FuturaSun FU M Series Setup guide

Author: FuturaSun
Document name: Installation_manual_FuturaSun_2020
Revision date: 01.09.2020
SAFETY AND
INSTALLATION
MANUAL
Photovoltaic Modules:
FU XXX M / MV / P / PV
FU XXX M / MV NEXT
FU XXX M / MV NEXT PRO

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This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
Contents
1. General Information 3
2. Disclaimer of Liability 4
3. IEC 61215 & 61730 certifications 4
4. Limited Warranty 4
5. Module Specification 4
6. Safety Precautions 4
7. Installation 5
8. Use and Maintenance 12
9. Packaging, Handling and Storage of Modules 14

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FuturaSun srl – The specifications in this manual are subject to revisions without further notice
This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
1. General Information
The photovoltaic (PV) modules FU XXX M /
MV / P / PV / NEXT / NEXT PRO, (hereafter
“FU XXX” or “FU”) are devices that produce
electrical energy by converting the sunlight’s
radiation reaching their surface, when
appropriately exposed, into continuous/direct
current (DC).
The FU modules are intended to be used in
photovoltaic module systems connected to the
electrical grid. It is also possible to use them in
battery powered photovoltaic module systems
(stand alone).
The rated currents at Standard Test
Conditions (STC) of the FU modules are
variable depending on the model and the
relative power rating, as indicated in the
respective technical data sheets. Most of the
electrical parameters of the modules, specified
in the datasheets, are determinable only by
using special instrumentation in the laboratory;
therefore, only some of them are measurable
outside of a lab, using common
instrumentation (voltmeter, AM meter,
solarimeter/pyranometer).
It is possible, following very precise
procedures, to carry out electrical
measurements of voltage and current as
snapshots, which enable you to monitor the
operation of the modules and determine
possible, although rare, anomalies.
The electrical output parameters for FU
modules, of technical importance during the
operation, installation and maintenance, are
the following:
• Voltage at open circuit (Voc) with
tolerance of ± 4%
• Current at short circuit (Isc) with
tolerance of ± 5%
• Voltage at point of maximum power
(Vmpp)
• Current at point of maximum power
(Impp)
• Power (Pmax) with tolerance of ± 3%
• Solar radiation in W/m2 at the time
• Temperature of the modules
The general performance of the modules is
heavily dependent on the intensity of the
incident solar radiation, as illustrated in Fig.1.
Acheiving maximum performance requires
proper installation, with the modules oriented
towards the South in Northern hemisphere
and their surface exposed as perpendicularly
possible to the incident rays of the sun;
furthermore, avoiding any shading caused by
obstacles in and around the area of
installation.
Fig. 1: IV curve at different irradiance
A high ambient temperature and therefore, an
increased operational temperature of the
modules, also contribute to a proportional
reduction in electrical performance. Please
see fig. 2
Fig. 2: IV curve at different temperatures
In order to optimize the production of electrical
energy of the modules, and therefore of the

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This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
system connected to an electrical grid, it is the
responsibility of the installer to make sure the
modules are positioned as much as possible
facing south in northern hemisphere, with the
tilt angle (β) (inclination of the surface of the
modules in respect to the ground, as shown in
Fig.3) optimal for the type of desired
application.
The tilt angle of ideal average throughout Italy
is β = 30°; however, even the inclination typical
the roof of a dwelling (β = 15-20°), being
already an inclined plane, could make the
angle acceptable, if not ideal, for the
installation of coplanar modules on it (using a
special standard structure for support).
Depending on the variation of the tilt angle of
the modules with respect to the ground, or of
their orientation in relation to facing south
(Azimuth), there will be changes in the annual
average amount of energy produced by the
modules themselves, and therefore, of the
plant connected to the network to which they
are linked.
Fig. 3: Orientation Vs. Azimuth
2. Disclaimer of Liability
Since the methods of system design,
installation techniques, handling and use of
this product are beyond company control;
FUTURASUN does not assume responsibility
and expressly disclaims liability, for loss,
damage or expense resulting from improper
installation, handling or use.
3. IEC 61215 & 61730 certifications
This product meets or exceeds the
requirements set forth by IEC 61215:2016 and
61730:2016 for PV Modules. These standards
cover flat-plate PV modules and panels
intended for installation on buildings or those
intended to be freestanding. This product is
not intended for use where artificially
concentrated sunlight is applied to the module.
4. Limited Warranty
Please refer to FUTURASUN General Sales
Conditions and Product and Performance
Warranty for details of the modules’ limited
warranty. Failure to comply with this Safety
and Installation Manual will invalidate
FUTURASUN Warranty for the PV modules as
stated in the Product and Performance
Warranty.
5. Module Specification
Please refer to the technical datasheet for the
module FUTURASUN FU XXX respectively for
electrical performance data. These electrical
data are measured under Standard Test
Conditions (STC) of 1000 W/m2 irradiance,
with Air Mass (AM) of 1.5 spectrum, and a cell
temperature of 25°C.
6. Safety Precautions
Installation should be performed only by
authorized personnel!
• Module installation must be performed in
compliance with the latest IEC code (CEI
in Italy).
• Within the modules, there are no user
serviceable parts. Do not attempt to repair
any part of the modules. Contact your
module supplier if maintenance is
necessary.
• In order to reduce the risk of electric shock,
prior to installing the modules, remove
metallic jewelry and use insulated tools
during installation.
• Do not expose the modules to artificially
concentrated sunlight!
• Do not stand on, drop, scratch, or allow
objects to fall on the modules.
• Do not lift the modules at the connectors or
junction box!
• Do not install or handle the modules when
they are wet or during periods of high
winds.
East
b
South

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This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
• Do not use oil-based lubricants on any part
of the junction box as this can cause long-
term damage to the plastics.
• Ensure that wire cable connections are
routed in accordance with the junction box
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Incorrect routing of the wire cable can lead
to stress damage to the junction box.
• The minimum cable diameter for the
modules intended for field wiring is 4 mm²
• Please use the connectors following your
national regulation: i.e. in some countries
it is required to use always the same
connector in the entire system Please
contact Futurasun to know the exact
connector type used in the module you
have purchased.
• FuturaSun modules use various connector
suppliers for both for 1000 and 1500 V
module variants. Please ensure with your
local FuturaSun representative the correct
voltage rating of the connectors for your
system.
• The rated voltage of the connector should
be 1500 V and the rated current ≥ 30 A.
• The cross section for the connector is 1 x
4,0 mm².
• Do not leave cable connectors exposed in
adverse climatic conditions. Water and
dust deposits inside the cable connectors
can cause long-term damage.
• Broken module glass, a torn back sheet, a
broken junction box or broken connectors
are electrical safety hazards;
consequently, contact with a damaged
module can cause electric shock.
• Fire ratings: Spread of Flame and Burning
brand Fire Class C (acc. to UL
61730/UL790). Ignitability Test Class E
(acc. to IEC 61730-2).
• The total voltage of modules connected in
series corresponds to the sum of the
voltages of the single modules; whereas
connecting the modules in parallel results
in adding up the currents. Consequently,
strings of inter-connected modules can
produce high voltages and high currents
and constitute an increased risk of electric
shock and may cause injury or death.
• Modules shall not be connected in series
to create strings with a higher voltage
than the maximum system design voltage
and/or the maximum range allowed by the
inverter and/or the safe operational
voltage range of safety devices
/switchgears composing the system, in
the environmental conditions the system
will be installed.
• For installation, maintenance, or before
making any electrical connection or
disconnection, ensure all modules in the
PV array are exposed to a light intensity
that is less than 400 W/m2!! If necessary,
the modules should be covered with an
opaque cloth or other material in order to
shield them from exposure to light intensity
greater than 400 W/m2.
7. Installation
7a) Module Mounting
• The FU modules are qualified for an
operative temperature within the range of -
40 to +85 °C.
• The FU modules can be installed at a
maximum operating altitude of ≤ 2000
meters.
• When installing FU modules, local building
code requirements and regulations must
be observed at all times. Sufficient
ventilation of the module backside is
required and the mounting configuration
(e.g. sufficient clearance) should be
adapted accordingly.
• Do not drill any additional holes into the
module frames and do not cover the
drainage holes.
• Pre-assembled mounting systems
must be confirmed by FUTURASUN in
writing in advance
• The modules can be mounted in every
angle from horizontal to vertical, avoiding
configurations with the junction box up-
side down at all times (e.g. trackers with
“sleep mode”).
• In order to maximize module exposure to
direct sunlight, the modules should be
oriented to the south in the northern
hemisphere and to the north in the
southern hemisphere.
Mounting Methods:
Mounting using mounting holes:
• Each module must be securely
fastened at a minimum of 4 points.
• Use the 4 mounting holes (slots, see
Fig. 4 and 10) on the PV module frame
to bolt the module with stainless steel

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screws and nuts to the mounting
framework.
• The distance of the mounting holes has
been designed in order to result in a
uniform wind and snow load without
damaging the module.
• Do not drill additional holes in the
module frame; doing so will void the
warranty.
Mounting using clamping method:
• FUTURASUN recommends the use of
clamps.
• When using clamps, it is possible to
mount the modules in horizontal (the
shorter side of one module facing the
shorter side of the neighboring
module) or in vertical (the longer sides
facing each other) configuration. It is
recommended to always use stainless
steel screws and bolts.
• The modules can be mounted on
continuous base structures (inclined or
horizontal) such as rails or similar.
• Both base structures must be mounted
at the same distance from the
symmetrical axis (vertical or horizontal)
of the module.
• In vertical configuration, it is strongly
recommended to place the supporting
elements nearby the mounting holes,
or in any case, the distances shown in
Fig. 4 should be respected. This is
necessary in order to maintain a
correct load distribution.
• The FU XXX modules with 60 and 54
cells (or 120 half-cut cells) are qualified
to 3600 Pascal (5400 including a
safety factor of 1.5) in wind and snow
load when the module is fixed in the
green area (See Fig. 4, 10)
• The FU XXX modules of size 72 cells
(or 144 half-cells) are qualified to 2400
Pascal (3600 including a safety factor
of 1.5) in wind and snow load when the
module is fixed in the yellow area (See
Fig. 4, 10)
• In accordance with Eurocodes - EN
1991 it is not possible to fix the
modules in yellow area (See Fig. 4,10)
in Zone 3,4,5 of Alpine Region. Shape
coefficients must be taken into
account.
• In horizontal configuration, fixing the
modules by clamping in the green area
in fig. 4 is certified to retain the
characteristics regarding the static
loads
• When clamping the modules in
horizontal configuration on a support
structure, the distances in Fig. 4 have
to be applied in order to maintain the
resistance against static loads as
certified:
• The modules can also be fixed by
placing them with their frame on a
structure that is supporting the two
sides of the frame over their whole
length. Also in this case, the position of
the mounting clamps must be in
accordance with distances indicated in
Fig. 4.
• At least 20 mm spacing must be
maintain between modules
ATTENTION: in the case of installation with
modules in the vertical position, it is preferable
to maintain the Junction Box located in the
upper part of the module. This practice will
help reduce, as much as possible, contact
between any standing water and the Junction
Box, and avoid possible water infiltration.

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This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
Fig. 4: Positions for clamping and fixing (full cell
module)
Legend:
• For 60/54 cells (or 120 half-cut cells)
module the green areas allow for a
certified load upward and downward of
3600 Pa
• For 60/54 cells (or 120 half-cut cells)
module the yellow areas allow for a
certified load upward and downward of
2400 Pa
• For 72 cells (or 144 half-cut cells)
module the green areas allow for a
certified load upward and downward of
2400 Pa
• For 72 cells (or 144 half-cut cells)
module the yellow allow for a certified
load upward and downward of 1600 Pa
• The red areas are not allowed for
clamping
Fig. 5: Mechanical drawing of the FU XXX P (54
cells) module showing the mounting holes, the
drainage holes, and the ground connection holes.
Table 1: Distances for FU XXX P (54 cells) from
edge for clamping and fixing (mm)
FU XXX P 54 cells
Color
min
max
Green 1
273
473
Yellow 1
0
596
Red 1
596
894
Yellow 2
0
149
Red 2
149
842
1 on long side of frame | 2 on short side of frame
tolerance 2 mm

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This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
Fig. 6: Mechanical drawing of the FU XXX P / M /
PV / MV (60 cells) module showing the mounting
holes, the drainage holes, and the ground
connection holes.
Table 2: Distances for FU XXX P / M / MV / PV (60
cells) from edge for clamping and fixing (mm)
FU XXX P / M / MV / PV (60 cells)
Color
min
max
Green 1
313
513
Yellow 1
0
660
Red 1
660
990
Yellow 2
0
149
Red 2
149
842
1 on long side of frame | 2 on short side of frame
tolerance 2 mm
Fig. 7: Mechanical drawing of the FU XXX P / M /
PV / MV (72 cells) module showing the mounting
holes, the drainage holes, and the ground
connection holes.
Table 3: Distances for FU XXX P / M / MV / PV (72
cells) from edge for clamping and fixing (mm)
FU XXX P / M / MV / PV (72 cells)
Color
min
max
Green 1
389
589
Yellow 1
0
783
Red 1
783
1174
Yellow 2
0
149
Red 2
149
842
1 on long side of frame | 2 on short side of frame
tolerance 2 mm

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This document applies to modules FU XXX M / MV / P / PV / M / MV NEXT / M / MV NEXT PRO
1. Fig. 8: Mechanical drawing of the FU XXX
M / MV NEXT (60 cells) module showing
the mounting holes, the drainage holes,
and the ground connection holes
Table 4: Distances for FU XXX M NEXT (60 cells)
from edge for clamping and fixing (mm)
FU XXX M / MV NEXT (60 cells)
Color
min
max
Green 1
316
516
Yellow 1
0
666
Red 1
666
999
Yellow 2
0
150
Red 2
150
852
1 on long side of frame | 2 on short side of frame
tolerance 2 mm
Fig. 9: Mechanical drawing of the FU XXX M / MV
NEXT (72 cells) module showing the mounting
holes, the drainage holes, and the ground
connection holes
Table 5: Distances for FU XXX M NEXT (72 cells)
from edge for clamping and fixing (mm)
FU XXX M / MV NEXT (72 cells)
Color
min
max
Green 1
395
595
Yellow 1
0
792
Red 1
792
1187
Yellow 2
0
150
Red 2
150
852
1 on long side of frame | 2 on short side of frame
tolerance 2 mm

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Fig. 10: Positions for clamping and fixing (half-cut
cell module)
The same legend of fig. 4 applies
Fig. 11: Mechanical drawing of the FU XXX M / MV
NEXT PRO (120 half-cut cells) module showing the
mounting holes, the drainage holes, and the
ground connection holes
Table 6: Distances for FU XXX M NEXT PRO (120
half-cut cells) from edge for clamping and fixing
(mm)
FU XXX M NEXT PRO (120 half-cut cells)
Color
min
max
Green 1
321
521
Yellow 1
0
674
Red 1
674
1010
Yellow 2
0
150
Red 2
150
852
1 on long side of frame | 2 on short side of frame
tolerance 2 mm