Trina Solar User Manual | Vertex Series Modules
19
6.3 GROUNDING
All module frames and mounting racks must be properly grounded in accordance with the electrical
design and construction specifications, procedures, regulations and other special grounding
requirements applicable to the installation sites.
Proper grounding can be achieved by connecting the module frame(s) and all metallic structural
components together by using a suitable grounding conductor. The grounding conductors or wires
may be copper, alloy, or any other materials that are in accordance with the local electrical design
and construction specifications, procedures, and regulations. The ground conductor must be reliably
grounded by a suitable ground electrode.
General grounding hardware comes in a package that includes the grounding screw, flat washer,
star washer and wire and other relevant hardware should be made of stainless steel.
Do not drill any extra ground holes for convenience, this will void the modules warranty.
Trina Solar does not provide grounding devices or materials. Any third-party grounding device that
meets the requirements of the installation electrical equipment specifications can be used for
grounding of Trina Solar’s modules. The grounding device should be installed in accordance with
the operating manual prescribed by the manufacturer.
Trina Solar recommends using grounding wires with resistances that are less than 1
Ω.
The electrical contact is made by penetrating the anodized coating of the aluminum frame, and
tightening the mounting screw (together with the star washer) to the proper torque of 3-7 N.m.
Grounding connections should be installed by a qualified electrician. Connect module frames
together using adequate grounding cables: Grounding wire size (4-16 mm
2
/12-6 AWG solid bare
copper) should be selected and installed underneath the wire binding bolt. Holes provided for this
purpose are identified with a grounding symbol (IEC61730-1). All conductive connection junctions
must be firmly fixed.
To avoid lightning strikes and ensure electrical safety, the module frames must be reliably grounded.
Grounding between modules can be done using a 4 mm
2
(12 AWG) solid bare copper that connects
adjacent ground holes on the module frame (unused installation holes on the frame can also be used
for grounding).
Components
View
Connection
Star washer, flat washer, grounding
wire are placed in turn, then screwed
into the grounding hole to bond the
adjacent modules
Trina Solar recommends using the following two methods for grounding installation, as shown in
Figure 3.
Figure 3. PV module grounding methods (IEC standard).
