background image

Purpose of this guide

This guide contains information regarding 

the installation and safe handling of 

Shell Solar photovoltaic modules (hereafter 

referred to as “modules“). 

Please follow these instructions carefully 

and observe all of the safety precautions. 

Although this guide describes several typi-

cal systems using photovoltaic solar power 

modules, it 

does not

 describe how to install 

or operate such systems. Please consult your 

solar power dealer for additional information 

on the following subjects:

dimensioning and constructing solar pho-

tovoltaic systems

wiring materials

connectors

stands and supports

Before installing a solar photovoltaic system, 

you should familiarize yourself with the 

mechanical and electrical requirements for 

such systems. For this reason, we recommend 

that you read this guide completely before 

starting the installation. 

In the guide, the term ‘module’ should gener-

ally be understood to refer to individual 

modules and/or groups of modules accord-

ing to the context.

Caution

If these products are used in the 

USA, please observe the instruc-

tions marked ‘[USA]’.

General information 

Installing solar photovoltaic systems may 

require specialised skills and knowledge. 

It should only be performed by qualified 

electricians.

Caution

If the total DC voltage available 

from several modules connected 

in series (the sum of the open-cir-

cuit voltages of the individual modules) can 

exceed 120 V, installation and commission-

ing of the system must be performed by a 

licensed electrician or specialized company.

The installer assumes the risk of all injury that 

might occur during installation, including, 

without limitation, the risk of electric shock. 

Shell Solar electric modules do not require 

the use of special cable assemblies. All mod-

ules come with a permanently attached junc-

tion box that will accept a variety of wiring 

applications or with a special cable assembly 

for ease of installation. It is recommended 

to utilize a qualified installer or reseller for 

service.

WARNING

All instructions should be read 

and understood before attempt-

ing to install, wire, operate, and 

maintain the module. Contact with electrically 

active parts of the module such as terminals 

can result in burns, sparks, and lethal shock 

whether the module is connected or discon-

nected.

Proper use

Photovoltaic solar modules produce direct-

current electrical energy from light. They are 

designed for outdoor use, and depending on 

their construction can be mounted on support 

frames, stands, flat surfaces, vehicles or boats.

Do not

 disassemble the module, and do 

not remove any attached nameplates or 

components. 

Do not

 apply paint or adhesive to the rear 

surface. 

Do not

 use mirrors or lenses to artificially 

concentrate sunlight on the module.

Table of Contents

Purpose of this guide  

2

General information 

2

Proper use 

2

Safety precautions for installing 

  a solar photovoltaic system 

3

Product Identification 

 

4

Mechanical Installation  

4

Selecting the location  

4

Selecting the proper support frame  

4

Ground/Roof/Pole mount 

5

Roof Mounting 

5

Mounting hole locations

Installing frameless modules  

5

Unpacking and handling the module 

6

Electrical Installation 

7

Off-grid electrical system with battery 

  storage using a charge regulator 

7

Off-grid electrical system with battery 

  storage using a self-regulating module 

7

Grid-connected electrical system 

7

Comparison of series and parallel wiring 

8

Use suitable solar-power wiring 

8

Use suitable connectors 

8

Installing solar-power wiring 

8

Electrical connections to the module 

9

Grounding 

9

Junction box arrangements 

9

Installing a ProCharger™ CR 

  cable junction box 

10

Connecting modules with 

  ProCharger™-S junction boxes 

11

Connecting modules with Spelsberg 

  junction boxes 

11

Connecting modules with permanently 

  attached cables but no plug connectors

  (ProCharger™ junction box cover) 

12

Blocking diodes 

12

Bypass diodes 

12

Commissioning and Maintenance 

12

Testing, commissioning and 

  troubleshooting 

12

Maintenance 

12

Testing and replacing bypass diodes 

12

Disclaimer of Liability 

13

SHELL SOLAR LIMITED WARRANTY 

FOR PV-MODULES (“Limited Warranty”) – 

(Excluding U.S.) 

14

SHELL SOLAR LIMITED WARRANTY 

FOR PV-MODULES (“Limited Warranty”) –

(U.S.) 

15

2

3

Summary of Contents for SP150-L

Page 1: ...Shell Solar Installation Guide for Shell Solar Photovoltaic Modules www shell com solar First Edition 2003...

Page 2: ...service WARNING All instructions should be read and understood before attempt ing to install wire operate and maintain the module Contact with electrically active parts of the module such as terminals...

Page 3: ...rk only under dry conditions and use only dry tools Observe the safety regulations for all other components used in the system including wiring and cables connectors charging regulators inverters stor...

Page 4: ...dancewithlocalcodesortheNationalElectricalCode Consultlocalauthoritiesfor permit installationandinspectionrequirements Consultmanufacturerforproperinstallationonspecial vehiclessuchasboatsandcamper Pr...

Page 5: ...ulations when installing modules on roofs and buildings and use prescribed safety equipment safety nets lifelines etc Mounting hole locations For secure installation use only the recom mended mounting...

Page 6: ...mounting system Provide adequate rear ventilation For proper operation and to avoid damage from condensation the module requires an adequate flow of air across the rear surface When installing the mod...

Page 7: ...s the charging current automatically adjusts to suit the charge state of the battery and the power consumption of the connected loads When using a self regulating module make sure there is sufficient...

Page 8: ...r system Please observe the following Keep cable length as short as possible to reduce efficiency voltage drop If you connect several modules together secure the wiring to the support frame Where poss...

Page 9: ...can cause damage to the bypass diode in the module a risk of explosion due to excessive gas generation in the battery Grounding Ground the modules and the support frame Modules with frames have a pre...

Page 10: ...emove the knockout plug by placing the tip of a screwdriver at the edge of the plug and striking the screwdriver with a hammer Attach the fitting to the junction box and leave it loose Pass the wire t...

Page 11: ...ket pass a short cable tie through the slot and secure the cable tie After making the electrical connections Replace the covers on the junction boxes and carefully tighten the four retaining screws 0...

Page 12: ...any problems arise have them be inves tigated by an authorised specialist Observe the maintenance instruc tions for all components used in the system such as support frames charging regulators invert...

Page 13: ...acting the diode lead Note the orientations of the polarity markings on the diodes Check the conductivity of the diodes They should conduct electricity when the test leads are connected in one directi...

Page 14: ...or for reshipment of any repaired or replaced PV modules or cost associated with installation removal or reinstallation of the PV modules D When used in non land based applications the Limited Peak Po...

Page 15: ...DE ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TOWARRANTIESOFMERCHANTABILITYANDOFFITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE USE OR APPLICATION AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE...

Page 16: ...0 2211 Shell Solar Industries 4650 Adohr Lane Camarillo CA 93011 United States Fax 1 805 388 6395 Shell Solar Pte Ltd 72 Bendemeer Road Hiap Huat House 07 01 Singapore 339941 Fax 65 6842 3887 Status 0...

Reviews: