installation, if desired.
◇ The installer assumes all risk of injury that might occur during installation, including, but not limited to, the risk of electric shock.
◇ One individual module may generate DC voltages greater than 30 volts when exposed to direct sunlight. Contact with a DC voltage of 30V or more is potentially hazardous.
◇ When disconnecting wires connected to a photovoltaic module that is exposed to sunlight, an electric arc may result. Such arcs may cause burns, may start fires and may otherwise create problems. Therefore, be extremely careful!
◇ Photovoltaic solar modules change light energy to direct-current electrical energy. They are designed for outdoor use. Modules may be ground mounted, or mounted on rooftops. Proper design of support structures are the responsibility of the system designer and installer.
◇ Do not attempt to disassemble the module, and do not remove any attached nameplates or components.
◇ When installing the system, abide with all local, regional and national statutory regulations. Obtain a building permit where necessary.
Selecting the proper support frame
◇ Always observe the instructions and safety precautions included with the support frame to be used with the module.
◇ No attempt must be made to drill holes in the modules. To do so will void the warranty.
◇ Do not drill additional mounting holes in the glass surface of the module or in the frame of the module. Doing so will void the warranty.
◇ Modules must be securely attached to the mounting structure using four mounting points for normal installation. If additional wind or snow loads are anticipated for this installation, additional mounting points are also used. Load calculations shall be done by the system designer or installer.
◇ The support module mounting structure must be made of durable, corrosion-resistant and UV-resistant material.
General installation
◇ Module mounting must use the pre-drilled mounting holes in the frame.
◇ The most common mounting is achieved by mounting the module using the four symmetry points close to the inner side on the module frame.
◇ If excessive wind or snow loads are expected, all eight mounting holes must be used.
◇ Do not lift the module by grasping the module’s junction box or electrical leads.
◇ Do not stand or step on the module.
◇ Do not drop the module or allow objects to fall on the module.
◇ To avoid breakage of module glass, do not place any heavy objects on the module.
◇ Do not set the module down hard on any surface.
◇ Inappropriate transport and installation may break the glass portion of the module.
Electrical Installation
Grounding
◇ The module frame must be properly grounded (refer to NEC clause 250). The grounding wire must be properly connected to the module frame to ensure good electrical contact. Use the recommended type, or an equivalent, connectors for this wire.
◇ For metal support frames, the surface of the frame must be electroplated and have excellent conductivity.
◇ We recommend the lay-in lugs when grounding.
◇ Taking care to avoid nicking or cutting the conductors, then insert the wire to the base of the lug, and screw down the slotted screw. Second, insert the stainless steel bolt (M3, or equivalent, is recommended by ASW) into the hole of the lug, the grounding hole on the frame, the toothed washer. The toothed washer is required in order to prevent loosening of the screw over time.
General installation
◇ Do not use modules of different configurations in the same system.
◇ Several modules are connected in series and then in parallel to form a PV array, especially for application with a high operation voltage. If modules are connected in series, the total voltage is equal to the sum of individual voltages.
◇ For applications requiring high currents, several photovoltaic modules can be connected in parallel; the total current is equal to the sum of individual currents.
◇ Modules are supplied with Multi-contact connectors to use for system electrical connections. Use the National Electric Code (United States) or equivalent local wiring regulations to determine system wiring size (refer to NEC clause 310), type and temperature rating of conductors to be connected to the module’s connectors. Wiring connected to the modules should be #12 AWG, LAPP 4mm2 (minimum) and must be temperature rated at 90°C (minimum).
◇ The cross sectional area of the cable and the capacity of the connector must be selected to suit the maximum system short circuit current, otherwise the cable and connector will be overheated under large current. Refer to NEC for details.
◇ A DC rated fuse(with maximum capacity 15A) should be used.
Maintenance
ASW recommends the following maintenance measures in order to ensure optimum
Performance of the module:
◇ Clean the glass surface of the module when necessary. Always use water and a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning. A mild, non-abrasive cleaning agent can be used to remove dirt.
◇ Check the electrical and mechanical connections every six months to verify that they are clean, secure and undamaged.
◇ If any problem arises, have them investigated by a competent specialist.
In addition, the maintenance instructions for all other components used in the system, such as support frames, charging regulators, inverters, batteries etc. should be followed accordingly.
Testing and replacing bypass diodes
Removing the bypass diodes should be done only by a competent PV technician and after the module has been disconnected from the system.
◇Place module face down on a soft, flat surface Insert a 3mm flat screwdriver into the slot on the junction box cover. (The cover has a sign of screwdriver). Gently pull up the four slots until the cover been opened.
◇Insert the 3mm flat screwdriver into a hole alongside of diode and near one mounting hole of the diode, pry the screwdriver in the opposite direction of diode and gently pull the diode up until the lead comes free. Do the same in the other mounting hole of the diode, and repeat until the diode is free.
◇Note the orientations of the polarity markings on the diodes.
◇Check the resistance of the diodes by using the digital multimeter’s ohms scale. Resistance should be low in one direction, and then when leads are reversed on the diode’s terminals the resistance should be high. If a diode has a low resistance in both directions, it is probably shorted. If it has high resistance in both directions it is probably open. In either case it should be replaced.
◇Replace a defective diode with a diode of the same type, and ensure that its polarity making is oriented the same way as the original diode.
◇Finally, check the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the module, as described previously, and replace both covers.
Disclaimer of Liability
Because the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation, operation, use and maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) product are beyond ASW’s control, ASW does not accept responsibility and expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense arising out of or in any way connected with such installation, operation, use or maintenance.
No responsibility is assumed by ASW for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties, which may result from use of the PV product. No license is granted by modification or otherwise under any patent or patent rights.