Evergreen Solar ES-A Series Safety, Installation, And Operation Manual

ES-A Series Photovoltaic Panels (Silver Frames)
Safety, Installation and Operation Manual
This Manual is valid in North America only (ETL listed; conforms to UL Standard 1703)
Evergreen Solar ES-A Series photovoltaic (PV, solar electric) panels are designed to produce DC electrical energy from light. This manual
contains important safety, installation and operating information with which you should be familiar before using Evergreen Solar panels.

General Information

• All installation and safety instructions should be understood before
attempting to install, wire, operate and maintain the panel.
• When installing, observe all local, regional, national and international
statutory regulations, guidelines, norms and code requirements.
• Installation or maintenance should only be performed by qualified
professionals, in accordance with local requirements.
• Panels produce voltage even when not connected to an electrical
circuit or load. Panels produce nearly full voltage when exposed to
as little as 5% of full sunlight, and both electrical current and power
increase with light intensity.
• Panels can produce higher output than the rated specifications.
• Industry standard rated specifications are made at conditions of
1000W/m 2 irradiance and 25°C (77ºF) solar cell temperature. Colder
temperatures can substantially increase voltage and power.
• Ensure that panels are only subjected to ambient temperatures in
the range -40 to +80°C (-40 to +176°F).
• Reflection from snow, water or other surfaces can increase light and
therefore increase both the current and power generated by the panel.
• Do not artificially concentrate light on the panel.
• Panels are intended for outdoors, land-based applications only.
Panels are not intended for indoor use or application on moving
vehicles of any kind.
• Excluded applications also include, but are not limited to,
installations where panels come into contact with salt water or
where likely to become partially or wholly submerged in fresh or
salt water, examples of which include boats, docks and buoys.
• Use only equipment, connectors, wiring and support frames
suitable for use in a solar electric system.
• Follow all safety precautions of other used components.
• Each panel is marked with a serial number, including the date of
manufacture and the manufacturing location. Example:
XXxxYYYYMMDDzzzzzzz
- XX = country code (49 for Germany, 01 for US)
- xx = manufacturing building code, can be 01 or higher
- YYYY = year, MM = month, DD = day
- zzzzzzz = serial number

Handling Safety

• Do not use the junction box to hold or transport the panel.
• Do not stand or step on the panel.
• Do not drop panel or allow objects to fall on panel.
• Do not damage or scratch the rear surface of the panel.
• Avoid setting the panel down hard on any surface, particularly
when placing it on a corner.
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT — CHECK WITH YOUR INSTALLER
• Do not disassemble, modify or adapt the panel or remove any part or
labeling installed by Evergreen Solar. Doing so will void the warranty.
• Do not drill holes in the frame or glass of the panel. Doing so will
void the warranty.
• Do not apply paint or adhesive to the rear surface of the panel.
• Never leave a panel unsupported or unsecured.
• Panels are constructed with tempered glass, but must still be
handled with care.
• A panel with broken glass or torn back-skin cannot be repaired and
must not be used since contact with any panel surface or the frame
can produce electrical shock.
• Broken or damaged panels must be handled carefully and
disposed of properly. Broken glass can be sharp and cause injury if
not handled with the appropriate protective equipment.
• Work only under dry conditions, and use only dry tools. Do not
handle panels when they are wet unless wearing the appropriate
protective equipment.
• When storing unconnected panels outside for any length of time, always
cover panels which have the glass facing down to stop water collecting
inside the panel and causing damage to exposed connectors.

Installation Safety

• Keep children away from the system and panels when installing.
• Do not carry out installation work when there are strong winds.
• When installing panels above ground, avoid any possible falling or
other safety hazards by following appropriate safety practices and
using required safety equipment.
• Solar electric panels have no on/off switch. Panels can be rendered
inoperative only be removing them from light, or by fully covering
their front surface with an opaque material, or by working with
panels face down on a smooth, flat surface.
• When working with panels in light, follow all applicable regulation
regarding working with live electrical equipment.
• Do not touch electrical terminals or the ends of any wire while the
panel is exposed to light or while installing the panel.
• Do not wear metallic jewelry while performing mechanical or
Electrical Installation.
• Never open electrical connections or unplug connectors while the
circuit is under load.
• Contact with electrically active parts of the panels, such as terminals,
can result in burns, sparks and lethal shock whether the panel is
connected or disconnected.
• Always use insulated tools and rubber gloves that are approved for
working on electrical installations.
Valid from 1 June 2009 / IM-ES-A_US_0100609_ETL © 2009 Evergreen Solar, Inc.
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