Safety & Installation Manual Silfab Solar Photovoltaic Modules: SLA M SERIES, SLG M SERIES, SLA X SERIES, SLG X SERIES, SSA M SERIES, SSG M SERIES Document Number: MAN-SFO-06 | SAFETY AND INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
Table of CONTENTS Safety Notice Installation Manual Disclaimer General Information 3 Model Naming Overview 4 Disclaimer of Liability Product Certification Limited Warranty Module Specifications Safety Precautions Installation 5 Module Mounting Overview 6 Module Mounting Method using mounting holes 6 Mounting using clamping method Handling of Modules 10 11 12 13 13 Electrical Connection Grounding Silfab SLA X Bifacial Modules Silfab Smart Modules Marine applications
Maintenance Diagnostics &Troubleshooting Module Identification Packaging, Handling & Storage 15 16 17 17 17 18 Silfab's Packaging Correct Handling of Module Packaging How to Handle the Pallet Unpacking Modules Pallet Sheet Recycling Packaging Materials Revision Log Document Number: MAN-SFO-06 | SAFETY AND INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
3 1. SAFETY NOTICE This Safety and Installation Manual provides important safety information relating to the installation, maintenance and handling of Silfab SLA/SSA and SLG/SSG modules. Professional installers, operation & maintenance technicians, and system users/owners should read this manual carefully and strictly follow the instructions. Failure to follow these instructions may result in death, injury or property damage, and possible void of warranty. Please keep this manual for future reference.
4 3.2 Disclaimer of Liability 7. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Since the methods of system design, installation techniques, handling and use of this product are beyond company control; Silfab Solar Inc. does not assume responsibility and expressly disclaims liability, for loss, damage or expense resulting from improper installation, handling or use. Installation should be performed only by authorized personnel. 4. PRODUCT CERTIFICATION Within the modules there are no user serviceable parts.
5 Do not expose the modules to artificially concentrated sunlight. other non-abrasive material in order to shield them from exposure. Do not walk or step on the modules. • Making the connections during hours of low intensity of solar irradiance (such as early morning or late afternoon). Do not stand on, drop, scratch, or allow objects to fall on the modules. Do not lift the modules by the junction box or junction box cables. 8.
8.2 Module Mounting Method using mounting holes Each module must be securely fastened at a minimum of 4 points. Only use the 4 pre-drilled mounting holes (slots, see Fig. 3a/3b) on the PV module frame to bolt the module with M6 (1/4”) stainless steel screws and nuts to the mounting framework. The distance of the mounting holes has been designed in order to result in a uniform wind and snow load without damaging the module. Do not drill additional holes in the module frame; doing so will void the Warranty.
7 38 Fig. 3a: Mechanical drawing of the SLA/SSA module showing the mounting holes, the drainage holes, and the ground connection holes 26 Fig.
8 Fig. 4a: cross section of a mounting clamp to be used for attaching the modules to support structure (minimum length is 40 mm). 1 Rail 2 Clamp 3 Bolt 4 Nut Fig. 4b: modules attached to supporting structure (rail, item 01) using a clamp (item 02) fixed with a bolt (item 03) and nut (item 04) – view between two modules. Fig. 4c: modules attached to supporting structure – side view Fig.
9 Fig. 5a: allowed positions for fixing SLA/SSA modules using mounting clamps. Mounting must stay WITHIN the coloured areas. ATTENTION: in the case of installation with modules in the portrait configuration, install the modules with the junction boxes at the top in their “upright” position. This will reduce the risk of water infiltration into the junction box. Fig. 5b: allowed positions for fixing SLG/SSG modules using mounting clamps. Mounting must stay WITHIN the coloured areas.
9. HANDLING OF MODULES The Silfab modules are robust, but cells may be subject to damage if the modules are improperly handled or installed. Wear protective gloves when handling and installing the modules to protect against cuts and burns. Handle the module in a way that avoids breakage or scratching of the glass or backsheet and mechanical damage to any other part of the module. Do not carry the module by its cables. Electric shock or damage to the module may result.
11 *Refer to the appropriate local geographic electrical codes and regulations for the correct Voc correction factor according to the respective temperatures. If this information is not available, a 1.25 multiplying factor can be used as default value for correction of Voc. Use only the same type of connectors, to ensure reliability of the electrical connection.
• Ensure that the grounding area for the connection is clean and free from oxides or any debris that could impede the electrical grounding. Always follow safety procedures when installing any grounding/mounting system. 9.3 Silfab SLA X Bifacial Modules Bi-facial modules are able to capture and convert light from both the front and back surface of the module, as shown FIGURE 6.
13 9.4 Silfab Smart Modules This section of the installation manual is specific to Silfab Smart Modules (SSA and SSG), which use Tigo Energy's integrated junction box. For residential, commercial and utility scale photovoltaic solar arrays, the Silfab Smart Modules and Tigo Optimizer System optimizes power output per-module. These modules also deliver module-level data for operational management and performance monitoring.
14 10. MAINTENANCE a hair brush to gently remove the snow. Cleaning method of ARC-Glass of Silfab PV Module Silfab uses anti-reflective coated glasses for maximum performance. It is recommended to regularly clean the modules to ensure maximum power output. Module cleaning should be done in the early morning, in the evening, at night or on rainy days when solar irradiance is low. 11.
15 Silfab packaging details 72 cell module: Pallet footprint: 2005 x 1041 x 152 mm or 79 ½ x 41 x 6” Package height: 1152 mm or 45 ¼” Pallet weight: 668 Kg or 1473 lb Pallet is IPPC-compliant. Number of modules stacked: 25 Max loading configuration: 34 60 cell module: Pallet footprint: 1701 x 1041 x 101.6 mm (67 x 41 x 4”) Package height: 1142 mm or 45” Pallet weight: 668 Kg Pallet is IPPC-compliant. Number of modules stacked: 26 Max loading configuration: 36 Figure 6.a. Silfab Packaging. Figure 6.b.
16 13.2 Correct Handling of Module Packaging Each package has been designed for safe shipment and storage of modules. The following symbols apply to the packing, with the following meanings: DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN, SNOW OR FLOODING: The plastic wrap is intended to prevent temporary contact with dirt, water or other materials but will not protect the modules from damage resulting from rain, snow and flooding. Modules should be stored in a sheltered dry location.
17 13.3 How to Handle the Pallet 13.4 Unpacking Modules During the handling of the pallet make sure to pay the utmost attention. The packaging must be raised/moved exclusively with fork-lift trucks or hand pallet trucks fitted with forks of length appropriate to its size and weight. The pallet which supports the packaging is a "4 ways" type (able to be lifted from any of the short or long sides).
13.6 Recycling Packaging Materials 18 Silfab undertakes efforts to treat every aspect of production to minimize the environmental impact. The packaging is made with materials that for the most part are reusable. In particular, the wooden pallets (Fig.11) and protective corners (Fig.12) should be retained. Arrangements for recovery will be made on a case by case basis. Fig.11 Fig.12 Fig.
19 15. REVISION LOG Revision Level Section(s) affected Brief description of changes Date MAN-SLA-01 and MAN-SLG-01 ALL Initial release 14/11/2011 MAN-SFO-02 MULTIPLE Consolidated SLA & SLG manuals into SFO; added safety note; added more info on shading, diode failure, grounding, load ratings, environmental considerations, cleaning, transport, handling, etc. 04/22/2013 MAN-SFO-03 MULTIPLE Added SSA/SSG models; clarified/revised information in multiple sections. A full re-read is recommended.
Silfab Solar Inc. 240 Courtneypark Drive East, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5T 2S5 Tel: +1 905 255 2501 Fax: +1 905 696 0267 Email: info@Silfab.ca Web: www.Silfab.
