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All the basic requirements of the main installation
manual should apply to the alternative mounting
methods, unless otherwise specified.
The loads described in this manual corresponds
to test loads. For installations complying with IEC
61215-2: 2016 and UL 1703, a safety factor of 1.5
should be applied for calculating the equivalent
maximum authorized design loads.
Project design loads depend on construction,
applicable standards, location and local
climate. Determination of the design loads is
the responsibility of the racking suppliers or
professional engineers. For detailed information,
please follow local structural code or contact your
professional structural engineer.
MOUNTING METHOD A CLAMPING
· The mounting method has been qualified by
Canadian Solar Inc. as well as certified by VDE and
CSA.
· Top or bottom clamping methods will vary and
are dependent on the mounting structures. Please
follow the mounting guidelines recommended by
the mounting system supplier.
· Each module must be securely fastened at a
minimum of four points on two opposite sides.
The clamps should be positioned symmetrically.
The clamps should be positioned according to the
authorized position ranges defined in table A.
· Install and tighten the module clamps to the
mounting rails using the torque stated by the
mounting hardware manufacturer. M8 X 1.25
(5/16”) bolt and nut are used for this clamping
method.
· Tightening torques should be within 17~23 Nm
(12.5~17.0 ft-lbs) for M8 (5/16”) coarse thread bolts,
depending on the bolt class. For the bolt grade,
the technical guideline from the fastener suppliers
should be followed. Different recommendations
from specific clamping hardware suppliers should
prevail.
· The system designer and installer are responsible
for load calculations and for proper design of
support structure.
· Canadian Solar Inc.’s warranty may be void in cases
where improper clamps or unsuitable installation
methods are found. When installing inter-modules
or end-type clamps, please take the following
measures into account:
Do not bend the module frame.
Do not touch or cast shadows on the front glass.
Do not damage the surface of the frame (to the
exception of the clamps with bonding pins).
Ensure the clamps overlap the module frame
by at least 5 mm (0.2 in)
Ensure the clamps overlap length is at least
40 mm (1.57 in)
Ensure the clamp’s thickness is at least 3 mm
(0.12 in).
· Clamp material should be anodized aluminum
alloy or stainless steel.
· Clamp positions are of crucial importance for
the reliability of the installation. The clamp
centerlines must only be positioned within the
ranges indicated in table A, depending on the
configuration and load.
· For configurations where the mounting rails run
parallel to the frame, precautions should be taken
to ensure the bottom flange of the module frame
overlaps the rail by 15 mm (0.59 in) or more.
ANNEX A: ALTERNATIVE MOUNTING METHODS
Min. 5 mm
overlap
Min. 3 mm thickness
Min. overlap length
40 mm
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