Install Manual

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Document Number: MAN-SFO-15 | SAFETY AND INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

9.5 Silfab Module Installation in Marine Applications

This section provides guidance of safe handling and in-

stallation of Silfab PV modules less than 500 meters to

any salt water coastal waterway regarded as “near-coast-

al”. Improper care and negligence to properly protect PV

system as recommended may potentially induce salt-

mist corrosion and accelerate electrical insulation losses

and galvanic corrosion. Silfab reserves the right to review

any potential warranty claims in “near-coastal” environ-

ments against a customer’s strict adherence to the best

practices and recommendations provided in this section.

Any non-conformances found will potentially disqualify

the product from being covered under Silfab’s Limited

Product and Linear Performance Warranty. For further

inquiries please contact Silfab’s Customer Service.

Mechanical Installation

• Do not scratch or break the corrosion-resistant coat-

ing (e.g. anodization layer) on PV Modules and mount-

ing system, unless it is part of the electrical equipment

grounding system (grounding lugs, integrated ground-

ing hardware compliant to UL2703).

• Use corrosion-resistant material (e.g. stainless steel

SUS 316) for components (e.g. nuts, bolts, gaskets, etc.)

to install your PV system.

• For safe mounting installation, use insulation gaskets

between mounting hardware attached to the PV mod-

ule frame between PV module frame and rail, unless

the mounting hardware is part of the electrical equip-

ment grounding system using integrated mounting/

grounding hardware that is compliant with UL2703.

• Recommendation for gasket insulation are mica lami-

nation, or silicone, or uoride made insulating material.

Grounding

• Silfab recommends to protect any exposed ground-

ing points (such as a grounding block) of the PV system

with a corrosion-resistant coating, for example (a) Bu-

tyl Plaster to completely cover an exposed grounding

block or (b) spray uorocarbon varnish of 40 um thick

onto exposed ground blocks thoroughly to form an an-

ti-corrosion protective lm.

Remember to clean the exposed grounding block and

surrounding area and make sure the surface is dry. Any

exposed components must be fully covered from expo-

sure to salt.

To ensure optimum module performance, Silfab rec-

ommends maintenance service every three months

with the following measures:

• Check the module frame, mounting system, grounding

block and junction areas for potential signs of corrosion.

• Clean the module frame, mounting system, ground-

ing block and junction areas from accumulation of dust

and/or salt with soft foam materials, non-woven fab-

rics, whisks, soft sponges, soft brushes and hair brush-

es may be used.

• Upon possible nding of corrosion due to salt, re-ap-

ply Butyl Plaster or uorocarbon varnish to cover rusty

area thoroughly.

Important note: Disclaimer of liability

Silfab PV Modules have successfully passed IEC

61701:2011 – Level 5 Salt Mist Corrosion Test.

However, full protection against salt exposure

is largely dependent on multiple components of

the PV system beyond Silfab’s control. As such,

Silfab can strongly recommends to adhere to the

installation procedure. If negligence is found, Sil-

fab cannot hold responsibility and disclaim liability

for any loss, damage, or expense arising out from

“near-coastal” installation.