Photovoltaic Module Safety & Installation Manual

Version: 1.2 English

NOTICE! Please carefully read and understand the provided installation manual before installing, wiring, or operating our
product in your PV system. Failure to follow all proceeding terms and conditions will void Qsolars Limited Warranty
contract.


1.0 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Qsolar Photovoltaic module. Our goal is to provide you with a top quality long lasting product. This
installation guide provided by Qsolar contains information regarding proper handling, installation, and maintenance.

All instructions in this guide should be read and understood by all parties before attempting to install Qsolar photovoltaic modules.
PV designers and installers should always comply with all safety precautions listed within this guide as well as any local or
jurisdictional codes that pertain to PV installations.

Qsolar reserves the right to make changes to both products and installation manual without prior notice to the customer. Please
contact [email protected] for any additional questions or explanations.
1.1 Liability Condition
The installation techniques, handling and use of Qsolar product are beyond Qsolars company control. Therefore, Qsolar does not
assume responsibility for loss, damage or expense resulting from improper installation, handling or use.
1.2 Limited Warranty
All Qsolar PV module warranties are listed in the Qsolar warranty conditions which can be downloaded from our website:
http://www.qsolar.net


2.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS



Before installing or operating modules, please read and understand all general safety instructions in this manual!



Module Installation should only be carried out by qualified individuals.
Always follow and observe all appropriate regional and jurisdictional electric codes.
Always use properly insulated and/or rated electrical and mechanical tools during installation of PV modules
Always mount PV modules over a fire resistant roof, in case of roof mounting (according to IEC 61730-1 clause 12.4)
Always ground all PV modules according to the local electrical codes.
Always use only the same type of PV modules within 1 PV circuit.
Do not step on or put heavy/sharp objects on PV module.
Do not disconnect module under load.
Do not use artificial methods for cooling the PV module (water).
Do not touch PV module terminals (avoid wearing metallic jewelry or devices attached to the body during installation).
Do not install PV modules in wet or windy conditions.
Do not drill extra holes in pv module surface
Do not store or install PV modules near flammable gasses or materials
Do not disassemble any part of the PV module
Do not concentrate light on the PV modules (according to IEC 61730-1 clause 12.5)




3.0 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PV MODULE

It is very important to understand that a photovoltaic module can have electrical characteristics different than the (Standard Test
Conditions) STC rating on the module nameplate. Atmospheric conditions often increase the modules current and/or voltage higher
than that reported at STC.
STC = 1000 W/m
2
AM 1.5 25C

Always refer to your local jurisdictional codes when sizing conductors, fuses, inverters, and other Balance of System (BOS)
components.







WARNING!

All installation and mounting instructions must be read
and properl y understood before attempting to install, wire,
and/or operate PV modules. PV modules generate DC
electricity when exposed to light. This can pose danger
to the installer, user, and/or property. Any contact with
electricall y active module-terminals can result in arcing;
leading to shocks, burns, fires, and/or death.
PV modules are electrically live when mounted and installed.

Danger: Electrical potential (SHOCK DANGER) increases
with parallel (higher currents) and series (higher voltage)
connection of PV modules.

The PV installer must assume all inherent risk of property
damage and/or personal injury related to the mishandling of
PV modules during installation and maintenance.

"Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module is likely to
experience conditions that produce more current and/or
voltage than reported at standard test conditions. Accordingly,
the values of ISC and VOC marked on this module should be
multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component
voltage ratings, conductor current ratings, fuse sizes, and size
of controls connected to the PV output."

(Extract from IEC 61730-1 clause 12.7)











4.0 ELECTRICAL CONFIGURATIONS
4.1 General Wiring / Configuration
Please follow all module specification and jurisdictional laws regarding interconnection of PV modules. Photovoltaic modules can be
connected in both series and/or parallel to attain the desired electrical output.
Combined source circuits should contain onl y 1 type of PV module.
Conductors must meet or exceed the following requirements (IEC 61730-1 clause 12.3):
- Size: 4.0 mm
2
(12 AWG) for modules connected in series
- Temperature rating (-40C to +90C)
- Type PV-wire, USE-2 or equivalent
4.2 Maximum Voltage (i.e. series connections)
The maximum PV system voltage for a circuit should be calculated as the sum of the rated open circuit voltage of the series
connected PV modules (corrected for the lowest expected ambient temperature). Open Circuit Voltage should be used to determine
the voltage rating of all other BOS (Balance of System) components in the system
The open voltage of each string must never exceed the maximum system voltage value defined by the local regulation (IEC 61730-1
clause 12.3)
Refer to the Qsolar panel datasheets for PV modules Temperature Coefficients.
4.3 PV Module and Equipment Grounding

Please refer to the applicable regional and local codes in regards to grounding PV modules, and other PV system components.

Usually a frameless Qsolar PV module does not need to be grounded, as it has no conducting parts. However always take into
account regional and local codes.

4.4 Lightning protection


PV systems do not generally increase the risk of buildings being struck by lightning. If a lightning protection
system currently exists on the installation building, the PV systems mounting installation should be
connected to the lightning protection system.


4.5 Overcurrent Protection (OCPD))
(i.e. fuses or circuit breaker - IEC 61730-1 clause 12.3)
When the series current of a PV string exceeds the rated Qsolar PV module series fuse rating an overcurrent protection device
(OCPD) must be used. 1 or 2 strings of PV modules in parallel do not require OCPDs, but 3 or more PV strings in parallel will
usually require an OCPD.
























5.0 MODULE CHARACTERISTICS
5.1 Operating Temperature

Always try to provide adequate ventilation around installed PV modules, especially in hot environments. Cells performance will be
affected by temperature.
Predetermined Nominal Temperatures for Qsolar Modules:
Maximum Operating Temperature +90 C +194 F
Minimum Operating Temperature -40 C -40 F
Table 1: QSOLAR MODULE OPERATING TEMPERATURES


It is recommended that at least 20 cm or 8 inches is maintained between the mounting surface and the PV module.

(3/16) inch or 4.75 mm gap is recommended between adjoining modules to allow for thermal expansion.
5.2 PV Module Design Strength

Qsolar PV modules have been tested according to IEC design qualification type EN 61215: 2005 and IEC safety standard EN
61730-1&2:2007 (Application class A, refer to clause 12.1).
Qsolar PV modules have passed the mechanical load test to 5400 Pa. This corresponds to a wind speed of approximately 250
mph.
Qsolar PV modules comply with the test requirements for UL 790 Class C Spread of Flame Test and Burning Brand Test.


5.3 Mounting Hardware

Always apply proper torque settings to all mounting hardware according to manufactures specifications. See Installation Instructions
for the recommended torque values.
5.4 Operating Environments

Do not mount or operate Qsolar PV modules in the following environments.

Extreme wind
Extreme temperature (see Table 1)
Corrosive, salty, acidic, or sulfurous environments
Near flammable gasses or materials
In highly shaded areas











6.0 MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS
Always try and select a suitable orientation to maximize the sunlight exposure to the PV module surface. Shading can significantly
affect the module and string performance in a PV array.
6.1 Module Mounting Techniques
Qsolar PV modules can be mounted either vertical or landscape as long as one of the following mounting procedures is followed
(according to IEC 61730-1 clause 12.4).

1. Horizontal mounting:

Attach the PV module to the mounting rails using Qsolar Clamps or equivalent. Use 6 clamps and 3 horizontal rails. Clamps
should be spaced as following: 1/6 the length from the top and bottom of the module, and clamps at of the pv module (30
mm). See Figure 1.



Figure 1 Horizontal mounting with 3 rails









If the snow loading is not above 5400Mpa and the wind loading not above 2400Mpa onl y four clamps and two rails are
necessary. The clamps should then be placed at 1/4 of the length of the module from each end. See figure 2.

Figure 2 Horizontal mounting 2 rails















7. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
7.1 Installation tools
a. 6 mm Allen key;
b. Cordless drill;
c. Open-end spanner set 9, 10,13, 17, 19 mm (required only for mounting with hanger bolts);
d. Torx-30 (AW 30) bit;
e. Angle grinder with stone disk;
f. Power Cord;
g. If necessary, timber to shim the roof hooks.

7.2 Components for roof installations
Overview of system components







Base Rail40/56 Base Rail 40/56 Splice TF-Modules middle Clamp TF- Modules End Clamp







RoofHook45/136-166 Hanger bolt M10/200
Galvanized Corrugated
Screw 6x80mm with
Gaske












7.3 Installation Instructions

Roof Hook Install ation
1. Determine the positions of
the roof hooks according to
your plans. Remove the roof
tiles at the marked positions
or, if possible, simply lift them
up slightly.

2. Fix the roof hooks to the
rafter using three 6 x 80 mm
wood screws.

3.The roof hook must not
press against the roof tile. If
necessary, shim the roof hook
with wood.
Incorrect Correct

4.If necessary, use an angle
grinder or hammer to cut a
recess in the tile that covers
the roof hook at the point
where the roof hook comes
through so that the tile lies flat
on the surface. If grooved tiles
are used, it will also be
necessary to cut a recess in
the lower tile.



Roof Hook Install ation
5. Caution! Do not use fitted
roof hooks as a ladder, as this
extreme point load could
damage the tile below
.



Hanger bolt Installation
6.Variation for installation on
corrugated metal
In the case of corrugated roof
cladding, hanger bolts are
used instead of roof hooks.
Drill through the roof cladding
at the planned location and
screw the hanger bolts into the
purlins. Then mount the
brackets.

7. Cross-section of a hanger
bolt installation. Take special
care that the nut tightly fastens
the sealing washer without
damaging the roof cladding.
When performing the
installation, take care that the
thread of the hanger bolt does
not cover the long hole in the
bracket.

Base Rail Install ation
8. Installation of the rails on
roof hooks, If your set of rails
consists of rails of different
lengths, always begin with the
shortest piece. Install the
framing for each row of
modules loosely on the roof
hooks, put the base rail slide
into klicktop of roof hook, and
fasten tightly using the nut
(recommended torque is 18
Nm).

Hanger bolt Installation
10. An optimum adjustment of
the vertical and horizontal
position can be made by taking
advantage of the long hole in
the roof hooks and fasten
tightly using the nut
(recommended torque is 18
Nm).


11. Position the first frame rails
for each row and fasten them
temporarily to the roof cladding
using a cord. Tighten the Allen
bolts or the nuts on the
Klicktop nut that are used to
fasten the roof hooks/hanger
bolts (recommended torque is
18Nm).

Please also pay attention to
Figure 10.



Splice Install ation
12.Installation of the splice
with base rails
To connect multiple rails
together, put the splice under
each rail halfway. Fasten the
first M10*12 Allen bolt firmly
using the Allen key. Fasten the
other side M10*12 Allen bolt
firmly using the Allen key.

13. Tighten the second
M10*12 Allen bolt using the
Allen key. Fasten the other
side M10*12 Allen bolt firmly
using the Allen key .The
connection is finished.




PV Module Installation
14. Put the module end clamp
inset the base rail, tightly
against the module and fasten
tightly using the Allen bolt
(recommended torque is 6
Nm).

15. Put module middle clamp
inset the rails from above, place
it firmly against the module and
fasten loosely (approx. 2 - 3
turns). Now inset the next
module against the previously
installed module and tighten the
inter-module clamp using the
Allen key (recommended torque
is 6 Nm).









8. MAINTENANCE

Annual inspection of the PV modules, array, and BOS is highly recommended. The following items (regarding the PV modules)
should be checked periodically to keep the PV system functioning correctly for many years.

1. Ensure there is no corrosion on any mechanical connection between the PV module and the mounting structure. Tighten all
loose components to specified torque settings.

2. Check all electrical connection for corrosion and separation on PV modules (connectors, cables, and grounds). Never
disconnect PV modules under load!

3. Make sure PV modules are clean and free of dirt and dust. Use water and a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning. A mild, non-
abrasive cleaning agent can be used if necessary.

Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent is recommended. Do not use dishwasher detergent!
Use water pressure of 45 PSI (3 bar) or less.
De-ionized water is recommended if available.
Do not use cold water on hot modules











Any questions? contact our Technical Department:




[email protected]


Address:

Qsolar (Shanghai) PV Technology Co., Ltd
Huaning road 192
Minhang District
200240 Shanghai
China





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