REC PEAK Energy Series User manual

Installation
manual
REC PEAK ENERGYSERIES PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

REC Peak Energy Series Installation Manual
Revision G.4- 01 2012
2
CONTENTS
. Introduction
. Electrical Installation
. Mechanical Installation
. Operating limitations
. Maintenance
. Legal Information

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing REC photovoltaic modules.The REC Peak Energy series modules are ideal for
solar systems designed to deliver long-lasting and reliable power output. These modules have been
created through smart design and manufactured to the highest quality and environmental standards.
With proper installation and maintenance, REC modules will provide you with clean renewable energy
for several decades.
Please read this manual carefully. It contains critical information on safety, as well as detailed
instructions for installing, operating and maintaining this module. Review the instructions and safety
notes carefully before beginning any work on the system. Failure to do so can lead to personal injury or
damage to property.

REC Peak Energy Series Installation Manual
Revision G.4- 01 2012
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Caution: Only qualified personnel should perform work on PVsystems, such as installation,
commissioning, maintenance and repairs. Be sure to follow the safety instructions for all
system components. It is also important to observe relevant local codes and regulations for
health and safety and accident prevention.
A) ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
Application Class:
Modules are rated for use in application class A (general access, hazardous voltage, hazardous power
applications) according to IEC .
System Requirements:
REC photovoltaic (PV) modules should only be used in systems where they meet the specific technical
requirements of the system as a whole. Ensure that other system components will not cause mechanical
or electrical damage to the modules.
Connection:
• Ifthemodulesaretobeconnectedtogetherinseries,theyshouldhavethesameamperage.
• Ifthemodulesaretobeconnectedinparallel,theyshouldhavethesamevoltage.
String configuration:
If you use string configuration, plan and execute it according to the inverter manufacturer’s instructions.
The number of modules connected to an inverter should be within the inverter voltage limits and operating
range.The design of the string configuration(s) should comply with the inverter’s manufacturer’s guidelines
and must create a voltage less than the permied total system voltage.
Wiring layout and configuration
In order to minimize voltage surges which could be induced by indirect lightning strikes, DC cables of the
same string should be bundled together so that loops are kept as small as possible. String configurations
should be checked before system commissioning. If the open circuit voltage (Voc) and the short circuit
current (Isc) deviates from the specifications, this could indicate a configuration fault. Correct DC polarity
should be observed at all times.
Connection of plug connectors
All connections should be secure, tight and electrically and mechanically sound.
Accessories and materials
UV-resistant cables and connectors approved for outside use should be used. Ensure that they are
electrically and mechanically sound. Conductor gauge should be chosen so as to ensure that DC power
losses (voltage drop) are kept to a minimum (less than  is preferred). National Electrical Code (NEC)
and regulations need to be followed when selecting cables. For field connections, use minimum  mmor
 AWG copper wires insulated for a minimum of °C.
Protecting the cables
Cables should be secured to the array mounting system using UV-resistant cable ties, or other sunlight-
resistant device. Loose and unsecured cables should be protected from mechanical damage. Avoid, as far
as possible, exposing the cables to direct sunlight and permanent tension.

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Grounding (USA and Canada only)
You must ground all PV modules, using an electrical connection from the module frames to the ground. This
must be done according to the following standards:
• UseaUL-listedgroundinglug,suchasthetin-platedversionsofILSCOGBL-DB or CMC CL -DB
lay-in lugs, or their equivalent.
• Aachthegroundstotheexistinggroundingholesinthemoduleframes.
• Toensureaconductiveconnectionuseacombinationofscrew,starwasherandlocknuttomountthe
grounding lug onto the frame.
• Placethestarwasherbetweentheframeandthenut,useSize# stainless steel screw, washer and
locking nut to mount the lug to the module frame, and tighten with  -lbs (. Nm) torque.
• Thegroundingwiresizeshouldbebetween AWG and  AWG (.mm . mm).
• Canada:TheinstallationshallbeinaccordancewithCSAC22.1,safetystandardforelectrical 
installations, Canadian electrical code, part .
• Thetorqueforwirefasteningshouldbeinaccordancewiththefollowingtable:
GROUNDING DIMENSIONS ANDTORQUE
Wire size [AWG] Cross section [mm] Type Torque
[in-lbs]
Torque
[-lbs]
Torque
[Nm]
   .  . Stranded  . .
 . Stranded  . .
   .  . Stranded / Solid  . .
GROUNDING
Star Washer
Frame
Laminate
Grounding Cable

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B) RATINGS
Values at Standard Test Conditions
See Electrical data table for STC Characteristics (Irradiance level  W/m, Cell temperature °C,
spectrum AM ,).
Values for ISC, VOC and PMPP at STC are within tolerance of ±.
ELECTRICAL DATA @ STC REC225PE REC230PE REC235PE REC240PE REC245PE REC250PE
NOMINALPOWER  PMPP WP      
WATT CLASS SORTING  W / / / / / /
NOMINALPOWER VOLTAGE VMPP V , , , , , ,
NOMINALPOWER CURRENT IMPP A , , , , , ,
OPENCIRCUIT VOLTAGE VOC V , , , , , ,
SHORTCIRCUIT CURRENT ISCA , , , , , ,
Values at standard test conditions STC (airmass AM ., irradiance  W/m, cell temperature °C).
At low irradiance of  W/m (AM . and cell temperature °C) at least  of the STC module efficiency will be achieved.
MAXIMUM RATINGS
OPERATIONAL TEMPERATURE  ... °C
MAXIMUM SYSTEM VOLTAGE UL  V
MAXIMUM SYSTEM VOLTAGE IEC  V
DESIGN LOAD UL  . LBS/FT PA
MAXIMUM SNOW LOAD IEC   KG/M  PA
MAXIMUM WIND LOAD IEC   KG/M  PA
MAX SERIES FUSE RATING UL  A
MAX REVERSE CURRENT UL  A
MAX SERIES FUSE RATING IEC  A
MAX REVERSE CURRENT IEC  A
ELECTRICAL DATA @ NOCT REC230PE
BLK REC235PE BLK REC240PE BLK REC245PE BLK REC250PE BLK
NOMINALPOWER  PMPP WP     
NOMINALPOWER VOLTAGE VMPP V . . . . .
NOMINALPOWER CURRENT IMPP A . . . . .
OPENCIRCUIT VOLTAGE VOC V . . . . .
SHORTCIRCUIT CURRENT ISC A . . . . .
Nominal cell operating temperature NOCT ( W/m, AM ., windspeed  m/s, ambient temperature °C).
Values at NOCT (Nominal Operating Cell Temperature):
Underwriters Laboratories Information (U.S. and Canada only)

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Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module is likely to experience conditions that produce more
current and/or voltage than reported at StandardTest Conditions. Accordingly, the values of ISC and VOC
marked on this module should be multiplied by a factor of . when determining component voltage
ratings, conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls connected to the PVoutput.
Refer to section . of the US National Electric Code (NEC) for an additional multiplying factor of .
( derating) which may be applicable.
The multiplying factor for the open circuit voltage of the module (Voc) is according toTable . of the
NEC code.
C) ELECTRICAL SAFETY
All relevant electrical installation codes and regulations should be referred to and observed. A copy of
these instructions should be included in the system documentation.
Preventing the system from generating current
Solar modules automatically generate current (electricity) when exposed to light. To prevent this, shield
the system with a non-transparent cover during installation, maintenance or repair work.
Unique Hazards of DC Electricity
Solar modules generate direct current (DC) electricity. Once the current is flowing, breaking or opening
a connection (e.g. disconnecting a DC cable from the inverter) can cause a DC electrical arc. Unlike arcs
occurring in conventional low voltage AC wiring, DC arcs are not self-extinguishing.They are a potentially
lethal burn and fire hazard, capable of creating high temperatures that can destroy contacts and
connectors.
Always:
• Followthemoduleandinvertermanufacturer’sinstallation,handlingandoperatinginstructions
• Remove/opentheinverterACfuse/circuitbreakerbeforeyoudisconnecttheinverterfromthe
public grid
• Switchoordisconnecttheinverterandwaitforthetimespeciedbythemanufacturerbefore 
working on it - its high-voltage components need sufficient time to discharge.
Safety Requirements:
The voltage produced by individual modules and modules connected in series (voltages are added
together) or in parallel (currents are added together), can give rise to dangerous voltage and current.
Although the fully insulated plug contacts on the module’s output cables provide touch-safe protection,
you must observe the following points when handling the modules, in order to avoid the risk of sparking,
fire hazard, burn risk, and lethal electric shocks.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenwiringthemodulesandlookoutfordamagedcableends,splitcable 
ends, dirt, etc.
• Neverinsertmetallicorotherwiseconductiveobjectsintotheplugsorsockets.
• Ensurethatallelectricalconnectionsarecompletelydrybeforetheyareassembled.
• Keepallmaterials,toolsandworkingconditionscleananddry.
• Alwaysuseappropriatesafetyequipmentsuchasinsulatedtoolsandinsulatedgloves.

REC Peak Energy Series Installation Manual
Revision G.4- 01 2012
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MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
Caution: Only qualified personnel should perform work on PVsystems, such as installation,
commissioning, maintenance and repairs. Be sure to follow the safety instructions for all system
components. It is also important to observe relevant local codes and regulations for health and
safety and accident prevention.
A) FIRE GUIDELINES
Utilize the following fire safety guidelines when installing REC PE series modules:
• RECPESeriesmoduleshaveaClassCFireRating.Amaximumslopeof5in/isrequiredtomaintain
the fire class rating.
• Checkwithlocalauthoritiesforguidelinesandrequirementsconcerningresafetyforanybuildingor
structure that the modules will be mounted on or aached to.
• Thesystemdesignshouldensurethatreghtingpersonnelcanaccessthesystemintheeventof 
a building fire. Check with local authorities for any applicable regulations concerning setbacks or other
placement restrictions that may apply for roof-mounted PV arrays.
• WerecommendthatyouuseDCGroundFaultInterrupters.Thismayalsoberequiredbylocaland 
national codes.
• Allelectricalappliancesaresubjecttorerisk.Themoduleshouldthereforebemountedoverare 
retardant roof covering rated for the application and the minimum distance to the roof top should be
 inches ( cm).
B) ORIENTATION
To maximize system output, install the modules at optimum orientation and tilt angles. The specifics of
this depend on the location and must be calculated by a qualified system designer.
The ideal angle for mounting the module should result in the sun’s rays falling perpendicular (i.e. at a
° angle) to the module surface. In each series string, all the modules should have the same orientation
and tilt.This will ensure that they do not under-perform, as a result of mismatching of each module’s
outputs.
The modules should not be exposed to artificially concentrated light.
Even minor or partial shading of the modules/array will reduce array/system output. A module is
considered shade-free when it is both:
• Freefromshadeorshadowsallyearround.
• Exposedtoseveralhoursofdirectsunlight,evenduringshortestdaysoftheyear.

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C) ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
The modules are designed to be installed in moderate/temperate climatic conditions.
The modules are not suitable for installation in potentially hazardous locations.
The modules should not be installed at the following locations:
• Nearsourcesofammablegasesandvapors,suchasgas/petrolstations,gasstoragecontainers,spray
paint facilities.
• Nearopenames.
• Underwaterorinafountainorothersimilarwaterfeature.
• Wheretheyareexposedtosalt.Recommendeddistancefromthesea:165feet(50m)
• Wheretheyareexposedtosulfur,suchasnearsulfurspringsorvolcanoes,becauseofthedangerof
corrosion.
• Wheretheycanbeexposedtocorrosivechemicals.
D) MODULE HANDLING
Modules should be handled with care, and the warnings and instructions on their packaging should be
observed. Follow these guidelines when unpacking, transporting or storing the modules:
• Recordthemoduleserialnumbersbeforeinstallationandnotetheinformationinthesystem 
documentation.
• Carrythemodulesusingbothhandsandavoidusingthejunctionboxasagrip.
• Donotallowthemodulestosagorbowundertheirownweightwhenbeingcarried.
• Donotsubjectthemodulestoloadsorstresses-andavoidsteppingonordroppingthem.
• Keepallelectricalcontactscleananddry.
• Ifyouneedtostoremodulestemporarily,keeptheminadry,properlyventilatedroom.
• Donotapplyanyforcestothebacksheet.
Note that if the module front glass is broken or laminate back sheet damaged, it can expose personnel to
hazardous voltages. Therefore:
• Ifyoumustmarkmodules,avoidusingsharporpointedobjects.
• Neverapplypaints,adhesives,ordetergentstothebackofthelaminate.
• Donotuseanysolarmodulethatisdamagedorhasbeentamperedwith.
• Neveraempttodisassemblethemodules.
E) MOUNTING
REC PE Series modules are designed strictly for capturing solar radiation and are not suitable for
installation as overhead or vertical glazing.
The distance between the modules and the installation surface must be at least  cm ( in) to ensure
adequate cooling.
The array mounting structure should be able to withstand anticipated wind and snow loads. At the boom
of the module frames there are openings which allow rain water to flow away.
NOTE: Do not cover the corner draining holes shown in the draining holes illustration

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The maximum load the module should be subjected to must not exceed the module design load of . lb/
 ( Pa) (UL) respectively maximum module load of  kg/m ( Pa) (IEC6).
Site-specific loads such as wind and snow need to be taken into consideration to ensure that this weight
loading is not exceeded.
The modules are built to withstand a downward force no greater than  Kg/m ( Pa) with long-side
mounting, no greater than  Kg/m ( Pa) with short-side mounting (fig ). Site-specific loads such
as wind or snow need to be taken into consideration to ensure that this limit is not exceeded.
NOTE: In areas of snow build-up modules can be subjected to forces in excess of the stated limit even
when snow depth does not appear extreme, thus causing damage to the framework. If the installation is
likelytobeaectedbythis,furthersuitablemodulesupportisrecommendedonthelowerrowofmodules.
DRAINING HOLES
ARRAY
GR
GR
GR GR
GR
-
+