Grounding; Mounting Instructions - Canadian Solar CS6P-PE Installation Manual

5.2 GROUNDING
Although the modules are certified to safety class II, it is recommended that they be grounded and the module
installation complies with all local electrical codes and regulations.
The earth grounding connection should be made by a qualified electrician.
Connect module frames to each other using adequate grounding cables, the recommended size is 4‐14mm
copper wires. Holes provided for this purpose are identified with a green label. All the junctions on the conductive
connection must be fixed.
The bolts, nuts, flat washers, lock washers or other relevant hardware should be made of stainless steel.
Grounding hardware is not provided by Canadian Solar Inc.
Two specific grounding methods are recommended for Canadian Solar Inc. standard modules with 5 mm grounding holes,
as described below. Other grounding methods can be acceptable, provided they comply with all local electrical codes and
regulations. For some modules (SunTuile or NewEdge), standard grounding methods cannot be applied, please refer to
the most updated relevant technical notes (IM/IEC/SUNT‐EN and IM/IEC/NEWE‐EN).
Method A: Bolt + Nut with teeth + Cup washer.
Attach wire between the flat
washer and cup washer. Place cup
washer (concave side up)
between frame and wire.
A grounding kit with M5 size SS cap bolt, M5 size SS flat washer, M5 size SS cup washer, and M5 size SS nut (with teeth) is
used to attach a copper grounding wire to grounding hole pre‐drilled on the frame (see picture above).
Attach the wire between the flat washer and the cup washer. Ensure the cup washer is between the frame and wire with
concave side up to prevent corrosion due to dissimilar metal. Tighten the bolt securely using the SS nut with teeth. A
wrench may be used in this application. The tightening torque is 1 Nm.
Method B: Bolt + K‐nut + Ring terminal (copper).
Connect the grounding hardware (M5) to the grounding hole on the frame as
shown in the picture.
A K‐nut is used to penetrate the frame's anodizing (protective coating) to create
conductive connection.
A torque moment of about 3 Nm should be used to fasten the grounding parts
to module frame.
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(AWG 6‐12)
Tighten the bolt using
the nut with teeth.
EN-Rev 2.4 Copyright© May 2013.CanadianSolarInc.
6.0 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
Standard modules
For a clear understanding of module, please refer to the illustration of a standard module shown below:
Reference Designation
1 Grounding holes
2 Junction box
3 Standard mounting holes
(long side)
4 Additional mounting holes
(high wind or snow loads)
5 Standard mounting holes
(short side)
6 Module frame
7 Cables and connectors
The mounting design must be certified by a registered professional engineer. The mounting design and procedures shall
comply with local codes and all authorities having jurisdiction.
Mounting hardware is not provided by Canadian Solar Inc.
Standard modules can be mounted to a support structure with several approved methods, either using the mounting
holes located on the frame back flanges (see Example A), by means of clamps (see Example B) or by means of insertion
systems. For other installation hardware, please contact your local representative for further information. Failure to use a
recognized installation method will void Canadian Solar Inc warranty.
Example A:
Bolting
Use appropriate corrosion‐proof fastening materials. All mounting hardware (bolt/spring washer/flat washer/nut) should
be stainless steel M6 size for bolting method (A), and M8 size for clamping method (B).
Use a torque wrench for installation. The above figure shows methods of fastening module to support structure.
Tightening torques should respectively be within 4~6 Nm and 10~17 Nm for M6x1 (Example A) and M8x1.5 (Example B)
coarse thread bolts, depending on bolt class. Different recommendations from specific clamping hardware suppliers
should prevail.
Standard modules can be installed in either landscape or portrait position, refer to the detailed instructions in tables 3 to
6 for further guidance. Note that further countermeasures such the use of additional support bars should be considered
in heavy snow areas (> 2400 Pa), to avoid damage by the snow accumulating in the lowest row of modules.
When the addition of a support bar is recommended to enhance mechanical stability and module long term performance
reliability, material of suitable resistance should be selected. Canadian Solar Inc recommends a minimum thickness of
50mm for the bar. The support bar centerline should be positioned within 100 mm of the side frame centerline (slight
shift may be necessary to access module grounding hole).
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Example B:
Clamping on
EN-Rev 2.4 Copyright© May 2013.CanadianSolarInc.
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