5.2 Mounting Configurations
Modules integrated into or mounted over a roofing system must be mounted
over a fire‐resistant roof covering rated for the application. Modules may be
mounted at any angle, from horizontal to vertical. To reduce soiling, modules
should be mounted at a minimum of 5 degrees.
Specific information on module dimensions and the location of mounting and
grounding holes is provided in Appendix. The system installer is responsible for
the determination of location‐specific load requirements.
It should be noted that watertightness is not ensured by Maxeon, therefore, if
water management is required, the mounting system should be designed
accordingly.
The module is only CSA Listed for use when its factory frame is fully intact. Do
not remove or alter the module frame, and do not create additional mounting
holes because doing so may compromise the integrity of the frame.
Modules may be mounted using the following methods only:
1)
Frame Holes: Secure the module to the structure using the factory
mounting holes. Four 1/4" stainless steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and lock
washers are recommended per module; tightened to a min. torque of 10 in‐
lb. This method has been certified by a third‐party organization according to
UL 1703. For frame hole mounting, modules must be secured using the
holes shown in Appendix.
2)
Clamps: Mount the module with the opposite clamps on the longer and/or
shorter sides of the module. Installers should ensure the clamps are of
sufficient strength to allow for the maximum design pressure of the
module. Clamps are not provided by Maxeon. Clamps that secure to the top
of the frame must not deform the top flange. Clamps must apply force
collinear with the 'wall' of the
module frame and not only to the
top flange. Clamps or installation
procedures that put excessive
force on the top flange will
deform the frame, void the
module warranty and risk glass
breakage. Figure 1a illustrates
locations for top frame clamp
force. When clamping to the
module frame, torque should never exceed 132 in‐lbs (15 Nm) to reduce
chances of frame deformation and/or glass breakage. If the clamp
manufacturer recommends a specific torque value which is lower than 132
in‐lbs (15 Nm), the installer should use the clamp manufacturer's torque
value. If the clamp manufacturer recommends a specific torque value
which is higher than 132 in‐lbs (15 Nm), the installer should contact the
clamp manufacturer for acceptance of the 132 in‐lbs (15 Nm) maximum
torque value or to find alternative clamps. A calibrated torque wrench must
be used. Mounting systems should be evaluated for compatibility before
installing specially when the system is not using Clamps.
Minimum clamp width allowance is ≥35mm, and for corner clamping the
minimum clamp width is: ≥50mm. Clamps should not be in contact with the
front glass and clamps should not deform the frame.
Clamps with grounding features such as teeth, pins that penetrate the
ionization of the frame are known to deform the frame and break the
module glass. All the clamps with grounding features should be used at the
installer/customer's own risk.
5.3 Ground Mount Applications for Bifacial modules
Various environmental and installation parameters affect bifacial gain. Albedo is a
measure of the amount of light reflected from the ground surface. A higher
albedo factor will increase irradiance on the backside and result in higher bifacial
gain of the module. The surface conditions, month of the year, time of day, GHI
and DNI both influence the amount of incident rearside irradiance.
Maxeon recommends to check with solar module mounting hardware supplier in
order to determine the Structure Shading factor of your particular installation.
The Structure Shading Factor varies with racking system design, irradiance,
albedo and height of module installation above ground and has an overall impact
on the rear side irradiance mismatch.
© 2022 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in these instructions are subject to change without notice.
Force must not deform
top frame flange or
glass may break
Force can
be applied
in line with
frame wall
Figure 1a: Clamp Force Locations
Safety and Installation Instructions ‐ Document 539821 Rev B
The Rearside mismatch losses are proportional to the albedo, height of the
modules above ground and structure shading factor. The irradiance non‐
uniformity on the rearside results in mismatch generally as the albedo increases
and installation height of the modules are lower to the ground.
5.4 Rooftop Applications for Bifacial modules
Bifacial modules use direct, reflected or diffuse sunlight at the rearside to
generate additional power. Therefore, it is recommended to use bifacial modules
installed on flat roof applications.
In order to maximize the bifacial gain at the rooftop applications the following
parameters listed below should be considered:
Surface Albedo
Roof Integrity
Module Tilt Angle
Module Elevation
Structural Backside Shading
The bifacial modules can be mounted both landscape or portrait orientation as
shown in Appendix section.
When installing a bifacial module on a roof, ensure that the roof construction and
the structural load calculations of the building are suitable.
Bifacial gain tends to be most effective with a higher tilt angle.
As the tilt angle and the module elevation from the underlying surface increases,
more reflected light and diffuse light can be captured by the module.
The mounting rails shall be designed to limit the rear side shading as much as
possible.
5.5 Bifacial Electrical Considerations
The overall electrical bifacial gain is determined by the combination of surface
albedo, irradiance, module tilt angle, shading losses from the rearside, rearside
mismatch and module elevation above ground. Please refer to the Maxeon
datasheet for the electrical outputs with respect to the overall bifacial gain.
Please utilize a suitable performance software package to simulate the overall
bifacial gain
5.6 Handling of Modules during Installation
Do not place modules face forward in direct contact with abrasive surfaces like
roofs, driveways, wooden pallets, railings, stucco walls, etc...
The module front surface glass is sensitive to oils and abrasive surfaces, which
may lead to scratches and irregular soiling.
During storage, modules need to be protected from rain or any kinds of liquids.
Required storage temperature is between 10°C to 40°C in a dry environment
(humidity between 30 to 80%). Do not store modules outdoor to avoid moisture
and wet conditions.
Modules that feature antireflective coated glass are prone to visible finger print
marks if touched on the front glass surface. Maxeon recommends handing
modules with anti‐reflective glass with gloves (no leather gloves) or limiting
touching of the front surface. Any finger print marks resulting from installation
will naturally disappear over time or can be reduced by following the washing
guidelines in Section 6.0 below. Any module coverage (colored plastic tarps or
similar) during installation can lead to permanent front glass discoloration and is
not recommended. The use of vacuum lifting pads can cause permanent marks
on the front glass. Never lift or move the module using the cables or the junction
box under any‐circumstances.
System energization and shutdown procedures need to be followed based on
respective National guidelines and local regulations. Safe site operational
practices must be adhered before energizing the PV system (e.g. electrical
continuity, avoiding direct contact with electrical/framing equipment, wearing
safety PPE, etc.). System should be electrically disconnected during maintenance,
upgrades, and modification works which can affect the operation of PV system.
6.0 Maintenance and Cleaning
Trained Maxeon dealer or trained Maxeon support personnel should inspect all
modules annually for safe electrical connections, sound mechanical connections,
and freedom from corrosion.
Periodic cleaning of module glass has resulted in improved performance levels,
especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation; therefore Maxeon
recommends periodic cleaning of the modules.
To clean a module, wash its glass surface with potable, non‐heated water.
Normal water pressure is adequate when cleaning the AR glass. Some
MAXEON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
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