MAXEON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
537620 Rev.F
©2022 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in this document are subject to change without notice.
6
Clearance between the module frames and structure or ground is required to
prevent wiring damage and allows air to circulate behind the module. The
recommended assembling clearance between each module installed on any
mounting system is a minimum of 5 mm distance.
Clearance between the module frame and roof surface is required to prevent
wiring damage and to enable air to circulate behind the module. Therefore a
minimum of 50mm is required between the module frame and the roof surface.
When installed on a roof, the module shall be mounted according to the local and
regional building and fire safety regulations. In case the module is installed in a
roof integrated PV-System (BIPV), it shall be mounted over a watertight and fire-
resistant underlayment rated for such application.
For Peformance 3 AC modules, in order to provide better access of connection
for AC cables into the microinverter, Maxeon recommends the following
installation sequence:
•
When the microinverter is in lower position, then it is recommended
to install the modules from Left to Right.
•
When the microinverter is in upper position, then it is recommended
to install the modules from Right to Left.
Modules mounting systems should only be installed on building that have been
formally considered for structural integrity and confirmed to be capable of
handling the additional weighted load of the modules and mounting systems, by
a certified building specialist or engineer
.
AC Modules are only certified for use when their factory frames are fully intact.
Do not remove or alter any module frame. Creating additional mounting holes
may damage the module and reduce the strength of the frame.
Modules may be mounted using the following methods only:
1)
Pressure Clamps or Clips
:
Mount the module with
the clips attached to the
longer sides of the module.
Refer to the allowable
ranges in Section 5.0 (Table
1 ). Installers must ensure
the clamps are of sufficient
strength to allow for the
maximum design pressure
of the module. Clips and clamps are not provided by Maxeon Solar
Technologies. Clamps that secure to the top of the frame must not deform
the top flange. Clamps must apply force collinear with the ‘wall’ of the
module frame and not only to the top flange. Clamps shall not apply
excessive force to the frame, warp the top flange, or contact the glass -
these practices void the module warranty and risk frame and glass
breakage. Figure 1a illustrates locations for top frame clamp force. Avoid
clamping within 50mm of module corners to reduce risk of frame corner
deflection and glass breakage. When clamping to the module frame, torque
shall never exceed 15 N.m to reduce chances of frame deformation. A
calibrated torque wrench must be used. Mounting systems should be
evaluated for compatibility before installing specially when the system is
not using Clamps or clips. Please contact Maxeon Solar Technologies for the
approval of the use of non-standard pressure clamps or clips where torque
values are higher than otherwise stated.
2)
End Mount:
End mounting is clipping/clamping of solar modules at the
corner of short side to the supporting rail. The end-mounting rail and clips
or clamps must be of sufficient strength to allow for the maximum design
pressure of the module. Verify this capacity for both 1) clamps or clips and
2) end mounting system vendor before installation.
5.3 Handling of Modules during Installation
Never lift or move the modules using cables or the junction box under any
circumstances. Do not place modules face forward in direct contact with abrasive
surfaces such as roofs, driveways, wooden pallets, railings, or walls etc. The front
surface of a module is sensitive to oils and abrasive surfaces, which may lead to
scratches and irregular soiling.
Be careful not to touch the micro-inverter while unloading the Performance 3 AC
modules, as the micro-inverter height exceeds the module frame slightly.
Shipping Position: X = 31.7mm
Install Position: X = 46.7mm
AC Modules are featured with antireflective coated glass and they are prone to
visible finger print marks if touched on the front glass surface. Maxeon Solar
Technologies recommends handing AC Modules with gloves (no leather gloves)
or limiting touching of the front surface. Any finger print marks resulting from
installation will naturally disappear over time or can be reduced by following the
washing guidelines in Section 6.0 below. Any module coverage (colored plastic
tarps or similar) during installation can lead to permanent front glass
discoloration and is not recommended. The use of vacuum lifting pads can cause
permanent marks on the front glass.
Shading incidence need to be avoided during PV system operation. The system is
not supposed to be energized until the mounting scaffolding or railing have been
removed from the roof.
Systems should be disconnected in any cases of maintenance which can cause
shading (e.g. chimney sweeping, any roof maintenance, antenna/dish
installations, etc.).
6.0 Maintenance
Maxeon Solar Technologies recommends visual inspection on a regular basis of
AC modules for safe electrical connections, sound mechanical connection, and
free from corrosion. This visual inspection should be performed by trained and
licensed personnel. The standard frequency is once a year according to
environmental conditions.
Periodic cleaning of AC Modules is recommended, but is not required. Periodic
cleaning has resulted in improved module performance, especially in regions with
low levels of annual precipitation (less than 46,3cm (18,25 inches)). Consult
installer supplier about recommended cleaning schedules for your area. Do not
clean or spray modules with water during normal operation (module glass surface
is hot). To clean a module, spray it with potable, non-heated water. Normal water
pressure is more than adequate, but pressurized water 100 bar (min 50 cm
distance) may be used. Fingerprints, stains, or accumulations of dirt on the front
surface of the module may be removed as follows: rinse the area and wait 5
minutes. Re-wet the area and then use a soft sponge or seamless cloth to wipe
the glass surface in a circular motion. Fingerprints typically can be removed with
a soft cloth or sponge and water after wetting. NEVER use harsh cleaning
materials such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades, or other sharp
instruments to
clean module glass. Use of such materials on the modules will void
the product warranty.
7.0 Troubleshooting
Make sure to follow all safety precautions described in this installation manual.
The microinverters are monitored by Enphase Enlighten system. If a module is
found to not produce power through the Enphase Enlighten System, please
contact Enphase as the first point in the trouble shooting process. If Enphase
Force must not deform
top frame flange or
glass may break
Force has
to be
applied in
line with
frame
wall
Figure 1a: Clamp Force Locations
