
7
INSTALLATION
There are multiple ways of installing Solbian Solar Panels. The panels can be supplied with
either Quick Connect Cables or Rear Wiring Strips for the electrical connection, and Velcro,
zippers, grommets and other custom fasteners can be installed by your local canvas shop.
Installing a Solbian Solar Panel with Terminal Strips permanently to a hard surface requires
special considerations. It is recommended that this type of installation be accomplished by
a qualified and competent professional. The use of a twin-wall backing panel is highly
recommended for this type of installation.
Solbian Panels must not be bent to a chord height (sagitta) greater than 25% of the arc length.
Simplified: The depth of bend must not exceed 25% of the length or width of the panel.
Panels must be properly installed, following the instructions. The support structure that the panel will be
installed on, must be capable of full support, without deformation, in any weather condition, like wind, snow
and, for marine applications, salt and storms. The support structure should not be subjected to excessive bending
and flexing. Excessive and repetitive flexing or bending of the support structure may cause irreversible damage to
the panel components, reducing the efficiency and possibly causing internal structural damage.
S
Modules fixing must be executed with maximum attention and precision, in fact the glue placed on
SOLBIANFLEX modules doesn’t permit a replacement or a splitting up of modules without damaging it. First
of all, put the sheaths that shrink when exposed to heat into ribbons, paying attention to put the sheath
s as
nearest as possible to the module. The aim is to minimi e the surface covered by ribbons. Use a hot source
(phon or flame) to shrink and then adhere the sheaths to ribbons. Eventually use some SikaFlex to
electrically isolate with a thin coating the metallic part of the ribbon nearest to the module that could be
uncovered by sheaths. Sign a rectangle on the rigid support where the module will be fixed on, with the
same internal dimension of the module, to determine its exact position:
The mounting of the panel must permit air to freely circulate at least on the face exposed to sunlight.
This reduces the temperature and results in better performance.
Electrical wiring size must be sufficient for a maximum voltage drop of 3%. Consult NEC tables, ABYC
Standard E11, or your Solbian dealer for guidance.
It is recommended to use electrical cable designed for the marine environment if permanently exposed.
Purpose made electrical cables with MC4 connectors are available from your Solbian dealer .
IMPORTANT:
.
IF THE PANEL IS TO BE MOUNTED ON A FLEXIBLE SURFACE, I.E. A CANVAS DODGER OR
BIMINI, THERE MUST BE NO COMPONENT OF THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE UNDER THE
MATERIAL THAT CAN INTERFERE WITH THE UNIFORM LAY OF THE PANEL.
.
THERE MUST BE NO BEAM, RAIL, BAR, OR OTHER FORM OF BRACING OR SUPPORT
UNDER THE CANVAS OR FLEXIBLE MATERIAL THAT CAN FORM A HARD RIDGE THAT THE
PANEL MIGHT REST ON. THE PANEL MUST LAY ON COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED
MATERIAL FOR THE ENTIRE PANEL SURFACE AREA.
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FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE PANEL
AND FABRIC THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.