Instruction Manual

PowerOptimal Elon® 100 Installation Manual

Version date: 2022/05/23

Page 8 of 37

Version number: 2.20

property and/or information contained herein remain vested in PowerOptimal, except if otherwise agreed in

writing.

3. Solar PV array installation

Modules should only be installed by a trained solar PV installation technician. Array position and

orientation have a major impact on power production (see Appendix B).

Review the instructions from your solar PV module supplier / manufacturer on installation.

Please note: A South African standard for low voltage embedded generation installations is

being developed (SANS 10142:3). In the absence of this standard, your solar PV installation

technician should follow SANS 10142:1 (Standard for low voltage installations), and can refer

to interim guidelines in anticipation of the SANS 10142:3 standard – see for example the

document provided by PQRS:

http://pqrs.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PV-System-Interim-Guidelines-Good-

Practice-for-Solar-PV-Installations-South-Africa-.pdf

SAPVIA (South African Photovoltaic Industry Association) has made available an excellent

guide to solar PV installations. See:

https://www.pvgreencard.co.za/Solar%20PV%20Guidelines%20-%20Digital%20

Spread%20High-res.pdf

NB: Refer to Appendices C & D for guidelines on selecting the right size solar

PV array for the user requirements, and for correctly matching the solar PV

array and the geyser element.

The below installation steps are a general guide only – refer to the abovementioned standards and

guidelines.

1. A critical starting point is safety gear: ensure that all installers wear a helmet and insulated

safety gloves, as well as fall protection safety gear if work will be done on a roof or elevated

area.

2. The solar PV array should only consist of one string of 3 to 6 modules (60- or 120-cell) or 2 to

5 modules (72- or 144-cell) in series, or two parallel strings of 6 (2 x 3), 8 (2 x 4) or 10 (2 x 5)

modules. Do not exceed the DC voltage or current ratings of the Elon® 100 (250V DC and 20A

DC) under any circumstances. Do not exceed the maximum power rating of 4 kW

3. Attach bracket / mounting structure to roof. Use mounting structure recommended by solar

module supplier for roof type and size of solar modules.

4. Fix the solar PV modules to the mounting structure whilst connecting the module cables to

each other.

5. If practical, cover the modules to ensure that there is no potential for electric shock whilst

installing the system.

6. Ground the mounting structure only.