Install Manual

Document Number: MAN-SFO-15 | SAFETY AND INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
10
non-current carrying conductive parts to the appropri-
ately sized equipment grounding conductor (EGC) or
racking/rail system that has been tested and veried to
be used as a means of integrated grounding.
Silfab’s frames are protected from corrosion via an an-
odized coating. This coating must be penetrated in order
to ensure proper bonding for equipment grounding re-
quirements. The dierent methods outlined below are
suggested methods to establish an appropriate bond
between the frame and the EGC or racking system. The
installer must ensure that the ground path of the EGC or
racking system follows proper grounding requirements.
Option A: Use of a grounding lug
A UL listed grounding lug can be bonded to the ground-
ing hole located on the bottom ange of Silfab’s mod-
ule frame. The holes are marked with an electrical
ground symbol.
To install the grounding lug, follow the specied instruc-
tions of the manufacturer. The grounding lug should
be made of stainless steel or tin plated metals such
as aluminum to avoid corrosion. The grounding lug
should be attached to the frame grounding hole using
stainless steel hardware (screw, toothed lock washer or
KEPS nut). A lock washer or other locking mechanism
is required to maintain tension between the bolt and
assembly; Silfab recommends a torque value of 25inch-
lbs. The conductor must be attached to the ground lug
using the lug’s set screw. Refer to NEC Article 690. Care
should be taken to avoid the use of grounding hard-
ware of dissimilar metals which may lead to corrosion.
Ensure that the grounding area for the connection is
clean and free from oxides and/or any debris that could
impede the pathway for the electrical ground. Always
follow safety procedures when installing any ground-
ing/mounting system.
Option B: Integrated grounding methods
A Silfab module can be bonded with a racking/rail sys-
tem using a UL1703 or UL2703 certied integrated
grounding method. The racking/rail system will then
have to be electrically grounded in such a way that the
overall system is properly grounded per local require-
ments and regulations such as what is dened in NEC
article 250 or Canadian CSA C22.1.
One example of an integrated grounding method is
the use of a washer recognized as meeting UL2703
The design of the PV system should be done by a
qualied person familiar with PV system design.
Silfab does not assume any responsibility for how
the modules are installed or how the system is
designed.
For all solar systems, the connectors MUST be UL
rated for interminability and fully inter-matable
with Silfab modules’ connectors. Otherwise, Sil-
fab will void the warranty and will not be respon-
sible for any resulting safety issue.
Silfab solar modules are equipped with factory-as-
sembled Junction box with 12AWG/4mm
2
cables,
and insulated for 90°C maximum, with either GZX
PV-GZX0601-1-F, PV-GZX0601-1-M or MC4 connec-
tors. Any attempt to repair/modify the junction box,
cable, or connector will void the Silfab Solar warranty.
9.2 Functioning Grounding
For installations located in tropical regions (between
23.5o N and 23.5o S), functional grounding at the negative
pole of the DC side of the system must be implemented.
• Ensure the dierence in potential between the
negative pole of the DC array and the negative end
of the DC side of the inverter input terminals is 0V.
• Follow the directions of the inverter manufactur-
er and prevailing local regulations.
• Only use inverters which include licensed grounding kits.
• Functional grounding is required to be imple-
mented in installation sites with increased salt
content in the air. (e.g. close the sea, dened as
less than 500m from a coastline).
9.3 Protective Grounding
In order to prevent electrical shock or re, the frame of
the module as well as any non-current carrying metal
parts of the system must be electrically grounded. While
this section provides some information about ground-
ing Silfab’s frames and modules, reference should be
made to local statutes and regulations for specic re-
quirements on grounding. As an additional resource,
reference the U.S. National Electrical Code addresses
equipment grounding/bonding requirements in Article
250. You may also reference Canadian Electrical Code
requirements located in CSA C22.1.
Proper grounding is achieved by bonding all exposed