Kyocera KC Series User manual

INSTALLATIONMANUAL
FOR THE
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICPOWER MODULES
Please read thismanual carefullybefore installingthe modules.
6C-203650-3
1.INTRODUCTION
As theworldleaderin developmentand application of high
technology ceramic/silica materials, Kyocera offers awide
range of highly efficient and reliable crystalline siliconsolar
photovoltaic (PV)power modules. Kyocera beganto
extensively researchPV technology in1975 and
commenced manufacturing operations in1978. Sincethen,
Kyocera has supplied millions ofcells andmodules
throughout the world.With years of experienceand
state-of-the-arttechnology, Kyoceraprovidesthehighest
quality PVpowermodulesin arange of sizesdesigned to
meet therequirements of the most demanding energy and
power users worldwide.
2.APPLICATIONS
KC seriesmodules areareliable,virtually
maintenance-free direct current (DC)powersource,
designedtooperate most efficientlyinsunlight. KC series
modulesare idealfor powering remote homes, water
pumps, utility grid-tie, telecommunication systemsand
many other applications either with or without theuse of
storagebatteries.
3.WARNINGS SAFETY
Solar modules generate electricitywhen exposed to light.
Arrays of many modules cancause lethal shockandburn
hazards. Onlyauthorizedandtrained personnel should
have access to these modules.Toreduce theriskof
electrical shockor burns, modules may be coveredwith an
opaquematerial duringinstallationto avoid shocksorburns.
Do not touch live terminals with bare hands.Use insulated
tools for electrical connections.
PERMIT
Before installingyoursolar system, contactlocal
authoritiestodetermine thenecessary permit,
installation and inspection requirements.
INSTALLATIONANDOPERATION
Systems should be installed by qualifiedpersonnel
only. Thesystem involves electricity,and can be
dangerous if the personnel arenot familiar withthe
appropriate safety procedures.
Do not step on the module.
AlthoughKCseriesmodulesarequite rugged, the
glass can be broken(and the module will no longer
workproperly) if it is dropped or hit by tools or other
objects.
Sunlight shall not be concentratedon the module.
Themodule frame is madeof anodized aluminum,and
thereforecorrosion canoccurif the module is subject
to asalt-waterenvironment with contact to arack of
another type ofmetal. (Electrolysis Corrosion) If
required, PVC orstainlesssteel washers canbe
placed between thesolar module frameand support
structureto preventthis type of corrosion.
KC series module(s) framemust beattached toa
support structure by oneof the methods describedin
Section 6, Installing KCseriesmodule(s).
Modulesupport structures thatareto beused to
support KC seriesmodule(s) should be windrated and
approvedfor use bytheappropriate local and civil
codes prior to installation.
FIRERATING
KCseries modules arecomprised of aglassfront
surface, polyvinyl fluoride(PVF)backskin andpossess
a Class C fire rating.
GROUNDING
Refer to “Grounding” section.
INSPECTION
Follow therequirements of applicablelocaland
national electrical codes.
BATTERY
Whensolarmodulesare used to charge batteries, the
battery must be installedinamanner, which will
protect theperformance of the system andthe safety
of itsusers. Follow the battery manufacturers
guidelines concerninginstallation, operationand
maintenance recommendations.In general, the
battery (orbattery bank) should be awayfromthe main
flow of people andanimal traffic. Select abattery site
thatis protectedfrom sunlight, rain, snow, debris, and
is well ventilated. Most batteriesgeneratehydrogen
gaswhen charging,which can beexplosive.Donot
lightmatches or createsparks near thebattery bank.
When abatteryis installedoutdoors, it shouldbe
placed in an insulatedand ventilatedbatterycase
specifically designed for the purpose.
4.SITE SELECTION
In mostapplications, KC series modules should beinstalled
in alocation wherethey will receive maximumsunlight
throughoutthe year. Inthe Northern Hemisphere, the
modules should typicallyface south,and in theSouthern
Hemisphere, themodules shouldtypically facenorth.
Modules facing30 degrees away fromtrue South (or North)
will loseapproximately 10 to 15 percent of their power
output. If the module faces 60degreesawayfromtrue
South (orNorth),the powerlosswill be 20to30percent.
When choosingasite, avoid trees, buildingsorobstructions,
which could cast shadows on thesolarmodules especially
KC-SERIES

during the winter monthswhen thearc ofthe sunis lowest
over thehorizon.
5.MODULE TILT ANGLE
KC series modules producethemost powerwhenthey are
pointed directly at thesun. For stand aloneinstallations the
solar modules shouldbetiltedforoptimum winter
performance. Asageneralrule,if thesystempower
productionis adequate inthe winter, itwill besatisfactory
during the rest oftheyear. Thesolar module tiltangle is
measuredbetweenthesolar modules and theground.
Referto the recommended module tilt angle table for your
site.
ModuleTilt Angle
RecommendedTilt Angles forStand Alone
FixedSystems—Basedon WinterPerformance
SITE LATITUDE
IN DEGREES FIXED TILT ANGLE
0 TO15
15 TO25
25 TO30
30 TO35
35 TO40
40 +
15
SAME ASLATITUDE
LATITUDE + 5
LATITUDE + 10
LATITUDE + 15
LATITUDE + 20
Forgrid tie installations where thesolar modules are
attachedto a permanent structure, thesolar modules
should be tiltedat anangleequal to the site's latitude. This
will typicallyresult inthehighest annual energyoutput.
6.INSTALLINGKC SERIES MODULES
KC series module may be installed in variousapplications
utilizing avariety of support structure options and
attachment methods. Foroptimal performance in all
applications, clearancebetween themodule frame and the
mountingsurface is required to allow cooler ambient air to
circulate aroundthe back of the module.
BUILDINGATTACHED: The modules are commonly
supportedparallelto thesurface ofthe building wall orroof.
Clearancebetween themodule frames and surface of the
wall or roof is required to prevent wiring damage and to
allow air to circulate behind the module. Do not fully
enclose the photovoltaic array, as solar modules perform
best when cool in temperature.If other mounting means are
employed, this may affect the listingfor Fire Class Ratings.
FREESTANDING: Thesupporting structure is usedto
mount modules at correct tilt angles. Themounting design
mayhavean impact on the fire resistance.
KC series module may be attachedto a support structure
by the following
methods:
STANDARD: Utilizing ¼"or 6mm stainless steel hardware
through the existing 0.28"diameter (7 mm)mountingholes
in the module frame and thenthrough KCseriesmodule
mountingholes on thesupport structure. Thestainless
steel hardware used for securing the module frame should
secure with an applied torqueof 6foot-pounds (8
Newton-meters). Refer to the Module Drawings for the
position ofthe solar module mounting holes.
CLAMPING:Top or bottomclamping methods certifiedby a
registered professional engineer, and in compliancewith
local codes.
OTHER: Other method(s) certifiedby a registered
professional engineer,and incompliance with local codes.
7.MODULE WIRING
KC series modules come pre-wired andterminated ready
for most buildingattached orfree standinginstallations.
Eachmodule has two #10AWGtype USE-2/RHH/RHW-2
stranded sunlight resistant output cables eachterminated
with Multi-Contact connectors. The positive (+) terminal
has afemale connector whilethe negative (-)terminal has a
male connector.The modulewiringis solely forseries
connections only, i.e. female(+)tomale (-)
interconnections.Series and parallelconnections shall be
madebyuse oftwo #10 AWG type XLP sunlight resistant
output cables withmaleandfemale Multi-Contact
connectors.
NOTE:When makingconnections with Multi-Contact
connectors, makesurethe arrayisdisabled. DO NOT
MAKECONNECTIONSWHILE UNDERLOAD.Module
output connections are marked“Donot disconnect under
load”.
NOTE: MAXIMUMSYSTEM VOLTAGE 600 VDC.
KC series modules and most PV systemcomponents have
amaximum system voltage rating of600voltsDC.Some
grid-tie systems operate at or near this voltage rating. Like
other polycrystalline solar modules, the open circuit voltage
of theKC seriesmodule increases asthe ambient
temperature decreases. MaximumSystem voltageis
computedasthe sumof the open-circuit voltage of the
series-connectedphotovoltaicmodules for thelowest
expectedambient temperature. Refer totheNational
Electrical CodeArticle 690-7(a) fordetermining the
maximum numberof KCseriesmodules that canbeplaced
in series. Temperature coefficients,specific to themodule
of use, canbeusedto providethe most accurate prediction
of modulevoltage under temperature extremes.
SUNLIGHT
TILTANGLE
HORIZONTAL
MODULE

8.GROUNDING
Before installing yoursolarsystem, contact local authorities
to determine the necessary grounding. Attachall module
frames toan earth groundinaccordancewith the National
Electrical Code (NEC). Proper grounding is achievedby
connecting the module frame(s) and structural members
contiguously one toanother using a suitable "grounding
conductor". Thegrounding conductor, or strap, may be
copper, copperalloy, or anothermaterial acceptablefor use
as an electrical conductor per NEC. Thegrounding
conductor must then make aconnectiontoearth using a
suitable earth groundelectrode. Ensurepositiveelectrical
contact throughthe anodizing onthe module'sframe by
utilizing oneof the following groundingmethods. Attachthe
grounding conductor:
(1)to oneof the0.28"diameter (7 mm) holes marked
'ground' with abolt or screwassembly that incorporates
a bonding or external tooth washer, or a serrated
screwhead.
(2) to electricallyconductivemetal, such as that of a
support structure, whichhas been bondedto the
module framethrough a bonding or external tooth
washer, or a welded,soldered for brazed joint or other
suitable means.
(3) with twoor more screws, or twofull threads of a single
screw engaging themodule framemetal.
9.BLOCKINGDIODES
In systemsutilizing abattery, blocking diodes are typically
placed between the battery and the solar module output to
prevent batterydischargeat night. KCseries modules are
made ofpolycrystallinecells with high electrical back flow!
resistance to nighttime battery discharging. As aresult, KC
series modules donot contain ablockingdiodewhen
shippedfrom the factory.Most PVchargeregulators and
inverter incorporate nighttime disconnect feature, however.
10. BYPASS DIODES
Partial shadingofan individual module inasourcecircuit
string(i.e. two or more modules connected in series)can
cause areverse voltageacrosstheshadedcells withinthe
module.Module output current is then forced through the
shaded area bythe remaining illuminatedcellsand other
solarmodules in series with the partially shaded module(s).
Thecurrentforcedthrough theshadedcells within the
module (ormodules) causes additional module heating and
severe loss of power.All KCseries modules aresupplied
withfactory installed (nonuserserviceable)bypassdiodes.
Thepurposeofbypassdiodesistoprovide a
low-resistance current path aroundthe shadedcells,
thereby minimizing moduleheating andarraycurrent
losses.
The solar modules employ bypass diodes that have:
Rated AverageForward Current [IF(AV)]Above
maximum systemcurrent athighest module operating
temperature.
Rated RepetitivePeak ReverseVoltage [VRRM]Above
maximumsystem voltageat lowest module operating
temperature.
11.MAINTENANCE
KC seriesmodulesare designed forlonglife and require
verylittle maintenance. Under most weather conditions,
normal rainfall issufficient to keepthemoduleglass surface
clean. If dirtbuild-upbecomesexcessive,clean theglass
surface only with asoftclothusingmild detergentand water.
USE CAUTION WHENCLEANINGTHE BACK SURFACE
OF THE MODULETO AVOIDPENETRATING BACK
SHEET. Modulesthat are mountedflat (0 tilt angle)
should be cleaned more often, as theywill not "self clean"
as effectively asmodules mounted at a15 tilt or greater.
Onceayear,check the general condition of the wiring and
check to be sure thatmounting hardwareis tight. Loose
connections willresult in a damaged module or array.
KYOCERACorporation
CorporateSolar Energy Group
6Takeda Tobadono-cho Fushimi-ku,Kyoto612-8501,
Japan
Phone :[phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.kyocera.com/
KYOCERASolar Inc.
7812East AcomaDrive, Scottsdale,AZ85260,U.S.A.
Phone :[phone] or 1-800-223-9580
Fax: [phone]
http://www.kyocerasolar.com/
KYOCERASolar PtyLtd.
Level3,6-10TalaveraRoad
NorthRyde NSW2113,Australia
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.kyocerasolar.com.au/
KYOCERASolar do Brasil Ltda.
EnergiaRenovavelLTDA,Rua Mauricioda CostaFaria,
8522780-280RecreiodosBandeirantes
Rioda Janeiro,Brazil
Phone :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
http://www.kyocerasolar.com.br/
KYOCERAFineceramicsGmbH
FritzMüllerStrasse107,D-73730 Esslingen,Germany
Phone :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
http://www.kyocerasolar.com.de/
KYOCERAAsiaPacificPteLtd.
298TiongBahru Road,#13-03/05 CentralPlaza
Singapore 168730
Phone :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
http://www.kyocera.com.sg/
KYOCERA(Tianjin)Sales Trading Corp.
Binjiang InternationalHotel1106,
105JiansheRoad HepingDist. TianjinChina
Phone :[phone]
Fax:[phone]

12. SPECIFICATIONS
Typical module production may result inamaximum power from10%higher to 5% lower thanRated Power (Pmax). Under
certain conditions, aphotovoltaic module may produce more voltage and currentthan reported at Standard Test Conditions
(STC). Refer to Section690 of theNationalElectrical Codefor guidance in series string sizingand choosing overcurrent
protection.
NOTES
(1)Standard Test Conditions of irradianceof 1000 W/m2, spectrumof 1.5air mass, and cell temperatureof 25 deg C.
(2)Normal Operational Cell Temperature(NOCT) of 800 W/m2, spectrumof 1.5air mass, and cell temperatureof 25deg C.
(3)See module drawing for mountingand grounding hole locations.
Electrical Characteristics:@ STC
Model NumberKC125GT KC130GTKC167GT KC170GTKC175GTKC190GTKC200GT
Rated Power, Watts (Pmax)125130 167 170 175 190200
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 21.721.9 28.9 29.0 29.232.5 32.9
Short Circuit Current(Isc) 8.008.02 8.008.03 8.098.088.21
Voltageat Load (Vpm)17.4 17.6 23.2 23.4 23.626.1 26.3
Current at Load (Ipm) 7.20 7.397.207.277.427.28 7.61
MaximumSystem Voc600 600 600600600600 600
FactoryInstalledBypass Diode (Qty) Yes (2) Yes (2)Yes (3)Yes (3)Yes (3)Yes (3) Yes (3)
Series Fuse Rating (Amps) 1212 11 11 111111
Thermal Characteristics:
Temp. coefficient of Voc (V/ ) -8.21 10-2 -8.21 10-2 -1.09 10-1 -1.09 10-1 -1.09 10-1 -1.23 10-1 -1.23 10-1
Temp. coefficient of Isc (A/ ) 3.18 10-3 3.18 10-3 3.18 10-3 3.18 10-3 3.18 10-3 3.18 10-3 3.18 10-3
Temp. coefficient of Vpm(V/ ) -9.31 10-2 -9.31 10-2 -1.24 10-1 -1.24 10-1 -1.24 10-1 -1.40 10-1 -1.40 10-1
Physical Characteristics:
Model NumberKC125GT KC130GTKC167GTKC170GTKC175GTKC190GTKC200GT
Length, Inches (mm) 56.1(1425)56.1(1425)50.8(1290)50.8(1290)50.8(1290)56.1(1425)56.1(1425)
Width, Inches (mm) 25.7(652) 25.7(652)39.0 (990)39.0 (990)39.0 (990)39.0(990)39.0 (990)
Depth, Inches (mm)1.42(36) 1.42(36)1.42 (36)1.42(36)1.42 (36)1.42(36)1.42 (36)
Weight, Pounds (kg) 26.9(12.2)26.9(12.2)35.3(16)35.3 (16)35.3(16)40.8(18.5)40.8(18.5)
MountingHole Diameter inches
(mm) 0.28"(7)
Qty–8 0.28"(7) Qty–8 0.28"(7) Qty–4 0.28"(7) Qty–4 0.28"(7) Qty–4 0.28"(7) Qty–4 0.28"(7) Qty–4
Grounding Hole Diameter inches
(mm) 0.28"(7)
Qty–2 0.28"(7) Qty–2 0.28"(7) Qty–2 0.28"(7) Qty–2 0.28"(7) Qty–2 0.28"(7) Qty–2 0.28"(7) Qty–2