Evergreen Solar Spruce Line ES-170 SL Safety, Installation, And Operation Manual

Spruce Line
Safety, Installation and Operation Manual
Evergreen Solar Spruce Line photovoltaic (PV, solar electric) modules 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 modules.
General Information
• All installation and safety instructions should be understood before
attempting to install, wire, operate and maintain the module.
• When installing, observe all local, regional, national and international
statutory regulations, guidelines, norms and code requirements.
• Installation or maintenance should only be performed by licensed and
qualified professionals.
• Modules produce voltage even when not connected to an electrical circuit or
load. Modules produce nearly full voltage when exposed to as little as 5% of full
sunlight, and both electrical current and power increase with light intensity.
• Modules can produce higher output than the rated specifications.
• Industry standard rated specifications are made at conditions of 1000W/m
irradiance and 25°C (77ºF) solar cell temperature. Colder temperatures can
substantially increase voltage and power.
• Ensure that modules 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 module.
• Do not artificially concentrate light on the module.
• Modules are intended for outdoors, land-based applications only. Modules
are not intended for use indoor use or application on moving vehicles of
any kind.
• Excluded applications also include, but are not limited to, installations
where modules 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.
Handling Safety
• Do not use the junction box to hold or transport the module.
• Do not stand or step on the module.
• Do not drop module or allow objects to fall on module.
• Do not damage or scratch the rear surface of the module.
• Avoid setting the module down hard on any surface, particularly when
placing it on a corner.
• Do not disassemble, modify or adapt the module 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 module. Doing so will void
the warranty.
• Do not apply paint or adhesive to the rear surface of the module.
• Never leave a module unsupported or unsecured.
• Modules are constructed with tempered glass, but must still be handled
with care.
• A module with broken glass or torn back-skin cannot be repaired and
must not be used since contact with any module surface or the frame can
produce electrical shock.
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photovoltaic modules
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT — CHECK WITH YOUR INSTALLER
© 2007 Evergreen Solar, Inc.
• Broken or damaged modules 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 modules
when they are wet unless wearing the appropriate protective equipment.
Installation Safety
• Keep children away from the system and modules when installing.
• Do not carry out installation work when there are strong winds.
• When installing modules above ground, avoid any possible falling or other
safety hazards by following appropriate safety practices and using required
safety equipment.
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• Solar electric modules have no on/off switch. Modules 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 modules face down on
a smooth, flat surface.
• When working with modules 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 module
is exposed to light or while installing the module.
• 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 modules, such as terminals, can
result in burns, sparks and lethal shock whether the module is connected or
disconnected.
• Always use insulated tools and rubber gloves that are approved for working
on electrical installations.
Fire Safety
• Refer to your local authority for guidelines and requirements for building
or structural fire safety.
• The roof construction and installation may affect the fire safety of a building;
improper installation may contribute to hazards in the event of fire.
• For roof application, the modules should be mounted over a fire resistant
covering rated for the application.
• It may be necessary to use components such as earth ground fault circuit
breakers, fuses and circuit breakers.
• Do not use modules near equipment or locations where flammable gases can
be generated or can collect.
Electrical Installation
• Avoid all electrical hazards when installing, wiring, operating and maintaining
a module.
• If the total DC system voltage exceeds 100V, the system must be installed,
commissioned and maintained by a licensed electrician unless local
electrical codes determine otherwise.
• Contact with a DC voltage 30V or more is potentially hazardous.
• Do not use modules of different electrical or physical configurations in the
same system.
Valid from 1 st April 2007 / IM_US_010407