Installation Safety
1. Always wear protective head gear, insulating gloves and safety shoes (with rubber soles).
2. Keep the PV module packed in the carton until installation.
3. Do not touch the PV module unnecessarily during installation. The glass surface and the frames get hot. There is a risk of burn, or you may col-
lapse because of electric shock.
4. Do not work under rain, snow or windy conditions.
5. Use insulated tools.
6. Do not use wet tools.
7. Do not drop tools or hard objects on PV modules.
8. When installing PV modules far above ground, do not drop any object (e.g., PV module or tools).
9. Make sure flammable gases are not generated near the installation site.
10. Completely cover the PV module surface with an opaque material during PV module installation and wiring.
11. Plug in the connector tight and ensure the wiring works.
12. Due to the risk of electrical shock, do not perform any work if the terminals of PV module are wet.
13. Do not touch the terminal box and the end of output cables (connectors) with bare hands during installation or under sunlight, regardless of
whether the PV module is connected to or disconnected from the system.
14. Do not unplug the connector if the system circuit is connected to a load.
15. Do not stand on the glass at work. There is a risk of injury or electric shock if glass is broken.
16. Do not work alone (always work as a team of 2 or more people).
17. Wear a safety belt if working far above the ground.
18. Do not wear metallic jewellery which can cause electric shock during installation.
19. Do not damage the back sheet of PV modules when fastening the PV modules to a support by bolts.
20. Do not damage the surrounding PV modules or mounting structure when replacing a PV module.
21. Bind cables by the insulation locks. Drooping down of cables from the terminal box could possibly cause various problems such as animal biting,
and electricity leakage in puddle.
22. Take proper measures for preventing the laminate (consisting of resin, cells, glass, back sheet, etc.) from dropping out of the frame in case the
glass is broken.
23. Cables shall be located so that they will not be exposed to direct sunlight after installation to prevent degradation of cables.
COMPONENTS
SITE SELECTION
In most applications, the PV modules should be installed in a location where there is no shading throughout the
year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the PV modules should typically face south, and in the Southern Hemi-
sphere, the PV modules should typically face north. Please make sure that there are no obstructions in the sur-
roundings of the site of installation. Take proper steps in order to maintain reliability and safety, in case the PV
modules are used in areas such as: Heavy snow areas / Extremely cold areas / Strong wind areas / Installations
over, or near, water / Areas where installations are prone to salt water damage(*) / Small islands or desert areas.
(*) If you are planning to use the PV modules where the salt water damage may be possible, please consult with
SHARP local agent first to determine an appropriate installation method, or to determine whether the installation is
possible.
TILT ANGLE
The tilt angle of the PV module is measured between the PV module and a horizontal ground surface . The PV module generates the maximum output
power when it faces the sun directly. For the standalone systems with a battery where the PV modules are attached to a permanent structure, the tilt
angle of the PV modules should be determined to optimize the performance when the sunlight is the scarcest. In general, if the electric power genera-
tion is adequate when the sunlight is the scarcest, then the angle chosen should be adequate during the rest of the year. For grid-connected installa-
tions where the PV modules are attached to a permanent structure, it is recommended to tilt the PV module at the angle equal to the latitude of the
installation site so that the power generation from the PV module will be optimum throughout the year.
WIRING
To ensure proper system operation and to maintain your warranty, observe the correct
cable connection polarity (Figures 1 & 2) when connecting the modules to a battery or to
other modules. If not connected correctly, the bypass diode could be destroyed. PV
modules can be wired in series to increase voltage. Connect wires from the positive terminal
of one module to the negative terminal of the next module. Figure 1 shows modules
connected in series. Connect PV modules in parallel to increase current. Connect wires from
the positive terminal of one module to the positive terminal on the next module. Figure 2 shows modules connected in parallel.
INSTALLATION
ELECTRICAL RATING
Refer to installation manual of individual models of PV module.
Refer to installation manual of individual models of PV module.
GROUNDING
All PV modules must be grounded by electrical connection of the module frames to ground. Please be careful in
arranging the system ground so that the removal of one module from the circuit will not interrupt the grounding of any
other modules. The modules should be grounded to the same electrical point as described below. Each PV module
has a hole on the side frame for either a bolt, nut and washer grounding the module to the frame, a ground lug
fastened by bolt or screw, or appropriate screw (hardware not provided). An example of acceptable ground
connection using a bolt, nut and washer retaining a ground lug is shown in figure 3. In a connection of this type, the
hardware (such as a toothed locked washer / star washer) must score the frame surface to make positive electrical
contact with the frame. The ground wire must be considered within the requirement of local regulations at the site of installation.
MOUNTING
Please make sure that all the information described in the installation manual is still valid and proper for your installation. The mounting method has
been verified by SHARP and NOT CERTIFIED by a third party organization. The approved way to mount Sharp PV modules to a support structure is
using the bolt holes provided as described in the Specifications. Although Sharp does not specify or warrant frame clips or clamps, using frame clips
(not provided) or clamps (not provided) is also possible when they are designed for PV modules and with minimum dimensions on the sides of the
module in accordance with the instructions and drawings provided. If using frame clips or clamps, the modules should be fixed rigidly and there shall
be no damage to the modules by deforming mounting structure against design load. Sharp does not specify or warrant frame clips. The Sharp module
warranty may be void if customer-selected frame clips which are improper or inadequate with respect to the module properties (including strength or
material) or installation. Note that if metal clips are used, there must be a path to ground from the clips, (for instance, using star washers in the clip
hardware set). Please review the descriptions and drawings carefully; not mounting the modules according to one of these methods may void your
warranty. These mounting methods are designed to allow module loading of 2400Pa. Support structures that PV modules are mounted on should be
rigid. Sharp PV modules are designed to secure their electric performance under the condition that they are mounted on rigid support structures. De-
formation of support structure may damage PV module with its electric performance.
MAINTENANCE
The modules are designed for long life and require very little maintenance. If the angle of the PV module is 5 degrees or more, normal rainfall is suffi-
cient to keep the module glass surface clean under most weather conditions. If dirt build-up becomes excessive, clean the glass surface only with a
soft cloth using water. If cleaning the back of the module is required, take utmost care not to damage the back side materials. In order to ensure the
operation of the system, please check the connection of wiring and the state of the jacket of wires every now and then.
Electrical Cable
Electrical Cable
Connector
Connector
Terminal box
Glass
Frame
Cell
Figure 1. SERIES for more voltage
Figure 2. PARALLEL for more current
SIDE FRAME
HEXAGON NUT
TOOTHED LOCK WASHER
WIRE BINDING LUG
WIRE
HEXAGON HEAD BOLT
WIRE INSERT
SCREW TERMINAL
Figure 3
