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Ver. 6.0U _ May 31, 2011
Installation Manual for PV Modules
B) MODULE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
There are several approved ways to mount these Sharp PV modules to
a support structure. They may be mounted either using the bolt holes
provided or using frame clamps (not provided). Inter-module type or
end-type clamps must be designed for PV modules and have minimum
dimensions shown in Figure 5A & 5B and listed in Table I on the long sides
of the module in accordance with the instructions below and drawings
provided. To avoid shading and module damage, the clamp should be
within frame coverage width. Further, the clamp should not extend higher
than the level defined by an imaginary line drawn at 24 degrees from
the module glass outward from the intersection of the frame and glass.
Clamps should be made of aluminum, stainless steel or other appropriate
material to resist weathering and galvanic corrosion. Sharp does not
warranty frame clamps or take responsibility for any third party mounting
system. Sharp does not warranty frame clamps. The Sharp module
warranty may be void if customer-selected frame clamps or third party
mounting system are improper or inadequate with respect to properties
(including strength or material) or installation. Note that if metal clamps
are used, there must be a path to ground from the clamps, (for instance,
by using star washers in the hardware set). Please review the descriptions
below and drawings carefully; not mounting the modules according to one
of these methods may void your warranty. Additionally, UL has tested and
listed these modules for mounting using either bolts or clamps. Mounting
with clamps is considered to be equivalent to mounting with bolts and is
acceptable under the same conditions as bolt mounting. These mounting
methods are designed to allow module loading of 2,400 Pa (50.1 lb/ft2).
Figure 4 gives indications of maximum point loads for an installed array.
To provide adequate ventilation, modules must be mounted such that
there is a minimum 50 mm gap between the bottom of the module frame
and the roof deck / ground surface.
Mounting Using Frame Bolt Holes (Figures 6 & 7)
The modules may be fastened to a support using the bolt holes in the
bottom of the frame at location “C”, as shown in Figure 7 (back view of the
module) and Figure 6 (mounting detail). The module should be fastened
with four (4) M8 (5/16”) bolts. Recommended torque value is 12.5 Nm.
For your reference, please use the washer specified as below for the
minimum requirement:
We recommended parts of the following specifications.
1) Spring washer 3) Bolt
Material: Stainless Steel
Material: Stainless Steel
Diameter: M8 (5/16")
Diameter: M8 (5/16")×20 mm
Thickness: 2 mm (reference value)
2) Washer
4) Nut
Material: Stainless Steel Material: Stainless Steel
Size: M8 (5/16")
Size: M8 (5/16")
Thickness: 1.6 mm (reference value)
Mounting Using Clamps on Long Edge of Module: Long Edge Parallel
to Array Rails (Figures 5A & 8)
The modules may be mounted using clamps designed for solar modules
as shown in Figure 5A and Table I. Note that the clamp positions are
important – the clamp centerlines must be between 5.9” (150 mm) and
16.1” (410 mm) regarding ND/NU series as shown in Figure 8 from the
end of the module. The module must be supported along the length of
the long edge, and should overlap the array rail by at least 0.4” (10 mm).
Note that the mounting clamps should meet the minimum dimensions as
shown in Figure 5A and listed in Table I. The array rails must support the
bottom of the modules and must be a continuous piece (no un-spliced
breaks in the rail).
Mounting Using Clamps on Long Edge of Module: Long Edge
Perpendicular to Array Rails (Figures 5B & 9)
The modules may also be mounted using clamps on the long sides of the
module when the array rails are perpendicular to the long sides, as shown
in Figure 5B and listed in Table I. The clamp centerlines must be between
5.9” (150 mm) and 16.1” (410 mm) regarding ND/NU series as shown
in Figure 9 from the ends of the module. Note that the mounting clamps
should meet the minimum dimensions as shown in Figure 5B and listed
in Table I. The array rails must support the bottom of the modules and
clamps, also must be continuous pieces (no un-spliced breaks in the rail).
Point Load carrying capability
: High (
100 kg)
: Middle(
50 kg)
: Low
Figure 4 (ND/NU series)
Rail parallel with long side of module
Figure 5A
Rail perpendicular with long side of module
Figure 5B
