SCHOTT solar ASE-300-DGF/50 User manual

SCHOTT Solar, Inc.
ASE-300-DGF/50
ASE 330,270,250
In this manual all references to ASE-300-DGF/50 refers to all
the models listed above.
Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance Manual

PM-00-003 Rev G ASE-300 Manual
CONTENTS
Read This First.............................................................................................................................. 1
Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 2
Codes .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Applications - How Do I Position and Construct My PV System? .......................................... 4
Applications - How Do I Connect and Wire Up My PV System? ............................................ 7
Maintenance, Trouble-Shooting, & Repair .............................................................................. 11
Field Installation of Mounting Pins........................................................................................... 14
Product Specifications and IV Curve........................................................................................ 19

Read This First
Thank you for buying a SCHOTT Solar Photovoltaic (PV) module. SCHOTT Solar combines decades of
experience in photovoltaics with a commitment to bringing the benefits of solar electricity to people
around the world.
The module you have chosen is highly efficient, uses unique proprietary technology, is extremely rugged,
and is designed to provide the longest life span of any photovoltaic (PV) module in the industry.
Before wiring, installing or using a module, it is important to read this manual and understand the
instructions. Installers should understand the basic principles of electricity and electrical appliances and
article 690 of the National Electric Code. Special attention should be given to the safety instructions.
Disclaimer of Liability
Since the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation, operation, use, and
maintenance of the module are beyond the control of SCHOTT Solar, SCHOTT Solar does not assume
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 SCHOTT Solar for any infringement of patents or other rights of third
parties which may result from use of the modules. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under
any patent or patent rights.
Important Safeguards
Read this section carefully before installing, using, repairing, or performing maintenance on your PV
modules or PV power system.
WARNING
•Lethal voltages and/or shock hazard may be present in modules and arrays
during sunlight hours, even at low light levels. This hazard increases 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.
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Safety Instructions
•Do NOT attempt to service any portion of the PV system unless you understand the electrical
operation and are fully qualified to do so.
•Use modules for their intended use only. Follow all module manufacturers’ instructions. Do NOT
disassemble the module, or remove any part installed by SCHOTT Solar.
•Do NOT attempt to open the diode housing or junction box located on the back side of any factory
wired ASE-300DG modules. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
•Do NOT use modules in systems that can exceed 600 volts (1000 – Euro version)
open circuit under any combination of solar irradiation and ambient temperature.
•Do NOT connect or disconnect a module unless the array string is open circuited or all of the
modules in the string are covered.
•Do NOT install during high winds.
•Do NOT drop, allow objects to fall on, or stand or step on modules.
•Do NOT work on modules when modules are wet. If a wet module is cracked or broken the full
system voltage may be present in the water.
•Do NOT attempt to remove snow or ice from the module.
•Do NOT direct artificially concentrated sunlight on the module.
•Do NOT wear jewelry when working on the modules.
•A two-person (“buddy” system) is recommended while performing field work on all energized
equipment where the system open circuit voltage is 30 volts or greater.
•Wear electrical insulating gloves rated at 1000 volts and suitable eye protection 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.
•Have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and electrical hook or cane available when performing field
work on all energized equipment where the system open circuit voltage is 30 volts or greater.
•Since sparks may be produced, do not install module where flammable gasses or vapors are
present.
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Codes
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
ASE-300-DG module is UL listed (qualified to UL 1703, Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels).
This UL Standard “covers flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels intended for installation on or
integral with buildings, or to be freestanding (that is, not attached to buildings), in accordance with the
National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and Model Building Codes.”
ASE-300-DG modules have a Class “A” fire rating (qualified to UL 94A.1).
National Electrical Code (NEC)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) covers the installation of photovoltaic systems and should be
adhered to when systems are designed and installed. Article 690, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, of the
NEC applies “to solar photovoltaic electrical energy systems including the array circuit(s), power
conditioning units(s), and controller(s) for such systems.”
IEC Listing
ASE-300-DG modules meet the IEC 61215.
Local Codes and Permits
Before installation of modules and/or PV systems, contact appropriate authorities to determine local
codes, permit, installation, and inspection requirements which apply.
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Applications - How Do I Position and Construct My PV
System?
Mounting Dimensions & Hardware
The ASE-300-DG/50 module has 8 mounting holes. Four (4) holes are provided on the two long back
flanges and four (4) additional holes are provided on the two short back flanges (See Figure 1).
Attachment of the module to the support structure should be made at four (4) of these holes, either at the
pairs of holes opposite each other on the long flanges, 914.4 mm (36.0”) apart, or at the pairs of holes
opposite each other on the short flanges, 641.1 mm (25.24”) apart, using M10 or 3/8” bolts, nuts, and lock
washers.
Attachment must be made at no more than four (4) holes and must be made exclusively in the holes in
the side (long) flanges or the holes in the end (short) flanges. Mounting the modules using both side
flanges and end flanges could impose significant stress on the module and possibly damage it.
It is recommended that external tooth “star” type lock washers be used to enhance the system ground
path rather than the split ring type.
It is highly recommended that either galvanized or stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers be used to
mitigate corrosion.
Holes are also provided, through the web of the module frame members, at the same locations as the
holes through the back flanges, and there are additional holes (total of 4), 2” in from each corner through
the web of the frame end caps (short sides). These holes are sized to accommodate mounting pin
assemblies, making it possible to mount the module using various bracket assemblies such as SCHOTT
SunRoof™ FS System.
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(8X) MARKED "A"
MOUNTING HOLES
"A" "A"
"A"
"A"
"A" "A"
"A" "A"
(641.10mm)
(1243.1mm)
(1852.7mm)
(19.81mm)
.78
72.9
48.9
(320.80mm)
12.63 25.24
DIODE HOUSING
25.3
(642.6mm)
"B"
"B"
"B"
"B"
GROUND POINT
& LABEL (4X)
MARKED "B"
.78
(19.81mm)
TYP
(88.90mm)
74.5
(1892.3mm)
(1282.7mm)
Ø.410 (Ø10.414mm)
10-32 THD INSERT
ASE-300 MECHANICAL LAYOUT
50.5
36.00
(914.40mm)
19.25
(488.95mm)
3.50 TYP
tolerance of +/- 1/8” to overall module dimensions (74.5 and 50.5)
Figure 1 - ASE-300-DGF/50 Mechanical Layout
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CAUTION
•Never leave a module unsupported or unsecured. If a module should fall, the
glass could break. A module with broken glass cannot be repaired and must not
be used.
Clearance between Modules
A clearance of 6 mm (1/4”) between modules is sufficient in most installations to accommodate thermal
expansion. However, the appropriate clearance is dependent upon many installation specific factors
including the support structure, temperature at the site, and the maximum operating temperature of the
module.
Orientation, Tilt Angle, and Shading
Photovoltaic modules generate maximum power when facing directly towards the sun. Since applications
and needs are different it is recommended that you consult a PV system integrator or use a commercially
available software program to determine the expected energy output. The following paragraphs list some
general rules of thumb.
To maximize annual energy output, point the array south in the northern hemisphere and north in the
southern hemisphere. Tilt the array from horizontal equal to site latitude. Your direction and tilt can vary
depending on when you wish to maximize power output. Note that these orientations are true, not
magnetic North and South.
Dirt tends to accumulate on modules installed at flatter angles and does not wash off as readily during
rainfall. Dirt accumulation on the module will reduce its energy output.
Modules should be located in an unshadowed location where they will receive maximum exposure to the
sunlight for the longest possible time during the day. Shadowing caused by buildings, trees, utility poles,
and other obstructions, may significantly reduce the module energy output.
If it is not possible to place the array in a shadow-free location, a location should be selected where there
is no shading between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. This is the most energy-productive part of the day.
Keep in mind that the worst case shading will occur on December 21 in the northern hemisphere and
June 21 in the southern hemisphere.
In systems that are configured with multiple rows of modules, the rows should be spaced far enough
apart to minimize the impact of rows shading other rows. This distance is very dependent on the latitude
at which the system is installed. The closer to the equator, the smaller this distance. The further from the
equator, the greater is this distance.
If there are questions regarding the optimum configuration in which to arrange and wire the modules, it is
recommended that you obtain assistance from your SCHOTT Solar dealer or distributor or retain an
engineer familiar with the design of PV systems.
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Applications - How Do I Connect and Wire Up My PV
System?
National Electrical Code
Your PV system should be installed in accordance with the most recent version of the National Electric
Code (NEC) Article 690, “Solar Photovoltaic Systems.” A copy of the NEC should be available at your
local library.
Module to Module Series Interconnection
ASE-300-DG modules have been designed to be easily interconnected in series. Each ASE-300-DGF/50
module has two output wires, one positive (+) and the other negative (-), that are connected to the module
inside of the diode housing. All ASE-300-DG modules come with connectors attached to the output
wires.
One output wire is fitted with a plug and the other is fitted with a receptacle. Modules are interconnected
by inserting the plug from one module into the receptacle of the next module in the array string. The
mated connector pair is then securely attached to the inside flange of the module frame to protect it from
damage.
Single Pole System
The wires that exit the diode housing are single conductor wires. Each conductor is attached to either the
positive or negative terminal inside the diode housing. To series connect modules, the plug connector of
one module is inserted into the receptacle connector of the adjacent module.
A return wire is needed to run from one end of the string to the other.
Figure 3 - Single Pin Connectors
Wiring Configuration
The ASE-300-DG modules are designed for rapid installation. The wires have been installed and clipped
to the frame in the factory. This eliminates the time consuming task of running wires in the field.
The standard wiring configuration is landscape orientation (end mount). The module output cables can be
unclipped to allow the module to be deployed in a portrait (side-mount) orientation.
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Mounting Pins (Optional)
Portrait (Side Mount)
Landscape (End Mount)
Figure 4 - Module Orientations
Building Source Circuits and Configuring Modules
PV arrays are comprised of source circuits (from one to dozens or hundreds, depending upon the desired
power). Source circuits are comprised of PV modules connected in series. The number of modules in a
source circuit can vary depending on the module voltage, ambient temperature range, and desired
system voltage, provided the max system voltage does not exceed that allowed by NEC Section 690-7
(600 volts).
When calculating the system operation voltage use the module Vp. However, when calculation the max
system voltage for the NEC compliance, use 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 the module
Spec Sheet.
NOTE
Under certain 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 values of Isc and
Voc marked on this module should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 (see Section 690-8 of the National
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