WhisperPower 60110437, Installation Manual

5

ENG

ITA

FRA

ESP

WHISPERPOWER 

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

DEU

RISKS FROM MECHANICAL DAMAGE

The photovoltaic cells contained in WhisperPower modules are fragile. The manufacturing technology of the 
modules provides protection for the cells, provided that certain precautions are taken.

WhisperPower modules are flexible, but they cannot be 
rolled-up or folded. The minimum allowed curvature 
radius is 1 m. For a 1 m long module, the maximum 
arc (F) is 122 mm.
Excessive bending must be avoided when handling the 

modules. See Fig. 1 for correct handling. The module may be handled by the edge (Fig. 2), but only if it is held 
vertically and without exerting excessive pressure to the edges of the cells. The modules should not be held by 
the short ends or corners as this may cause excessive bending under their own weight (Fig. 3).
WhisperPower modules may be walked on, but only when they are firmly mounted on a flat, smooth, rigid 
surface, with no bumps, hollows or irregularities (Fig. 4), taking care, barefoot or with soft-soled shoes, 
avoiding heels and shoes with a rigid sole (Fig. 5).

Uninstalled modules or modules in removable installations (using eyelets, snap fastners etc.) must not be 
walked on.

If sharp or heavy objects are allowed to fall onto the modules, they can cause fractures in the cells (Fig. 7).
If, during installation or maintenance, it is necessary to kneel on the module, it is advised to use adequate 
protection, to avoid damaging the cells (Fig. 8).

HOT-SPOT

A module containing damaged cells, or even a module in good condition in which one or a small number of 
cells are completely shaded (Fig. 6), can suffer from a HOT-SPOT, i.e. local overheating, even up to the point of 
causing the protective material to smoke and reach temperatures over 200°C (392 °F) on small areas.
In principle, this phenomenon could cause a fire, a danger which is always present where electrical apparatus 
is used. However, normally the damage is limited to small local burning as in the examples shown in Fig. 9.

In the event of HOT-SPOTS forming, the module must be disconnected immediately.

In this way, the flow 

of current is stopped and further temperature rises are avoided. As an alternative, it is possible to cover the 
module, to avoid exposure to light. In the case of several modules connected in series, the only solution is to 
disconnect the module

.

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

P

Do not bend the modules with a radius of bending less than 1m, otherwise the photovoltaic cells could 
be permanently damaged.

P

WhisperPower modules alone cannot withstand the loads caused by high winds or snow. The installation 
must bear in mind the structural resistance of the modules’ support. The structure must not be 
continually subjected to stress. Improper use of WhisperPower modules can cause irreversible damage 
to the system, thereby compromising the efficiency and usage of the system.

P

The position of the installation should take advantage of the maximum exposition to the sunlight and the 
minimum shading. Remember that even partial shading of the module can cause a substantial reduction 
in the amount of energy produced. Do not place objects on the modules exposed to the light (Fig. 6). 

P

The position of WhisperPower modules must allow adequate circulation of air on the surfaces exposed 
to sunlight. This is sufficient to lower the temperature and ensure high efficiency

INSTALLATION WITH EYELETS/SCREWS

WhisperPower modules may be supplied with metal eyelets for installation. In this case, the modules are 
fixed using ropes, straps or other similar devices, to rigid surfaces which support the modules and resist 
atmospheric agents. Holes may be used to screw the modules to a rigid surface, in the same position as the 
eyelet holes. In both cases, 

the modules cannot be walked on.