Amerisolar AS-6P18 User manual

Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing (Nantong) Co., Limited
Installation Manual
of Solar Module

Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing (Nantong) Co., Limited
Content
1. General information ......................................................................................................... 1
2. Safety precautions ........................................................................................................... 1
3. Storage and unpacking.................................................................................................... 1
4. Product identification....................................................................................................... 2
5. Mechanical installation .................................................................................................... 2
5.1 Climate condition..................................................................................................... 2
5.2 Site selection............................................................................................................ 2
5.3 Module tilt angle....................................................................................................... 3
5.4 Installation methods ................................................................................................ 3
6. Electrical installation........................................................................................................ 5
6.1 Module wiring........................................................................................................... 5
6.2 Grouding................................................................................................................... 6
6.3 Inverters configuration ............................................................................................ 7
7. Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 8
8. Disclaimer of liability........................................................................................................ 8
Annex: Specifications of solar modules

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1. General information
This manual contains information regarding the installation and safe handling of Amerisolar
photovoltaic modules. Installers should read this manual carefully and follow the instructions
strictly prior to installing the modules. Failure to follow these instructions may result in death,
bodily injury or damage to property.
The installation of modules requires specialized skills and should only be performed by
qualified, licensed professionals. If you have any questions about installation, please contact
us for further information.
2. Safety precautions
Amerisolar modules have passed all required safety tests according to the IEC 61730 and
are rated with Application Class A, and within this application class modules are considered
to meet the requirements for Safety Class II.
All installations must be performed in compliance with all local and national applicable
standards, codes and regulations.
Installers should assume all risks of injury that might occur during installation, including,
but not limited to, the risk of electric shock.
Do not use mirrors or other magnifiers to artificially concentrate sunlight on the modules.
Do not attempt to disassemble the modules or remove any components from the modules.
Do not install the module in the rain, snow or in windy conditions.
Use electrical insulated tools and appropriate protective equipment to reduce risk of
electric shock.
Cover the module with an opaque material during installation to keep electricity from being
generated.
Do not disconnect under load.
3. Storage and unpacking
Store modules in a dry and ventilated room.
Do not stack packing cartons more than two layers high.
Unpack module pallets with care and follow the unpacking steps. Be careful when
unpacking, transporting and storing the modules.
Do not lift the module by grasping the module’s junction box or electrical leads.
Do not place modules on top of each other.
Do not stand or step on the module.

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Do not drop the module or allow objects to fall on the module.
Do not leave the module unsupported or unsecured.
Keep all electrical contacts clean and dry.
4. Product identification
Each Amerisolar module has two identical barcodes with 15 digits for its unique identification
(one is in the laminate, and the second is on the backsheet).
A nameplate is affixed on the backside of the module. This nameplate describes main
characteristics of the module, which include the product type, maximum power, open circuit
voltage, short circuit current, maximum power voltage, maximum power current, all as
measured under standard test conditions; maximum system voltage, weight, dimensions etc..
Do not remove any labels from the module. If the label was moved out, the module will void
the warranty.
5. Mechanical installation
5.1 Climate condition
Amerisolar modules should be installed in the following conditions:
Ambient temperature: -20°C to +40°C
Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Storage temperature: -40°C to +40°C
Humidity: below 85RH%
Wind load: below 2400Pa
Snow load: below 5400Pa
5.2 Site selection
Amerisolar modules should be installed in a location where they will receive maximum
sunlight throughout the year. In the northern hemisphere, the modules should typically face
south, and in the southern hemisphere, the modules should typically face north.
When choosing a site, avoid trees, buildings or obstructions, which could cast shadows on
the modules especially during the winter months when the arc of the sun is lowest over the
horizon. Shading causes loss of output, even though bypass diodes have been fitted in the
junction box of the module to minimize any such loss.
Amerisolar modules have a Class C fire resistance rating in accordance with IEC61730-2
standard. For roof installation, modules should be mounted over a fire resistant covering, with
adequate ventilation between the module backsheet and the mounting surface. In order to

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maintain the fire class rating, the distance between the modules frame and the roof surface
shall be at least 100mm.
Do not install the module near naked flame or flammable materials.
Do not install the module in a location where it would be immersed in water or continually
exposed to water from a sprinkler or fountain etc.
5.3 Module tilt angle
Modules connected in series should be installed at same orientation and angle. Different
orientation or angle may cause loss of output power due to difference of amount of sunlight
exposed to the module.
Modules produce the most power when they are pointed directly at the sun. For installations
where the modules are attached to a permanent structure, the modules should be tilted for
optimum winter performance. As a rule, if the system power production is adequate in winter,
it will be satisfactory during the rest of the year. Optimal tilting of the module is roughly the
same as the latitude of installation location.
5.4 Installation methods
The modules can be installed on the frame using screw mounting and clamp mounting
methods (as shown in Fig.1).
Fig.1 The module installed with (a) screw mounting, (b) clamp mounting
(a) Screw mounting
The frame of each module has eight mounting holes used to secure the modules to the
support structure. If the wind or snow load is less than 2400Pa, you can use the four
symmetry holes close to the inner side on module frame (as shown in Fig.2). If the wind or
snow load exceeds 2400Pa, you must use all the eight mounting holes. The module frame
must be attached to a mounting rail using M8 corrosion-proof screws together with spring
washers and flat washers in eight symmetrical locations on the module.
(a) Screw mounting (b) Clamp mounting

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Fig.2 The module installed on long frames with screw mounting method
(b) Clamp mounting
The modules can be installed in both landscape (clamping on the short frame) and portrait
(clamping on the long frame) modes by clamp mounting.
The module clamps should not come into contact with the front glass and must not deform
the frame.
Be sure to avoid shadowing effects from the module clamps.
The module frame is not to be modified under any circumstances.
When choosing this type of clamp mounting method, please be sure to use at least four
clamps on each module, two clamps should be attached on each frame of the module.
Depending on the local wind and snow loads, if the pressure load exceeds 2400Pa,
additional clamps or support would be required to ensure the module can bear the load.
For clamp mounting on the long or short frame of the module, please refer to Fig.3 and Fig.4
respectively.
Fig.3 The module installed on long frames with clamp mounting method
200mm
Length
1/4 length

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Fig.4 The module installed on short frames with clamp mounting method
6. Electrical installation
6.1 Module wiring
Modules are supplied with cables and connectors to be used for system electrical
connections. It is not recommended to use modules with different configurations and
electrical characteristics in the same system.
Modules can be connected in series to obtain a high operating voltage. The system voltage is
equal to the sum of the voltage of each module. Modules can also be connected in parallel to
obtain a high operating current. The system current is equal to the sum of the current of each
string of modules.
Under normal conditions, a module is likely to experience conditions that produce more
current and/or voltage than reported at standard test conditions. The suggested fuse must be
used for overcurrent protection. Accordingly, the values of Isc and Voc marked on this module
should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component voltage ratings,
conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls connected to the PV output.
The maximum number of series connected modules depends on system design, the type of
inverter used and environmental conditions. It should be noted that modules must not be
connected together to create a voltage higher than the permitted system voltage. There is no
limitation on the number of modules that can be connected in parallel; the number of modules
is determined by system design parameters such as current or power output.
The maximum number of modules to be installed in series on the installation, N(max), is
calculated using the following formula:
100mm
1/4 width
)(.max
.max STCVoc systemV N

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The maximum voltage supported on an installation (Vmax. System), with Amerisolar’s
photovoltaic modules, is presented in the following table:
IEC
Maximum System Voltage (V)
1000
6.2 Grouding
Grouding modules is necessary to reduce or eliminate shock and fire hazards. All module
frames and mounting racks must be properly grounded in accordance with local and national
electrical codes. Proper grounding is achieved by connecting the module frames and
mounting racks continuously using a suitable grounding conductor. The grounding conductor
or strap may be copper, copper alloy, or other material acceptable for use as an electrical
conductor.
(a) Grounding by using grounded clamp
There are two grounding holes with 4.0 mm diameter in the middle of the long frames of the
modules. The grounding between modules must be approved by qualified electrician. And the
grounding device must be produced by qualified electrical manufacture. The recommended
twist torque value is 2.3 N.m. A copper core in size of 12 AWG can be used as grounding
clamp. The copper wire should not be compressed during the installation.
Note: The figure above is using TYCO. 1954381-1 (recommended)
Fig.5 Grounding method (a)

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(b) Grounding by using unused grounding hole
The existing grounding holes which have not been used can be used for grounding.
1) Direct the grounding clamp to the mounting hole on the frame. Thread the grounding clamp
and the frame with grounding bolt.
2) Put the toothed gasket into the other side, then tighten and lock the nut. The recommended
torque of locking the nut is 2.0 N.m ~2.2 N.m.
3) Thread the grounding clamp with grounding wire. The materiel and size of grounding wire
should meet the relevant requirements of the national, regional and local rule, law and
standard.
4) Finish the mounting with tightening the binding bolt of the grounding wire.
Fig.6 Grounding method (b)
(c) Additional third-party grounding devices
The modules can be grounded using third party grounding devices so long as they are
certified for grounding modules and the devices are installed according to the manufacturer’ s
specified instructions.
6.3 Inverters configuration
When installed in PV systems, Amerisolar modules normally do not need to be connected to
earth and therefore can be operated together with either galvanically isolated (with
transformer) and transformerless inverters. However, if the system is located in a hot, humid
climate and the maximum voltage is greater than 600Vdc, then galvanically isolated inverters
incorporating a transformer are recommended to be used and the negative pole of the array
should be connected to earth.

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7. Maintenance
The following maintenance measures are recommended to ensure optimum performance of
the modules:
Under most weather conditions, normal rainfall is sufficient to keep the glass surface of
modules clean. Clean the glass surface of the module as necessary.
Always use clean water and a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning.
If snow accumulates on top of the modules, remove the excess snow gently from the
surface of the modules using a brush or broom.
Check the electrical and mechanical connections periodically to make sure that all
connections are tight, secure, intact and free of corrosion.
Do not try to change the components of module (Junction box, bypass diode and
connector).
If any problem arises, consult a professional for suggestions.
8. Disclaimer of liability
Because the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation, operation, use
and maintenance of the product are beyond Amerisolar’s control, Amerisolar does not accept
responsibility and expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense arising out of or in
any way connected with such installation, operation, use or maintenance.
No responsibility is assumed by Amerisolar for any infringement of patents or other rights of
third parties, which may result from use of the product. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights.
The information included in this manual is based on Amerisolar’s knowledge and experience
and is believed to be reliable; but such information including product specification (without
limitations) and suggestions do not constitute a warranty, expresses or implied. Amerisolar
reserves the right to change the manual.

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Annex: Specifications of solar modules
The electrical characteristics are within +/-4% of the indicated values of Pmax, VOC, ISC, Vmp
and Imp under Standard Test Conditions (irradiance of 1000 W/m2, AM 1.5 spectrum, and a
cell temperature of 25℃).
Module Types
Nominal
Power
(Pmax)
Open
Circuit
Voltage
(VOC)
Short
Circuit
Current
(ISC)
Voltage at
Nominal
Power
(Vmp)
Current at
Nominal
Power
(Imp)
Maximum
System
Voltage
Maximum
Series
Fuse
Rating
[W]
[V]
[A]
[V]
[A]
[V]
[A]
AS-6P18
160
23.22
8.90
18.90
8.47
1000
15
165
23.29
9.15
18.97
8.70
1000
15
AS-6P21
185
27.09
8.82
22.05
8.39
1000
15
190
27.15
9.04
22.11
8.59
1000
15
AS-6P24
210
30.91
8.78
25.15
8.35
1000
15
215
30.98
8.97
25.22
8.53
1000
15
220
31.05
9.16
25.29
8.70
1000
15
AS-6P27
235
34.73
8.74
28.25
8.32
1000
15
240
34.80
8.91
28.32
8.47
1000
15
245
34.87
9.08
28.39
8.63
1000
15
AS-6P30
265
38.08
8.80
31.18
8.50
1000
15
270
38.15
8.94
31.26
8.64
1000
15
275
38.23
9.09
31.34
8.77
1000
15
AS-6P
315
45.24
9.02
37.02
8.51
1000
15
320
45.32
9.15
37.09
8.63
1000
15
325
45.40
9.27
37.16
8.75
1000
15
330
45.48
9.40
37.22
8.87
1000
15