Module Wiring; Mounting Instructions - Canadian Solar CS Series Installation Manual

Solar module
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5.1 MODULE WIRING

Correct wiring scheme
·When designing the system, avoid forming loops (to minimize risk in the event of an indirect lighting strike). Make
sure that wiring is correct before starting up the system. If the measured open circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit
current (Isc) differ from the specifications, then there is a wiring fault.
Correct connection of plug connectors
·Make sure that the connection is safe and tight. The plug connector should not receive outer stress. The connector
should only be used to connect the circuit. It should never be used to turn the circuit on and off.
Use of suitable materials
·Use special solar cable and suitable plugs only (wiring should be placed in conduit that is sunlight-resistant or, if
exposed, should be sunlight-resistant) in accordance with local fire, building and electrical code. Ensure that they are
in perfect electrical and mechanical condition.
·The permitted type of solar cable is single conductor cable listed and labeled as USE-2 or PV Wire, 90°C wet rated,
with proper insulation to withstand the maximum possible system open-circuit voltage. The conductor material should
use copper only. Select a suitable conductor gauge to minimize voltage drop and ensure conductor ampacity complies
with local regulations (such as NEC 690.8(D)).
Cable protection
·Secure the cables to the mounting system using UV-resistant cable ties. Protect exposed cables from damage with
appropriate precautions (e.g. locate them within plastic conduit). Avoid exposure to the direct sunlight.
5.2 GROUNDING
·Although the modules are certified to safety class II, it is required 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 suitable grounding conductor. Holes provided for this purpose are
identified with a green label.
·Use 6-12 AWG (4-14 mm ) copper wire only. The bolts, nuts, flat washers, lock washers or other relevant hardware
2
should be made of stainless steel, unless otherwise specified.
·All the junctions on the conductive connection must be fixed. Metal containing iron in the conductive connection
should be made with stainless steel or be treated against corrosion by anodizing, spray-painting, or galvanization to
prevent rusting and corrosion.
·Grounding hardware is not provided by Canadian Solar Inc.
·One grounding method approved by North-American certification bodies (CSA, and Intertek) is recommended for
Canadian Solar modules, as described below. For alternative CSA and Intertek qualified grounding methods, please
refer to Annex B.
Method B: Bolt + Nut with teeth + Cup washer
When diameter of the grounding holes is 5mm (CSA certified).
·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 below).
·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.
Attach wire between the flat
washer and cup washer. Place
cup washer (concave side up)
between frame and wire.
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QUALITY I VALUE I INNOVATION
Tighten the bolt using the nut
with teeth.
EN-Rev 2.3 Copyright
20
12 Sep.
Canadian Solar Inc.

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
Standard mounting holes
3
(long side)
Additional mounting holes
4
(high wind or snow loads)
Standard mounting holes
5
(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 electrical and building codes.
· Mounting hardware is not provided by Canadian Solar Inc.
· Canadian Solar Inc. modules can be mounted to a support structure by several approved methods, either using
the mounting holes located on the back frame (see Example A), or by means of clamps (see Example B). 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.
· Only the bolting method has been qualified by North-American certification bodies (CSA, and Intertek) during testing
and listing of Canadian Solar modules according to UL1703 standard. For inlay-systems or other installation
hardware, please contact your local representative for further information. Alternative mounting methods qualified
internally by Canadian Solar Inc. are described in Annex C.
Example A:
Bolting (
INTERTEK
and CSA qualified)
·Use appropriate corrosion-proof fastening materials. All mounting hardware (bolt/spring washer/flat washer/nut)
should be made with 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.
·Canadian Solar Inc. modules can be installed in either landscape or portrait position, refer to the detailed
instructions (see table 6-1) 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).
EN-Rev 2.3 Copyright
20
12 Sep.
Canadian Solar Inc.
QUALITY I VALUE I INNOVATION
5
4
4
2
6
1
1
7
3
3
( )
( )
6
4
4
5
Example B:
Clamping on (INTERTEK qualified)
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