Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
May 2011. All rights reserved. Specifications included in this manual are subject to change without prior notice .
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Safety and Installation Manual
Introduction
This manual provides safety and installation instructions for GH Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Carefully
read the entire instruction manual before installing, wiring or operating the PV modules. Save this
GH Solar
Safety and Installation Manual at all times.
Disclaimer of Liability
Failure to follow these instructions will invalidate the
GH Solar
Limited Warranty for PV modules. The
conditions and methods of installation, operation, use and maintenance of the PV modules is beyond
company control.
GH Solar
is thus not liable for any damage or loss caused by improper use or incorrect
installation, operation, use or maintenance.
Module limited warranties are described in
GH Solar
warranty certificates.
Safety Instructions prerequisites
The installation should be done by qualified personnel only.
Make sure to remove all jewellery from your hands and wrists before installing this product.
PV Modules generate direct current (DC) when exposed to any amount of light. Direct current can arc
when improperly connected or disconnected in a connected string of modules, and may cause injury
or death.
Do not connect or disconnect a PV module when current might flow through one of the modules, the
main grid, or an external source.
Make sure that the cable connections are in perfect condition and are not deformed in any way.
Do not insert any electrically conducting part into one of the connectors.
Do not install or connect modules when the module or one of its components, are wet.
Do not install visually damaged modules (e.g. broken glass, broken junction box, broken connectors).
Immediately contact
GH Solar
for disposal or replacement instructions.
Do not disassemble or remove any part of the module. Do not attempt to repair any part of the module
either.
Ensure that the modules are used for their intended purpose only. All installations must be done in
accordance with regional regulations and policies.
Keep away from children.
Storing and unpacking instructions
Modules should be unpacked in a dry environment only. Avoid any direct contact with rain or other types of
moisture. Leave the modules packed until right before installation. Modules must be stored in their original
packing a dry and ventilated place. While unpacking, make sure the modules are not exposed to any direct
light source.
Preparation before installation
Always perform a visual inspection of the packaging material before unpacking. After unpacking the module,
make sure that no irregularities or deformities are present on the panel or one of its components. Measure the
Voc of every module while exposed to direct sunlight (irradiance >600W/m²), and make sure the measured
Voc value does not equal or approach zero Volts. If any of these requirements is not met, do not install the
module, and immediately contact
GH Solar
.
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Installation and Operation
During installation of the modules, following guidelines should be taken into account:
Installation should be executed by qualified personnel only.
Solely use insulated and dry tools.
Ensure that any other components used in the project are compatible with the modules.
Do not apply excessive pressure or step on the modules. Be aware that sharp edged objects can
inflict permanent damage to the module.
Make sure the used support structure meets the maximal load requirements of the modules. In
regions with high possibility of snow or strong wind, always make sure that the support structure and
its mounting design are able to withstand the local environmental forces.
Do not install modules during periods of strong wind or other unusual weather conditions.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock or burns while installing the module, it is advised to cover the
module with an opaque cloth in order to keep the module in its inactive state.
Do not expose the modules to concentrated light, excessive water exposure or submerging, sources
of corrosive chemicals or salty environments.
Provide adequate ventilation to the back side of the modules to avoid heating of the module.
Insufficient ventilation may cause significant yield losses, and eventually cause permanent damage
to the module.
Always minimize shade caused by obstacles near the PV system. Shade will dramatically affect and
reduce the global PV system performance, and may eventually cause permanent damage to the
module.
When installed on a roof, the roof covering should be rated for fire-resistant capabilities. Do not install
modules on locations where flammable gas may be present at some point in time.
It is recommended to position the module in a gradient angle facing the sun in order to ensure
maximum irradiation and to avoid damage caused by flooding and other unpredictable events, such
as heavy hail impacts.
Mounting instructions
Modules can be mounted in portrait or in landscape. Use appropriate corrosion proof fastening materials.
Framed module mounting instructions
Each module must be securely fastened, using at least 4 symmetrically chosen contact points.
Modules can be mounted using mounting holes, if any, or using pressure clamps that compress the frame
from the top to the mounting rail. Four M6 (1/4”) stainless steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and lock washers
are recommended per module for long-term security.
When using pressure clamps, mount the clamps in accordance to the environmental forces the module is
exposed to. The clamping area of the washer must cover at least 130 mm². Use a torque wrench and tighten
at 20 Nm.
Always respect the mounting parameters and tolerances for each module type, as shown below.
May 2011. All rights reserved. Specifications included in this manual are subject to change without prior notice .
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Module Type: 6x12 5inch cells -- typical dimensions: 1580x808x35mm
Product types: GH175M125, GH180M125, GH185M125, GH190M125, GH195M125, GH200M125
Mounting on long sides
Mounting on short sides
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Module Type: 8x12 5 inch cells -- typical dimensions: 1580x1064x46mm
Product types: GH235M125, GH240M125, GH245M125, GH255M125, GH260M125, GH260M125
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Module Type: 6x10 6 inch cells -- typical dimensions: 1640x992x46mm
Product types: GH235P156, GH240P156, GH240M156, GH250M156, GH255M156
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Frameless module mounting instructions
Mounting clamps or insertion rails can be used for mounting the module. When using clamps, at least 2
clamps per module side should be used. For modules with an extended width (>800mm), 3 clamps per
module side must be used. The clamp area must be at least 70mm per clamp.
Clamps or insertion rails must be equipped with rubber to protect the module against shock and dilation of
system components. Direct contact between the back side, the front side or the edge of the module and the
mounting clamps or insertion rail must be avoided at all times.
Only use mechanical fixtures for mounting the modules. Do not use adhesives or adhesive tapes for fastening
the laminates, unless they have been explicitly approved by
GH Solar
.
Please note that the module edges are particularly sensitive to impact. When mounted in harsh environment
conditions, supplementary protection on each side of the module should be provided.
Mounting the modules in excessive environmental temperatures should be avoided at all times. Dilation of all
system materials should be carefully considered prior to mounting the modules.
GH Solar
cannot be held
responsible in case of module breakage due to dilation of system components.
In case of any doubt regarding the mounting system,
GH Solar
should be contacted.
Table: module mounting instructions per module type
# of
clamps
Typical GH Solar
products
Long side mounting
and tolerance
Short side mounting and
tolerance
6x12 5inch cells
framed module
4
GH175M125,
GH180M125,
GH185M125,
GH190M125,
GH195M125,
GH200M125
(260 +/-50)mm
(180 +/-20)mm
8x12 5inch cells
framed module
4
GH235M125,
GH240M125,
GH245M125,
GH255M125,
GH260M125,
GH260M125
(310 +/-50)mm
(180 +/-20)mm
6x10 6inch cells
framed module
4
GH235P156,
GH240P156,
GH240M156,
GH250M156,
GH255M156
(310 +/-50)mm
(180 +/-20)mm
Wiring
The desired electrical output can be obtained by connecting modules in series and/or in parallel.
Make sure that the maximum system voltage is not exceeded. Limits of both junction box voltage
rating and maximal DC input voltage of the inverter (or other appliance) should be respected at all
times. Exceeding these limits will inflict irreversible damage to the whole PV system.
PV modules connected in series should have similar current. PV modules connected in parallel
should have similar voltage.
Please note that all electrical module parameters are defined under Standard Test Conditions (STC)
of 1.000 W/m² irradiance with AM 1.5 spectrum and a cell temperature of 25°C. Modules may
produce more or less voltage and/or current than reported at STC. Accordingly, the values of Isc and
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Voc marked on the module should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining voltage ratings,
conductor current ratings, fuse sizes, and size of other system components.
Always respect the polarity of the connectors when stringing modules, and make sure the connectors
are tightly connected. Do not install or wire modules when the connectors are wet.
Grounding
Grounding of the modules needs to be done in accordance with the applicable regional regulations about
grounding PV arrays and mounting frames.
Maintenance
Screw tightness and corrosion at the mounting points, as well as wiring connectivity should be
regularly inspected.
Periodic cleaning of modules is recommended, but is not required. Rainfall will give the module its
self-cleaning capabilities. Please not that GH Solar is not responsible for any yield losses due to
pollution on the panel, caused by a too small slope.
Modules may be cleaned by potable, non-heated water. Normal water pressure is sufficient. No
cleaning products are to be used and heavily sticking impurities are to be removed by a soft cleaning
tool like a sponge or cleaning cloth. Use of cleaning chemicals or sharp instruments to clean the
modules will damage the module, and therefore invalidate the product warranty.