Related Manuals for First Solar Series 3
Summary of Contents for First Solar Series 3
- Page 1 Collection: FS Controlled Documents User Guide User Guide: First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Module Global REV 1.2 PD-5-200-03 Plus | 0281_UG_A4_Plus_9AUG16 Document Number: PD-5-200-03 Plus Page 1 of 14...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page i of 12 Table of Contents Introduction ...................................1 Before You Begin ..............................1 Key Product Features ............................1 Safety ................................2 Regulatory Compliance ..............................3 Electrical Specifications ..............................4 3.1 System Derating Factors...........................4 Installation ..................................5 4.1... -
Page 3: Introduction
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 1 of 12 Introduction First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities using a highly innovative process that rapidly deposits thin films of semiconductor on glass. The modules have been designed to have a long operating life and high energy yield when installed, operated, and serviced in accordance with the instructions in this User Guide and the System Design and Application Document (PD-2-303). First Solar Series 3, Series 3 Black, and Series 3 Black Plus Modules are compatible with one another when appropriate system design practices are employed. This User Guide covers Series 3 Black Plus Modules only. 1.1 Before You Begin This document provides guidelines and information on First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules for system designers, installers, and maintenance personnel. Read this User Guide thoroughly before beginning any work related to the installation, operation, or maintenance of the First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Module. Only qualified personnel should install, operate, or maintain a PV module or system. Failure to follow installation and handling instructions may result in injury. Failure to maintain proper operating condition requirements for the modules will void the warranty (refer to First Solar FS Series Module Warranty Terms & Conditions PD-5-102). This user guide addresses typical module installation and usage globally. Certain regions may have additional requirements or concerns. Please contact First Solar (technicalsupport@firstsolar.com) or visit www.firstsolar.com for additional regional User Guides that may be available, or for additional support. Keep this User Guide for future reference. -
Page 4: Safety
Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 2 of 12 1.3 Safety The Series 3 Black Plus Modules may produce voltage in excess of 70 Volts DC (VDC) and current in excess of 3.0 Amps when exposed to sunlight. -
Page 5: Regulatory Compliance
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 3 of 12 Regulatory Compliance It is the responsibility of the installer and/or system integrator to ensure compliance with all local electrical codes which may be applicable to the installation and use of First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules. • Before beginning the PV system design and installation, contact appropriate local authorities to determine local code, permit, and inspection requirements. Series 3 Black Plus Modules meet the requirements of Safety Class II and are tested and certified per IEC 61730 Application Class A for a maximum system voltage of 1000V with maximum overcurrent protection rating of 4.0A. Series 3 Black Plus Modules are tested and certified per IEC 61646 for a maximum system voltage of 1000V. PD-5-200-03 Plus | REV 1.2 | 0281_UG_A4_Plus_9AUG16 Document Number: PD-5-200-03 Plus Page 5 of 14... -
Page 6: Electrical Specifications
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 4 of 12 Electrical Specifications See the Series 3 Black Plus datasheet (PD-5-401-03 Plus) and module label for all electrical ratings of the module. All electrical ratings are Standard Test Conditions (irradiance of 1000 W/m , AM 1.5 spectrum, and a cell temperature of 25°C) and have a tolerance of +/-10% of the specified value; power tolerance is +/-5%. 3.1 System Derating Factors Under normal operation, a photovoltaic module may experience climatic conditions that result in the module producing more current and/or more voltage than reported at Standard Test Conditions. Accordingly, the datasheet and label specification values listed for STC should be multiplied by a factor of 1.06 for voltage, and 1.25 for current when determining component ratings. Adjustments of those factors might be needed to respect site specific climate conditions. PD-5-200-03 Plus | REV 1.2 | 0281_UG_A4_Plus_9AUG16 Document Number: PD-5-200-03 Plus Page 6 of 14... -
Page 7: Installation
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 5 of 12 Installation 4.1 Mounting Physically damaged modules may cause ground faults and associated electrical hazards. To avoid these conditions: • Handle modules with care during installation, as heavy impact on the front, back, or edges could result in damage to the module. -
Page 8: Location, Angle And Tilt
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 6 of 12 Ensure any soil binding agents or salts used for on-site dust control do not spray, splash, or drift onto the surface of the modules. Maximum allowable pressure on modules may not exceed 2400 Pa without additional module support that must be tested and approved by First Solar. For rooftop mounting, modules must be mounted over a fire resistant roof covering rated for the application. The recommended minimum standoff height is 8cm. 4.2 Location, Angle and Tilt To maximize performance, modules should be located in an area that receives direct sunlight from mid-morning to mid- afternoon (typically 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Installation must avoid locating the modules where shadows may be caused by buildings, trees, etc. PV performance modeling software should be used to determine the optimum orientation and tilt angle for each location. For tilted free-field applications where there is row to row shading, modules shall be installed in landscape orientation. Please refer to First Solar Application Note PD-5-425-03 for additional information. 4.3 Module Shading Considerations To minimize the risk of module shading damage please follow the Module Shading Field Guide PD-5-366. Instances of shading that will lead to a voided warranty include the High Risk listed items below. High Risk (Prohibited) Shading Resting or adhering slender objects (tools, brooms, clothing, wires, tape) on sunny side of operating modules, or within inches above operating modules, especially when shadow oriented parallel to cells. -
Page 9: Electrical Interconnection
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 7 of 12 4.4 Electrical Interconnection First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules are pre-configured with industry standard connectors that are “touch proof” with all live parts protected against accidental contact and protected against polarity reversal. The connectors are UV and weather resistant from –40°C to +90°C, and rated for 1000VDC and 22.5A (minimum, before derating for ambient temperature). Damaged wires, connectors, or junction boxes may cause ground faults, and associated electrical hazards, including electrical shock. To avoid these conditions: •... - Page 10 Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 8 of 12 Components used to interconnect the modules must be compatible with the connectors, and provide proper system operation and fault protection as required by any applicable codes and standards. When connecting First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules in a series string, ensure that the system design voltage limit is not exceeded. For 1000VDC applications, this is typically ensured by limiting series strings to 15 modules or less. Series 3 Black Plus Modules are designed for utility grid connected, commercial and industrial, off-grid energy access, and fuel displacement applications. All inverters must meet the technical requirements specified in First Solar Application Note PD-5-310 and must be approved for module compatibility by First Solar prior to installation. When connecting modules or module strings in series ensure inverter ratings are appropriate. Modules must not be operated under short circuit conditions for extended durations. 4.4.1 Grounding Method First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules have no exposed conductive surfaces and do not require equipment grounding as long as a clip length of 100mm for a standard 4 clip mounting is not exceeded. First Solar Series 3 Black Plus Modules can be used in negative-grounded, ungrounded, floating, and bi-polar system architectures, provided all appropriate design requirements are met and approved by First Solar. FS Series PV Modules should not be used in positive-grounded systems. 4.4.2 Overcurrent Protection Series 3 Black Plus Modules have a maximum overcurrent protection rating of 4.0A as defined by IEC 61730 test methods. PV systems should be designed to comply with and provide module overcurrent protection consistent with local codes as appropriate for the intended application class of the system. Please refer to FS Application Note PD-5-308 for additional information on module overcurrent protection.
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Page 11: Mechanical Specifications & Drawings
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 9 of 12 Mechanical Specifications & Drawings Table 5.1: Mechanical Specifications Specifications Series 3 Black Plus Modules Length 1200 mm Width 600 mm Thickness 6.8 mm Area (total aperture) 0.72 m... -
Page 12: Proper Operating Conditions
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 10 of 12 Proper Operating Conditions The proper operating condition requirements listed below must be maintained. Important: Failure to maintain proper operating condition requirements for the modules will void the warranty (refer to First Solar FS Series Module Warranty Terms & Conditions PD-5-102). -
Page 13: Service
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 11 of 12 Service • Periodically, annually at a minimum, inspect modules for any signs of damage or broken glass. • Broken modules should be replaced immediately. If broken modules are found, place material into a closed container for return to First Solar recycling program, or dispose of module in accordance with local requirements. Please visit www.firstsolar.com/recycling for further details on the recycling program. • Check that all electrical connections are tight and corrosion free. • Large amounts of dust and dirt on the surface of the module can reduce the power produced. Natural rainfall will typically remove most dust. Should auxiliary cleaning be required, please refer to “FS Series PV Module Cleaning Guidelines” (PD-5-804) for additional information. The most common causes of lower than expected PV system power output are: • Inverter failure • Improper or faulty field wiring or connections • Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers • Excessive amounts of dirt and dust on the modules •... -
Page 14: Notice
Collection: FS Controlled Documents Series 3 Black Plus Module User Guide—Global | Page 12 of 12 Notice Changes to certain components of the module are common as First Solar continuously strives for product improvements. Changes may be a result of component improvements or changes by a supplier, or by minor design modifications initiated by First Solar. All products within the same model classification remain functionally equivalent and fully compatible with one another, even though there may be slight differences. Modifications that do not impact the functionality of the product will typically be made without customer notification. Internal testing, and review or retesting by a certifying agency, will be completed before component or design changes are introduced into the manufacturing process. First Solar reserves the right to make changes in solar module design and/or specifications at any time without notice. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to verify that data sheets are current before placing orders or finalizing system permitting and/or design. Information furnished by First Solar is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by First Solar or its subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of First Solar or its subsidiaries. In the event of a conflict between this module User Guide and the instructions of one of the system component manufacturers, the system component instructions should prevail. For information regarding First Solar and its products, please visit www.firstsolar.com. For technical support, please contact technicalsupport@firstsolar.com. Global First Solar, Inc. P.O. Box 730 Toledo, OH USA 43697-0730 Tel:...
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