Lorentz LA Series Installation Manual

Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - LA Series
Installation Manual

WARNINGS

HAZARDOUS ELECTRICITY! CAN
SHOCK, BURN, OR CAUSE DEATH! AU-
THORISED, QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ONLY! DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS!
GROUND POSITIVE SIDE OF ARRAYS!
PV modules generate electricity when exposed to light. Mod-
ules may be covered with an opaque material during instal-
lation to avoid shocks or burns. Do not touch live terminals
with bare hands, wear security gloves. Use insulated tools
for electrical connections.

PERMIT AND INSPECTION

Contact local authorities and determine the necessary per-
mit, installation and inspection requirements in your area.

PV MODULES

LORENTZ PV modules consist of a series of electrically in-
terconnected crystalline silicon solar cells, which are per-
manently laminated within a pottant and encapsulated be-
tween a tempered glass cover plate and a back sheet. The
entire laminate is secured within an anodised aluminium
frame for structural strength, easy installation, and to protect
the cells from the most severe environmental conditions.

APPLICATIONS

LORENTZ PV modules are ideal to power a wide range of
electrical appliances in remote places far away from the
electricity grid, either with or without the use of storage bat-
teries, even under toughest climate conditions.
WARNING Not to be used for applica-
tions that connect to the utility grid.
Warranty and liability void if done oth-
erwise.
Typical applications are
 water pumping,
 water purification systems,
remote village lighting,

 solar home systems (SHS),
 street and camp lights,
traffic signals,

 hospitals and medical facilities,
 microwave/radio repeater stations,
 Battery charging,
 telecommunication systems,
 etc.
BERNT LORENTZ GmbH & Co. KG Kroegerskoppel 7, 24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg, Germany, Tel. +49 (0) 4193 7548 - 0, Fax - 29, www.lorentz.de
Errors excepted and possible alterations without prior notice.

SITE SELECTION, TILT ANGLE

In most applications, the location of LORENTZ PV modules
should be chosen to provide maximum irradiation through-
out the year. In the Northern hemisphere, the modules
should face south, and in the Southern hemisphere, the
modules should face north. Modules facing 30° away from
true South (or North) will lose approximately 10-15 % of
their power output. If the module faces 60° away from true
South (or North), the power loss will be 20-30 %.
The module tilt angle is measured between the solar mod-
ules and the ground (Figure 1). For installations where the
solar modules are attached to a permanent structure, the
solar modules should be tilted for optimum winter perform-
ance. If the system power production is adequate in the win-
ter, it will be satisfactory during the rest of the year. Refer to
Table 1 for the recommended module tilt angle at your site.
Avoid trees, buildings or obstructions which could cast
shadows on the solar modules especially during the winter
months when the arc of the sun is lowest over the horizon.
Table 1: Recommended tilt angles for fixed systems
based on Winter Performance
site latitude fixed tilt angle
0° to 15°
15° to 25° same as latitude
25° to 30° latitude + 5°
30° to 35° latitude +10°
35° to 40° latitude +15°
above 40° latitude +20°

INSTALLATION

Installation by qualified personnel only. Personnel must
know the appropriate safety procedures.
Sunlight shall not be concentrated on the module.

 LORENTZ PV modules are quite rugged; nonetheless
the glass can be broken (and the module will no longer
work properly) if it is dropped or hit by tools or other
objects, or when the modules are stepped upon.
 Module support structures that are to be used to sup-
port LORENTZ PV modules should be wind rated ac-
cording to local conditions and approved for use by the
appropriate local and civil codes prior to installation.
Fixation
The frame of each module has four 6.6 mm diameter
(0.26 in) mounting holes to fix the modules to the support-
ing structure. The four holes close to the corners of the mod-
ule are most often used for attachment. Refer to drawing in
the product information sheet for the position of these holes.
The stainless steel hardware (e.g. AISI 304) used for securing
the module frame should secured with an applied torque of
about 8 Nm (6 foot-pounds).
In order to protect the electric connec-
tions from dampness and rain, the PV
module must be set up in such a way
that the notches of the junction box are
orientated downwards.
Clearance between the module frame
and the mounting surface may be re-
quired to prevent the junction box from
touching the surface, and to allow the
circulation of cooling air around the back of the
module. If the modules are to be installed on the
roof or wall of a building, the standoff method or
the rack method is recommended.
The module frame is made of anodised
aluminium; therefore corrosion can oc-
cur if the module gets in contact with
another type of metal in a salt water
environment (electrolysis corrosion). To avoid this,
15°
PVC or stainless steel washers can be placed be-
tween the solar module frame and support struc-
ture.

WIRING

All of the LORENTZ PV modules utilise a junction box. This
junction box, located on the back side of the module, is
weatherproof and is designed for standard wiring or conduit
connections. For modules of 75 Wp and more cables are in-
cluded.
Proper connection of the cables in the
junction box must be checked especial-
ly for modules with pre-assembled ca-
bles as vibrations during transport
might loosen the wiring. Connectors must be used
with same type only to guarantee safe connection.
LORENTZ advises that all wiring and electrical connections
comply with National Electrical Codes. A cable clamp with
a minimum rating of IP65 must be used to maintain the
weatherproof integrity of the junction box. Bypass diodes are
preinstalled at factory.
To wire LORENTZ PV modules:
 Determine the nominal system array voltage of your
system. Each panel is equivalent to a 12 VDC nominal
block for 12S modules and 24 VDC nominal block for
24S modules. Standard array voltages 12, 24, 48 and
96 V are shown as examples in Figure 3.
Sun. Water. Life.