First Solar CuRe 6 Series, User Manual

Page 1: ...First Solar Series 6 CuRe Modules USER GUIDE MPD 00600 06 C Global REV 1 0 ...

Page 2: ...and or design Information furnished by First Solar is believed to be accurate and reliable However no responsibility is assumed by First Solar or its subsidiaries for its use nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of First Solar or its subsidiaries CONTAC...

Page 3: ...5 1 HANDLING STORAGE 7 5 2 MODEL TYPE DIFFERENTIATION 8 6 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS 9 7 INSTALLATION MOUNTING 10 7 1 MOUNTING 10 7 2 MOUNTING LOCATIONS LOAD RATINGS 11 7 3 TOP MOUNTING 14 7 4 SPEEDSLOT MOUNTING 15 7 5 MODULE ORIENTATION 16 7 6 MODULE SHADING CONSIDERATIONS 16 7 7 WIRE MANAGEMENT 17 7 8 ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION 19 7 9 INVERTER COMPATIBILITY 20 7 10 GROUNDING METHOD 21 8 MAINTENAN...

Page 4: ...have a long operating life and high energy yield when installed operated and serviced in accordance with the instructions in this User Guide Read this User Guide thoroughly before beginning any work related to installation operation or maintenance of the First Solar Series 6 CuRe module Please refer to your First Solar Module Warranty Terms Conditions for module warranty terms and product return p...

Page 5: ... or parallel A single module or multiple interconnected modules can create a lethal shock hazard during daylight hours including periods of low light levels DANGER To avoid fire and or injury due to ground faults and associated electrical hazards Do not unplug PV module connections while under load Do not disconnect the module connectors during daylight hours unless the module is in an open circui...

Page 6: ...n parallel strings by installing an equal number of modules per string within the same source circuit Failure to install modules with balanced voltage in parallel strings can result in voltage imbalance Incorporate measures to protect modules against RCOL for connections of parallel strings Modules damaged because of system induced RCOL are not covered under the First Solar Module Warranty Module ...

Page 7: ...ose Ensure the PV array open circuit voltage does not exceed 1500 VDC Install modules with mounting systems that have been evaluated for UL Listed application Protect modules from reverse currents in excess of the 5 0 A maximum series fuse rating The module is considered to be in compliance with the applicable UL standard only when the module is mounted in the manner specified by the mounting inst...

Page 8: ...ical specifications are subject to change See label for final electrical ratings Table 1 Model Numbers Ratings at Standard Test Conditions STC1 RATED POWER2 0 5 VOLTAGE AT PMAX CURRENT AT PMAX OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT MAX SYSTEM VOLTAGE MAX SERIES FUSE PMAX W VMAX V IMAX A VOC V ISC A VSYS V ICF A 420 0 172 4 2 44 216 8 2 64 1500 5 0 425 0 173 8 2 45 217 9 2 64 430 0 175 0 2 46 2...

Page 9: ...ed for STC should be multiplied by a factor of 1 25 when determining component voltage ratings conductor current ratings and size of controls connected to the PV output For UL installations an additional 1 25 safety factor for short circuit current may be applicable reference the National Electric Code NEC Article 690 for further details Specific site conditions and local electric code requirement...

Page 10: ...igh for three weeks on site or extended periods in a warehouse Packs should not be stacked if rebanded on site if any corner braces or top cap material has been removed or if any banding is broken from the pack Do not transport stacked packs around project site Do not attempt to transport the pack once the straps have been removed Please evaluate site conditions for safe pack storage as uneven or ...

Page 11: ...model types are differentiated by the following factors Model number presence on the module product label and pack label Color of the module product label and pack label Figure 1 Quantity of holes at each end of the long frame side Figure 2 FS 6XXX C FS 6XXXA C FS 6XXX C I FS 6XXXA C I Figure 1 Pack Label Color Differentiation Figure 2 Differentiation Holes on Long Edge Frame Isometric View Figure...

Page 12: ... m 27 1 ft Junction Box Lead Wire4 2 5 mm 14 AWG 733 mm 28 86 in Bulkhead Fire Performance5 Type 19 Class A Spread of Flame Class C Burning Brand Figure 4 Series 6 CuRe Module Mechanical Drawing 3 When designing structure components for systems with mixed model types mixed C and C I model suffixes the larger nominal weight should be used to enable flexibility to utilize C modules universally in an...

Page 13: ...sion or module performance issues that are deemed to be caused by design or installation practices that do not comply with this User Guide CAUTION Safety hazards or potentially unsafe practices Do not install the modules during high wind or wet conditions Handle modules with care during installation as heavy impact to the front back or edges could result in damage to the module Do not impact modul...

Page 14: ...able 4 Test loads include a safety factor of 1 5 above the design loads Series 6 CuRe modules meet the following load ratings when mounted as specified in this User Guide and evaluated according to the listed standard in Table 4 Table 4 Series 6 CuRe Module Load Ratings Model Types Mount Config Symmetrical Four point Mount Location IEC 61215 IEC 61730 UL 61730 Design Load Test Load Design Load Tes...

Page 15: ... used in accordance with the clamp manufacturer s instructions The maximum clamp force shall not exceed 5500 N for either top or SpeedSlot clamps Minor clamp deformation under load may be acceptable as long as clamping force is maintained and the deformation does not contribute to a weakening of the clamp or dislodgement of the module Series 6 CuRe modules of model types of FS 6XXX C I FS 6XXXA C ...

Page 16: ...l factors below for the combined site specific wind and snow loads o Pressure coefficients should be derived based on an effective wind area equal to one PV module from boundary layer wind tunnel tests on the specific mounting system used to support the PV module o Boundary layer wind tunnel tests should be conducted in accordance with ASCE 7 and ASCE 49 or other recognized industry guidance o Mou...

Page 17: ...et documented load ratings based on model type Top mounting clamps must have a uniform frame engagement area of 9 mm 0 35 in minimum width on the top ledge and 30 mm 1 18 in minimum length as depicted in Figure 5 Clamps that do not meet the minimum requirements may not preserve module certifications or warranty and must be evaluated by First Solar technicalsupport firstsolar com Figure 5 Shared To...

Page 18: ... beyond the inner edge of the frame or have a retention feature to prevent module frame dislodgement under load SpeedSlot clamps must be at least 12 mm 0 47 in wide from attachment point through the 10 mm 0 39 in extension or until point of retention feature shown in Figure 8 Clamps should rest on the flat surface of the SpeedSlot Figure 6 SpeedSlot Dimensions Figure 7 SpeedSlot Detail on Long Edg...

Page 19: ...modules installed in portrait orientation is acceptable There is a low risk of module damage due to shading from repeatedly walking or standing in front of operating modules or from repeatedly parking or driving vehicles in front of operating modules during illuminated times It is best practice to stay close to the backside of the adjacent rack as one travels down a row of operating modules Do not...

Page 20: ...of best practices that applies to the majority of wire management scenarios The connectors X T joints and in line fuses should not be in direct contact with the metal frame or structure It is recommended that insulated cables do not come in direct contact with the metal frame or structure unless unavoidable to minimize stresses on components The installation of harnesses harness jumpers harness wh...

Page 21: ...t DC wiring bundle on Two Girder Tracker and Fixed Tilt Systems o Support DC wiring bundle on Single Torque Tube Tracker Systems with moving components that extend beyond 350 mm 13 8 in from the center of the structure Typically the lead wire connection does not require wire retention or securement due to the proximity of the junction boxes on adjacent modules Above ground DC cabling typically a b...

Page 22: ...nd moisture by using sealing caps not provided available from connector manufacturer Limit module connectors to 10 or fewer plug cycles Do not pull junction box lead wires tight After installation connected wire must not be under stress or tension The minimum module junction box lead wire bend radius is five times the wire diameter Observe minimum bend radius specifications on all other PV system ...

Page 23: ...ector integrated as part of module bulkhead junction box Figure 12 PV4 S Connectors of Part Numbers PV4 S1F PV4 S1M 7 9 INVERTER COMPATIBILITY Series 6 CuRe modules are compatible with a range of string central transformer and transformerless inverters When connecting modules or module strings in series ensure inverter ratings are appropriate Do not exceed system design voltage and inverter design...

Page 24: ...ounted in the manner specified by the mounting instructions or when the mounting means has been evaluated with this PV module to UL 2703 A module with exposed conductive parts is considered to be in compliance with this standard only when it is either electrically grounded in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions and the requirements of the National Electrical Code ANSI NFPA 70 or when t...

Page 25: ...isted grounding strap type EM2050 as manufactured by Electric Motion CO Inc Grounding means must be secured to grounding hole opening on frame and torqued to 25 in lbs Mounting clamps that are UL listed for grounding bonding may be used in instances where the structure and module have been tested to meet UL 2703 ...

Page 26: ...t are Improperly calibrated or malfunctioning monitoring equipment Inverter failure Improper or faulty field wiring or connections Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers Excessive amounts of dirt and dust on the modules Shading of modules by trees poles or buildings It is normal for the modules to exhibit visual irregularities which do not impact power ARC modules are more likely to exaggerate th...

Page 27: ...ineral content total hardness 75 mg L or deionized water may be used Calcium should not exceed 75 mg L Fresh water TDS 1500 mg L may be used to clean the modules If needed a mild non abrasive non caustic detergent with a final fresh water and detergent solution mix between 6 5 pH 8 5 at 25 C may be used Water must be free of floating oil or other immiscible liquids floating debris excessive turbid...

Page 28: ...ed onto the modules Load specifications and data must be identified and submitted with documentation for cleaning system approval First Solar recommends no more than 40 8 kg 90 lb per module that is evenly distributed while cleaning Specific contact points wheels or belts can affect the load and pressure placed on the modules Review of this critical information is part of the approval process Belo...

Page 29: ...FIRST SOLAR First Solar Series 6 CuRe Modules USER GUIDE 26 of 26 FIRST SOLAR INC MPD 00600 06 C REV 1 0 9 REVISION HISTORY REVISION NUMBER AMENDMENT DETAILS REVISION DATE 1 0 Document created 3 25 2021 ...