
Date: Dec 19th, 2019 Doc No: PS-M-0869 Ver. A Page 20 of 22
oIn a system using a battery, blocking diodes are typically placed between the battery and the PV
module output to prevent battery discharge at night.
In the event that a module is damaged (broken glass or a scratch on back sheet) and needs to be
replaced
oObserve the safety precautions listed earlier in this Manual
oWear cut resistant gloves and other personal protective equipment required for the particular
installation.
oIsolate the impacted array string to prevent current flow before attempting to remove the module.
oDisconnect the connectors of the affected module using the related disconnect tool provided by
suppliers.
oReplace the damaged module with a new functional module of the same type.
oCheck the open circuit voltage of the array string and verify that this is within 10V of the other strings
to be connected in parallel.
oTurn the breaker back on.
6.2 CONNECTOR AND CABLE INSPECTION
Inspect all cables to verify that connections are tight, the cables are protected from direct sunlight and
sited away from areas of water collection.
It is recommended to check the torque of terminal bolts and the general condition of wiring at least
once a year. Also, check that mounting hardware is properly torqued. Loose connections will result in
damage to the array.
6.3 CLEANING
The amount of electricity generated by a solar module is proportional to the amount of light falling on it.
A module with shaded cells will produce less energy and therefore it is important to keep all PV
modules clean.
Clean PV modules when the irradiance is below 200W/m2; liquid with a large temperature difference
from the modules must not be used for cleaning the modules;
It is forbidden to clean PV modules under the weather conditions of wind more than 4 grades, heavy
rain or heavy snow;
When cleaning with pressurized water, the water pressure on the glass surface of the module must not
exceed 700 KPa (14619.80psf); the module must NOT bear the extra force;
When cleaning PV modules, do NOT step on the modules; do NOT spray water on the backside of the
module or the cables; keep the connectors clean and dry; prevent fire and electrical shock from
occurring; do NOT use as steam cleaner;
When cleaning the modules, use a soft cloth together with a mild detergent and clean water. Take care
to avoid severe thermal shocks which might damage the module by cleaning modules with water which
has a similar temperature to the modules being cleaned.
Use dry or wet soft clean cloth to clean the PV modules; use of non-corrosive solvents or hard objects
are strictly prohibited;
If there is greasy dirt and other substances on the surface of the PV module which are difficult to clean,
conventional household glass cleaning agents can be used; Do NOT use the alkaline and strong acid
solvents.
The back surface of the module normally does not need to be cleaned but, in the event this is deemed
necessary, avoid the use of any sharp projects that might damage the penetrating the substrate
material.
When cleaning the back surface of the module, take care to avoid penetrating the substrate material.
Modules that are mounted flat (0°tilt angle) should be cleaned more often, as they will NOT ''self-
clean'' as effectively as modules mounted at a 10°tilt or greater.
If you are unsure whether the array or section there of needs to be cleaned, first select an array string
that is particularly soiled, then