Bosch c-Si P 48 User manual

Solar Energy
Installation and operation of manual photovoltaic modules
Bosch Solar Module c-Si P 48 / c-Si M 48
Bosch Solar Module c-Si P 60 / c-Si M 60
Please read the installation and operating man-
ual completely before transporting, installing or
operating the solar modules. It contains impor-
tant safety instructions. The warranty will be
void if you fail to follow the instructions in this
manual when using the solar modules.
This documentation is current as of January
2009. We reserve the right to update the infor-
mation it contains without prior notice.
1. Safety instructions
Electrical installation and initial operation may
only be carried out by licensed electricians in
accordance with the instructions below. Im-
proper installation or initial operation may re-
sult in damage to property and injury to per-
sons. Personal fall protection systems should
be used when working on rooftop solar genera-
tors. All applicable occupational health and
safety regulations must be followed. For your
own safety and to protect your solar module,
please observe the following instructions:
Notes:
• When carrying out installation and main-
tenance work on solar modules, comply
with all applicable regulations and safety
precautions relevant to the installation of
electrical equipment and systems, as well
as the regulations issued by your electric-
ity supply company concerning grid-
parallel operation of solar power sys-
tems.
• Make sure that the solar module is fully
intact before installing it.
• Damage to the rear surface insulation
film can have serious consequences (de-
lamination, danger to life and health). Do
not install or operate a module with
damaged rear surface insulation film.
• When modules are connected in series
(addition of module voltages), voltages
may occur in excess of the safety extra-
low voltage of 120 V DC.
• Module usage class: A
• Note that a full open circuit voltage is
generated in the modules even at low
ambient light levels.
• Disconnecting the direct current of live
cables leads to arcing. Be sure to discon-
nect the inverter from the AC mains grid
before carrying out any work, especially
before disconnecting the plug connectors
in the DC circuit.
• In the case of rooftop systems, modules
must be installed on a fire-resistant sub-
surface.
• Solar modules must therefore never be
installed near easily flammable materials,
gases or vapours.
• Observe all guidelines regarding fires in
electrical systems.
• The maximum permitted system voltage
of the solar modules must never be ex-
ceeded, even at low temperatures (see
data sheet and module type plate).
• Handle solar modules as you would a
glass product and do not walk or step on
them.
• Never leave a solar module in a free-
standing or unsecured position.
• Do not install solar modules with broken
glass.
• Do not make any changes to the struc-
ture of modules.
• Comply with the safety instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of all other
components in the solar power system.
2. Positioning instructions
To ensure the highest annual energy output
possible, we recommend a module position that
meets the following criteria:
• Align the front of the solar module so it
faces south.
• In Germany, select a tilt angle based on
local and structural conditions (30° ±
15°). Specific instructions on optimal
module positions can be found in the
relevant technical literature. The tilt angle
may be calculated using the following
formula: tilt angle = latitude of place of
installation –20°.
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• All modules in a photovoltaic generator
must be aligned at the same angle (both
horizontally and vertically). Use a sepa-
rate inverter if there are any angle devia-
tions.
• In order to ensure adequate self-cleaning,
the tilt angle should be at least 10°.
• Position the solar module in such a way
that shade (even partial) is avoided.
Shade can lead to performance loss and
PV generator failures.
• Ensure that the rear of each module is
well ventilated.
• To avoid excessive wind stress on mod-
ules, position them so that a minimum
distance from building edges is main-
tained in accordance with DIN 1055-4.
• Ensure modules do not come into direct
contact with salty air (in seaside areas).
• Focusing sunlight onto modules via a mir-
ror or lens is prohibited.
3. Installation guidelines
• Any additional loads caused by the PV
system must be taken into consideration
for the structural analysis for the overall
structure.
• The system builder or operator must ar-
range for structural checks to be carried
out with regard to stability, deflection
and load.
• Mount the modules on suitable substruc-
tures.
• Note the mounting areas shown in Figure
1. The modules must be securely fas-
tened at a minimum of four points (see
mounting holes in the frame drawing).
The frame has been structurally approved
for fastening on the long sides; it must
not be fastened on the short sides.
• The mounting holes must not be used on
their own for securing the mod-
ules instead they should only be used for
short-term fixing of the module during in-
stallation.
• Only suitable clamping systems may be
used for mounting. Make sure the solar
module is flat and tension-free when
mounting it on the substructure.
• Prevent all contact corrosion between
the solar module and substructure when
using different materials.
• Do not drill, nail or weld the module
frame in place.
• Attach the solar modules so that they are
able to withstand all foreseeable loads
and weather conditions.
• Only use corrosion-free screws for instal-
lation.
• When mounting the solar module, it must
be free of all mechanical tension and
kept at a minimum distance of 5 mm
from the next module to compensate for
any material expansion due to tempera-
ture fluctuation.
• An adequate lightning protection system
is recommended, especially in exposed
areas.
• When integrating the solar module with
existing lightning protection measures,
be sure to observe all applicable regula-
tions.
• Only mount the solar module vertically
with the connection box pointing up or
horizontal.
• When tilting the module, make sure no
rainwater or condensation can flow to-
wards the high-strength PG cable glands
on the connection box.
• The solar module must not come into
contact with any stagnant water or con-
densation. The ventilation openings in
the frame must not be closed.
• Modules must be installed so that no wa-
ter can flow in the direction of the cable
gland, particularly along the cable.
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Figure 1 Mounting area of solar modules
4. Wiring instructions
You must only interconnect identical solar mod-
ules of the same type and the same power
class. Make sure that the maximum system
voltage is not exceeded. The maximum permit-
ted system voltage of the solar modules may
not be exceeded, even at low temperatures. The
temperature coefficients for the specific module
type may be used for determining voltages un-
der different temperature extremes.
Suitable measures will be required to protect
against overcurrent (e.g. line fuses) for parallel
connection of modules. Care must be taken to
avoid exceeding the given load with regard to
the IR reverse current (16 A for the c- Si M60
and c- Si M48, 17 A for the c- Si P60 and c- Si
P48).
Under normal conditions, a PV module can de-
liver more current and/or higher voltage than
stated under standard test conditions. To de-
termine the rated voltage of components, the
rated current of conductors, size of fuses and
dimensioning of controls to be connected to the
outputs of PV modules the Isc and Uoc values
stated on the module should thus be multiplied
by a factor of 1.25.
A line fuse must be used if more than two mod-
ules are connected in parallel.
The number of solar modules connected in se-
ries must not exceed 20 in the case of mono
and polycrystalline solar modules with 60 solar
cells, or 22 in the case of mono and polycrystal-
line solar modules with 48 solar cells.
5. Electrical connection
The solar modules are designed for use in grid-
connected solar generators. If they are used for
any other purpose, the different technical con-
ditions must be taken into account. The solar
modules may only be installed by qualified spe-
cialist companies. The relevant standards and
regulations for PV systems, such as VDE regula-
tions, DIN standards, VDEW guidelines, the
technical connection conditions of your grid
operator and all applicable industrial safety
requirements, must be observed during installa-
tion.
• Check junction boxes, cables and con-
nectors for damage before installing.
• Do not install damaged PV modules.
• Solar modules, in particular the plug-type
connectors and tools, must be kept dry
during installation.
• Only use suitable cables when wiring the
module strings for outdoor installation
(UV and ozone resistant)
• The cables must have a minimum cross-
section of 4mm² and the insulation must
be compatible with the system’s maxi-
mum open-circuit voltage.
• Protect cables from damage.
• The connection boxes with pre-fitted ca-
bles must not be opened when installing
wiring.
• Do not clean the connection boxes and
cables with substances containing oil,
grease or alcohol.
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• During installation, make sure the module
connection cable has sufficient strain re-
lief.
• Ensure polarity is in the correct position
when connecting the modules. Reverse
polarity will result in permanent damage
to the protective diode.
• The connecting cables are fitted with a
heavy duty plug connector system for the
photovoltaic panels. Either the plugs are
labelled with their specific polarity, or
the connection cables are coloured red
for positive and blue for negative.
• Ensure polarity is in the correct position
when connecting the solar modules to
the inverter. Reverse polarity will result in
permanent damage to key technical com-
ponents such as the inverter.
• You may connect or disconnect the plugs
while energized, i.e. the inverter must be
disconnected from the DC mains grid.
• To avoid the risk of electric shock, all so-
lar module frames and the support struc-
ture must be properly grounded to en-
sure equipotential bonding. We recom-
mend establishing a ground connection
outside of the building. When doing so,
observe all applicable local statutory
regulations and the recommendations of
the inverter manufacturer and your insur-
ance company.
Never connect or disconnect the plug
contacts under load
6. Grounding
An adequate lightning protection system is rec-
ommended, especially in exposed areas. When
integrating the solar module with existing light-
ning protection measures, be sure to observe all
applicable country-specific standards and regu-
lations. The respective grounding holes are
marked on the reverse side of the module
frame.
Please ground the system in the following way:
• Attach a suitable ring-type terminal (ca-
ble cross-section at least 2.1 mm²)
• Use a suitable fastening screw (minimum
diameter 4mm), self-tapping tooth lock
washer, spring lock ring and matching
nut.
• Use a suitable self-tapping screw. Two
complete threads must grip into the
metal.
• Prevent contact corrosion by using dif-
ferent metals (pay attention to electro-
chemical voltage series).
• Earthing holes: see figures 2 to 6.
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Figure 2 Manufacturer 01 c- Si M60
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Figure 3 Manufacturer 11 c- Si M48 and c- Si P48
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Figure 4 Manufacturer 11 c- Si M60 and c- Si P60
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Figure 5 Manufacturer 13 c- Si M60
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Figure 6 Manufacturer 14 c-Si M60
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7. Servicing and maintenance
A minimum of service and maintenance work is
necessary to ensure optimum performance in
solar modules. Service and maintenance work
should be carried out once every 6 months.
• Dirt build-up on the front glass surface
reduces the performance of the solar
module.
• If the module is very dirty, we recom-
mend cleaning the surface with water
that has the same temperature as the
module and a soft brush. Do not use ag-
gressive cleaning agents.
• Make sure all electrical and mechanical
connections are clean, firmly secured and
in sound condition.
• Any anomalies must be remedied imme-
diately.
• It is recommended that the operator
check output on a regular basis.
8. Disposal
Defective or old solar modules must be properly
disposed of. They may not be thrown out with
household waste.
9. Storage and transport
Extreme caution must be exercised when han-
dling modules. They must be unpacked, trans-
ported and stored with due care:
• Do not set the modules carelessly down
onto hard surfaces or on their corners.
• Avoid bending them.
• Do not drop the modules.
• Do not place any other objects on the
modules.
• Do not handle them with sharp objects.
• When storing and transporting solar
modules, ensure each module is prop-
erly supported.
• Stacking package units may damage the
solar modules and must be not be used.
• Secure the solar modules to ensure
they don’t tip over.
• Insert layers of padding between the
individual solar modules.
We recommend that you store all solar modules
indoors and in the original packaging until final
installation. Since the original packaging is
composed of non-impregnated cardboard, they
must be stored in a dry location.
Avoid any damage to the modules during trans-
port and unloading at the site of installation
(e.g. roof).
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Installation and Safety Manual of the Bosch Solar Modules
c-Si M 60-225-16, c-Si M 60-230-16, c-Si M 60-235-16, c-Si M 60-240-16
Read Me
Thank you for buying our Bosch Solar photo-
voltaic (PV) modules. This manual describes the
installation and maintenance instructions for
the modules intended for use in North America.
Before installing, wiring and using a module, it
is important to thoroughly read this manual and
understand the instructions. Installers must
understand the basic principles of electricity
and electrical apparatuses as well as article 690
of the National Electrical Code. Special atten-
tion must be given to the safety instructions.
Disclaimer of Liability
Since the use of this Safety and Installation
Manual and the conditions or methods of instal-
lation, operation, use and maintenance of the
module are beyond the control of Bosch Solar,
Bosch Solar does not assume responsibility and
expressively disclaims liability for loss, damage
injury or expense arising out of or in any con-
nected with such installation operation, use or
maintenance of the module.
Bosch Solar assumes no responsibility for in-
fringement of patents or other rights of third
parties which may result from use of the mod-
ule. No license is granted by implication or oth-
erwise under any patent or patent rights. The
information in this Manual is based on Bosch
Solar‘s knowledge and experience and is be-
lieved to be reliable; but such information in-
cluding product specifications (without limita-
tions) and suggestions do not constitute a war-
ranty, expressed or implied. Bosch Solar re-
serves the right to make changes to the prod-
uct, specification or the Manual without prior
notice.
1. Important Safeguards/Warnings
Read this section carefully before installing,
using, repairing or performing maintenance on
the PV modules or the PV power system.
WARNING
•Lethal voltages and/or shock hazard may
be present in modules and arrays during
sunlight hours, even at low light level.
This hazard increases when multiple
modules are connected together to pro-
vide higher system voltage or current
levels. Dangerous voltages may also be
present at night from connections to
batteries and feedback from inverters or
other parts of the system.
Bosch Solar modules should only be installed
by qualified installers with adequate solar in-
stallation experience. You must comply with the
standards and regulations applicable to PV in-
stallations, such as National Electrical Code
(NEC) and other building codes, the grid opera-
tor’s technical connection requirements, and
trade association rules concerning accident
prevention. Failure to comply can lead to sig-
nificant personal injury and equipment damage.
Lethal voltages and/or a shock hazard may be
present in modules and arrays during sunlight
hours, even at low light level. This hazard in-
creases when multiple modules are connected
together to provide higher system voltage or
current levels. Dangerous voltages may also be
present at night from connections to batteries
and feedback from inverters or other parts of
the system.
2. Underwriters Laboratories Information
(U.S. and Canada Only)
Bosch Solar c-Si M 60-225-16, c-Si M 60-230-16,
c-Si M 60-235-16 and c-Si M 60-240-16 are UL
1703 listed. This UL standard covers flat-plate
photovoltaic modules and panels intended for
installation on or integral with buildings or to be
freestanding (not attached to buildings), in
accordance with the National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70), appropriate Building Codes, and any
other applicable Local Codes in the US.
UL Listed Bosch Solar c-Si modules are rated
class C and intended to be installed on “Class
A” fire rated roofs, residential or commercial,
per local codes in US.
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For “Class C” modules, the assembly is to be
mounted over a fire resistant roof covering
rated for the application.
Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module
is likely to experience conditions that produce
more current and/or voltage than reported at
standard test conditions. Therefore, the values
of Isc and Voc marked on this module must be
sized according to section 690-8 of the National
Electrical Code for all component voltage rat-
ings, conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and size
of controls connected to PV output.
Use only UL Listed grounding lugs suitable for
outdoor use: Burndy P/N CL-50-DB or ILSCO
P/N GBL-4DB in conjunction with an 8-32
stainless steel fastener and star washer. USE
conductor cable of minimum 10 AWG and
minimum 90°C temperature rating, which is
also sunlight resistant rated, for modules and
interconnect wiring that is exposed to weather
as per NEC.
National Electrical Code (NEC)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) covers the
installation of photovoltaic systems and must
be adhered to when systems are designed and
installed. Article 690, Solar Photovoltaic Sys-
tems, of the NEC applies to solar photovoltaic
electrical energy systems including the array
circuit(s), power conditioning unit(s) and con-
troller(s) for such systems.
All wiring shall be in accordance with the NEC,
and grounding method of the frame of arrays
shall comply with the NEC, article 250.
USL/CNL
All USL/CNL installations shall be in accordance
with CSA C22.1, Safety Standard for Electrical
Installations, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.
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3. Bosch Solar Module Electrical Characteristics
Model
Open
Circuit
Voltage
at STC,
(V dc)
Rated
Voltage at
STC,
(V dc)
Maxi-
mum
Sys-
tem
Volta-
ge, (V
dc)
Rated
Current at
STC,
(A dc)
Short
Circuit
Current at
STC,
(A dc)
Rated
Maximum
Power at
STC,
(Watts)
Maximum
Series
Fuse,
(A)
c-Si M 60-225-16 36.0 28.3 600 7.95 8.7 225 15
c-Si M 60-230-16 36.35 28.75 600 8.0 8.75 230 15
c-Si M 60-235-16 36.5 29.35 600 8.0 8.75 235 15
c-Si M 60-240-16 36.7 29.65 600 8.1 8.8 240 15
Module bypass diode type, voltage rating, current rating, and configuration of the diode
Diode RatingsModule series Total #
of Dio-
des
Diodes # in par-
allel for each
string
Diode Manufac-
turer
Diode
Type (A) (PIV)
c-Si M 60-225-16
3 1 Tyco SL1010 11 40
c-Si M 60-230-16
3 1 Tyco SL1010 11 40
c-Si M 60-235-16
3 1 Tyco SL1010 11 40
c-Si M 60-240-16
3 1 Tyco SL1010 11 40
NOTE:
DO NOT attempt to open the diode housing or junction box located on the back side of any Bosch Solar
module. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Handling Safety
DO NOT drop, allow objects to fall on,
or stand or step on modules.
DO NOT install during high winds.
Never leave a module unsupported or
unsecured. If a module falls, the glass
could break. A module with broken
glass cannot be repaired and must not
be used.
DO NOT disassemble the module, or
remove any part installed by Bosch So-
lar. Use modules for their intended use
only and follow all manufacturers’ in-
structions.
DO NOT attempt to remove snow or ice
from the module.
DO NOT direct artificially concentrated
sunlight on the module.
Installation Safety
DO NOT attempt to install or service
any portion of the PV system unless you
understand the electrical operation and
are fully qualified to do so.
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DO NOT drill holes in the frame or glass
of the module. Doing so will void the
warranty.
Have a fire extinguisher, and first aid kit
when performing field work on all ener-
gized equipment where the system
open circuit voltage is 30 volts or
greater.
Since sparks may be produced, do not
install module where flammable gases
or vapours are present
DO NOT attempt to open the diode
housing or junction box located on the
back side of any Bosch Solar module.
There are no user serviceable parts in-
side.
DO NOT work on modules when mod-
ules are wet. If a wet module is cracked
or broken the full system voltage may
be present.
Fire Safety
1. Refer to your local authority for guide-
lines and requirements of building or
structural fire safety.
2. It may be necessary to use components
such as earth ground fault circuit
breakers, fuses and circuit breakers
3. Do not use modules near equipment or
locations where flammable gasses can
be generated or can collect.
Electrical Safety
Rated electrical characteristics are
within ±10 percent of the indicated val-
ues of Isc, Voc, Pmax under Standard
Test Conditions. (Irradiance of
100 W/cm, Am 1.5 spectrum and a cell
temperature of 25°C (77°F).
Under normal conditions, a photo-
voltaic module may experience condi-
tions that produce more current and/or
voltage than reported at Standard Test
Conditions. Accordingly, the values of
ISC and VOC marked on UL Listed
modules should be multiplied by a fac-
tor of 1.25 when determining compo-
nent voltage ratings, conductor capaci-
ties, fuse sizes and size of controls
connected to the module output. Refer
to Sec. 690-8 of the National Electric
Code for an additional multiplying fac-
tor of 125 percent (80 percent of rat-
ing) which may be applicable.
DO NOT wear jewellery when working
on the modules.
A two-person team is to be used while
performing field work on all energized
equipment where the system open cir-
cuit voltage is 30 volts or greater.
Wear electrical insulating gloves rated
at 1000 volts and suitable eye protec-
tion when working on systems where
the system open circuit voltage is 30
volts or greater.
DO NOT touch terminals while the
module is exposed to light without
wearing electrical insulating gloves.
DO NOT use modules in systems that
can exceed 600 volts open circuit under
any combination of solar irradiation and
ambient temperature.
DO NOT connect or disconnect a mod-
ule unless the array string is open- cir-
cuited or all of the modules in the
string are covered.
5. Mechanical Installation
NOTE:
The maximum wind and snow loads on a module
mounted in any position must not exceed a re-
sultant surface load of 30lb/ft² over the module
surface. Reference ASCE 7-95 for determining
the proper wind and snow load calculations for
each location. All installations should also be in
accordance with local building codes and regula-
tions. For proper structural design, it is recom-
mended to retain the services of a structural
engineer experienced with the installations of PV
systems.
NOTE:
It is the sole responsibility of the user and/or
installer to verify that the module mounting sys-
tem and mounting method are properly engi-
neered and in accordance with local building
codes and regulations.
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NOTE:
Modules shall be mounted so that the junction
box shall be in the uppermost position to mini-
mize the ingress of water.
Clearance between Modules
A clearance of 6mm/.25” between modules is
sufficient in most installations to accommodate
thermal expansion. However, the appropriate
clearance is dependent upon installation spe-
cific factors including the module mounting
system, temperature at the site and the maxi-
mum operating temperature of the module. The
maximum distance between modules should
not exceed 12” based on using standard wiring.
Orientation, Tilt Angle & Shading
Photovoltaic modules generate maximum power
when facing directly towards the sun. PV sys-
tems can track the sun or remain in a fixed tilt
position. Tracking systems will produce more
energy but are more costly and require more
maintenance. PV systems are predominantly set
at a tilt. The further North from the equator, the
more tilt. Since applications and needs are
different, consult a PV system integrator or use
a commercially available software program to
determine the expected energy output. The
following chart may serve as a rule of thumb.
Site Latitude Horizontal Tilt Angle
0-10 = 10 Degrees
11-20 = Latitude
21-30 = Latitude + 5~
31-40 = Latitude + 10~
41+ = Latitude + 15~
The following paragraphs list some other gen-
eral rules of thumb:
It is not recommended to set the tilt angle be-
low 10-15 degrees. Dirt tends to accumulate on
modules installed at flatter angles and does not
wash off as readily during rainfall. Dirt accumu-
lation or any debris, even snowfall on the mod-
ule will reduce its energy output.
Modules should be located in areas with an
unobstructed view of the sun where they will
receive maximum exposure of sunlight for the
longest possible time during the day. Shadow-
ing caused by buildings, trees, utility poles and
other obstructions, significantly reduces the
module energy output.
In systems that are configured with multiple
rows of modules, the rows must be spaced far
enough apart to minimize the impact of shading
on other rows. This distance is dependent on
the latitude and tilt angle at which the system is
installed. The closer to the equator, requires a
lower tilt angle and therefore the shorter this
distance. The further from the equator, higher
tilt angle and therefore the greater this distance
needs to be. If there are questions regarding
the optimum configuration in which to arrange,
mount or wire the modules, obtain assistance
from your Bosch Solar dealer or distributor or
retain the services of an engineer familiar with
the proper design of PV systems.
Suggested Mounting Methods
The information in this section only suggests
possible methods of securing the PV modules to
a ‘module mounting system.’
It is the sole responsibility of the user and/or
installer to verify that the module mounting
system and mounting method is properly engi-
neered and is in accordance with local building
codes and regulations.
Bosch Solar PV modules can be arranged in
either landscape or portrait position on flat or
sloped roofs or surfaces and at flat or tilted
angles.
The modules shall be mounted so that the junc-
tion box shall be in the uppermost position to
minimize the ingress of water.
NOTE:
Always use caution when mounting a module on
tilted angles or sloped roofs so the module does
not slide out of position while attaching it to the
module mounting system.
NOTE:
The minimum standoff distance between Bosch
Solar modules and the roof is 40mm.
CAUTION
Never leave a module unsupported or unsecured.
If a module falls, the glass could break. A module
with broken glass cannot be repaired and must
not be installed.
Bosch Solar requires one of the following meth-
ods for mounting Bosch Solar PV Modules:
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A. The four provided mounting holes
on the bottom of the modules, us-
ing ¼” bolts with washers and nuts.
Bolt torque is 15-20 ft-lbs.
B. Uni-Rac type “unistrut” or C-
channel rails, using Uni-Rac clamp
mount clips part numbers
N:320201 (end clamps) or
N:320199 (mid clamps) secured
with ¼” – 14 bolts. Bolt torque is
12-15ft-lbs.
Refer to Figure 2, Details A, B, and C for three
examples of different methods using various
hardware for attaching the PV module to the
module mounting system.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances may the short frame
edges be used for anchoring the module.
Use only the 4 recommended mounting holes
(See Figure 1)
Mounting holes
(4X)
Grounding holes
(4X)
Figure 1: Mechanical Layout
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Figure 2: Examples of Attaching Modules
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6. Electrical Installation
Module To Module Interconnection
Bosch Solar modules have been designed to be
easily interconnected. Each module comes with
one positive (+) wire with a plug on one end
and one negative (-) wire with a receptacle on
one end. Both wires are connected inside of
the junction box (diode housing). Modules are
interconnected by inserting the plug from one
module into the receptacle of the next module
in the array string. Secure the mated connector
pair to the inside flange of the module frame to
protect it from damage.
Building Source Circuit and Configuring
Modules
PV arrays are comprised of source circuits. A
source circuit is a series of modules connected
together to reach the desired power. The num-
ber of modules in a source circuit can vary de-
pending on the module voltage and desired
system voltage, provided the max system volt-
age does not exceed that allowed by NEC Sec-
tion 690-7 (600 volts).
When calculating the system operational volt-
ages use the module Vp. However, for NEC
compliance, the maximum system voltage is
calculated using Voc.
When determining component voltage ratings,
conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and size of
controls connected to PV output, use the values
of Isc and Voc marked on the module or found
in this instruction manual.
NOTE:
Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module
is likely to experience conditions that produce
more current and/or voltage than reported at
standard test conditions. Accordingly, the val-
ues of Isc and Voc marked on this module must
be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determin-
ing component voltage ratings, conductor am-
pacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls con-
nected to PV output.
Refer to Section 690-8 of the National Electrical
Code for an additional multiplying factor of 125
percent (80 percent derating) which may be
applicable.
CAUTION
DO NOT connect or disconnect a Bosch Solar
module unless the array string is open-circuited
or all of the modules in the string are covered.
The connectors are not designed to make or
break the full system current.
CAUTION
Be aware that the artificially concentration
sunlight shall not be directed on the modules or
panels.
Module Grounding
The module frame must be properly grounded.
The installer shall ground the frame using the
grounding method described in NEC Article 250.
All USL/CNL installations shall be in accordance
with CSA C22.1, Safety Standard for Electrical
Installations, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.
The grounding wire must be properly fastened
to the module using a ground bonding lug. Use
only UL Listed grounding lugs suitable for out-
door use: Burndy P/N CL-50-DB or ILSCO P/N
GBL-4DB in conjunction with an 8-32 stainless
steel fastener and star washer. An uncoated
copper lug is not acceptable for attachment to
the aluminium frame.
Four grounding holes are provided on the inside
of the module frame located in the middle of
each of the four frame flanges. See Figure 3 for
location of module grounding holes.
See Figure 4 for installation of lug.
Note:
The star washers are required for making a
reliable electrical earth connection with the
anodized aluminium frame as well as to prevent
loosening of the screw over time.
To attach grounding lugs, use #8-32 (4mm)
bolts and nuts, star washers, and lock washers
that are provided for use with module ground
points. The ground lug shall be installed from
the bottom side of the frame using the paint
cutting star washers, lock washer and bolt.
Torque hex bolt to 50-70 in-lbs. This ground
hardware can accommodate a 14AWG through
4AWG bare (stranded or solid) wire.
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Solar Energy
Grounding wire
Figure 3: Grounding Hole Locations
Figure 4: Installation of the grounding lug
Use only UL Listed grounding lugs suitable for
outdoor use: Burndy P/N CL-50-DB or ILSCO
P/NGBL-4DBin conjunction with an 8-32
stainless steel fastener and star washer. Attach
this lug to the module frame with a nut, bolt
and star washer as shown in Figure 4.
Grounding
Holes (4X)
Contact Information:
www.bosch-solarenergy.com
[email protected]
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