1. INTRODUCTION
This Installation Manual contains essential information for the electrical
and mechanical installation that you must know before installing
SHARP PV modules. This also contains safety information you need to
be familiar with. All the information described in this manual are the
intellectual property of SHARP and based on the technologies and
experiences that have been acquired and accumulated in the long
history of SHARP. This document does not constitute a guaranty,
expressed or implied. SHARP does not assume responsibility and
expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense arising out of
or in any way connected with installation, operation, use or
maintenance of the PV modules. No responsibility is assumed by
SHARP for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties
that may result from use of PV module. SHARP reserves the right to
make changes to the product, specifications or installation manual
without prior notice.
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
(INCLUDING WARNING AND SAFETY)
The installation of PV modules requires a great degree of skill and
should only be performed by a qualified licensed professional,
including licensed contractors and licensed electricians. Please be
aware that there is a serious risk of various types of injury occurring
during the installation including the risk of electric shock. All SHARP
PV modules are equipped with a permanently attached junction
terminal box that will accept variety of wiring applications or with a
special cable assembly for ease of installation, and they do not require
special assembly.
< GENERAL WARNING >
1. PV modules are heavy. Handle with care.
2. Before you attempt to install, wire, operate and maintain the PV
module, please make sure that you completely understand the
information described in this installation manual.
3. Contact with electrically active parts of a PV module such as
terminals can result in burns, sparks and lethal shock whether the
PV modules is connected or not.
4. PV modules produce electricity when the sufficient sunlight or other
sources illuminate the module surface. When the modules are
connected in series, voltage is cumulative. When the modules are
connected in parallel, current is cumulative.
As a result, a large-scale PV system can produce high voltage and
current which could present an increased hazard and may cause
serious injury or death.
5. Do not connect the PV modules directly to the loads such as motor
since the variation of the output power depending on the solar
irradiation causes damage for the connected motor.
1:In the case of a brushless motor, the lock function becomes
active and the hall IC is most likely to be damaged.
2:In the case of a brush type motor, the coil is most likely to be
damaged.
< GENERAL SAFETY >
1. Consult local codes and other applicable laws concerning required
permits on regulations concerning installation and inspection
requirements.
2. Before installing a PV module, contact appropriate authorities to
GENERAL INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOR SHARP THIN-FILM PV MODULES
determine permit, installation and inspection requirements that
should be followed.
3. Install PV modules in accordance with applicable rules and
regulations.
4. PV modules should be installed and maintained by qualified
personnel. Only installer/servicer personnel should have access to
the PV module installation site.
5. No matter where the PV modules are installed, either roof mounted
construction or any other type of structures above the ground,
appropriate safety practices should be followed and required safety
equipment should be used in order to avoid possible safety
hazards. Note that the installation of some PV modules on roofs
may require the addition of fireproofing, depending on local
building/fire codes.
6. In the case that the PV modules are non-integral type, the module
is to be mounted over a fire resistant roof.
7. Please use PV modules, which have the same electrical
characteristics, within a string.
8. Follow all safety precautions of other components used in the
system.
9. In order to avoid a risk of injury or electrical shock, do not allow
anyone to approach the PV module if the person has little
knowledge on PV module or on the measures that should be taken
when PV modules are damaged.
10. Do not shade the PV module surface by specified shadow.(eg. By
"Truck and Pole" and "Human with pole" as follow) Otherwise, the
white spot phenomenon which appears on the surface as white dot
may be caused.
Figure 1. Prohibited shadow example
11. Do not clean the glass surface with chemicals. Do not let water
stay on the glass surface of PV modules for a long time. This
creates a risk of white efflorescence (glass disease) which may
result in the deterioration of energy generation.
12. Do not install the PV module horizontally. It may cause dirt or white
efflorescence (glass disease) due to water. (Refer to 5.Tilt angle)
13. When sliding snow load has to be considered, an appropriate
measure has to be taken so that PV module will not be damaged.
14. Do not expose PV module to sunlight concentrated with mirrors,
lenses or similar means.
15. Turn off PV systems immediately, in case of problem occur.
16. In case the glass surface of a PV module is broken, wear goggles
and tape the glass to keep the broken pieces in place.