evergreensolar ES Series Safety, Installation, And Operation Manual

ES Series Photovoltaic Panels
Safety, Installation and Operation Manual
This Manual is valid in North America only (ETL listed; conforms to UL Standard 1703)
Evergreen Solar ES 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 irradiance and 25°C (77ºF) solar cell temperature. Colder
2
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 themanufacturing 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
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT — CHECK WITH YOUR INSTALLER
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.
• 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.
Valid from 1 st June 2009 / IM-ES_US_010609_ETL _revA © 2009 Evergreen Solar, Inc.