Ubiquiti sunMAX User manual

USER GUIDE

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................... 1
Overview .................................................................................1
Safety.....................................................................................1
Recommendations....................................................................2
Points to Check Before Wiring .........................................................3
Wiring Solar Panels ...................................................................3
Wiring Solar Arrays to the Inverter .....................................................3
Measuring Array Output Voltage ......................................................3
Grounding the Mount.....................................................................4
Installation Requirements .................................................................4
Additional Tile Roof Mount Requirements .............................................4
Chapter 2: Components ...................................................... 5
Solar Panel................................................................................5
Panel Connector ..........................................................................6
Mounting Assembly.......................................................................6
Connector Mount .........................................................................7
Trim Cover Kit.............................................................................7
Jumper Cable .............................................................................7
Solar Gateway ............................................................................8
Roof Mount Kit............................................................................8
Tile Roof Accessory Kit ....................................................................9
End Run Kit ...............................................................................9
Y-Cables ................................................................................ 10
Model: SM-YC-P4 ................................................................... 10
Model: SM-YC-L4.................................................................... 10
Cabling Clip............................................................................. 10
Chapter 3: Component Usage ...............................................11
Solar Panel.............................................................................. 11
Panel Connector ........................................................................ 11
Mounting Assembly..................................................................... 13
Trim Cover Kit........................................................................... 13
Landscape .......................................................................... 13
2-Portrait ........................................................................... 14
1-Portrait ........................................................................... 14
Jumper Cable ........................................................................... 16
Cable Clip............................................................................... 16
Flashing ................................................................................ 17

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Chapter 4: Analysis ..........................................................18
Basic Wind Speed ....................................................................... 18
Roof Zones ............................................................................. 18
Snow Loading .......................................................................... 18
Exposure Category ...................................................................... 18
Grounding .............................................................................. 19
Special Mounting Considerations........................................................ 19
Mounting ............................................................................... 19
Thermal Expansion...................................................................... 19
Chapter 5: AC Module Assembly .............................................20
Chapter 6: Installation .......................................................23
Roof Mount and Flashing Installation .................................................... 23
Mounting Assembly Installation ......................................................... 28
Leveling the Mounting Assemblies .................................................. 29
Trim Cover Installation .................................................................. 30
Trim Lock Installation ............................................................... 31
Panel Connector Installation for Trim Cover .............................................. 32
AC Module Installation .................................................................. 33
Solar Gateway .......................................................................... 36
Ports ............................................................................... 36
LEDs and Connectors ............................................................... 36
Installation ......................................................................... 37
Setup............................................................................... 38
End Run Installation..................................................................... 43
Safety .............................................................................. 43
Requirements....................................................................... 43
Hardware Installation ............................................................... 43
Appendix A: Span Tables ....................................................48
Exposure Category B .................................................................... 48
Interior Zone........................................................................ 48
Edge Zone .......................................................................... 49
Exposure Category C .................................................................... 50
Interior Zone........................................................................ 50
Edge Zone .......................................................................... 51
Exposure Category D.................................................................... 52
Interior Zone........................................................................ 52
Edge Zone .......................................................................... 53
Appendix B: Contact Information ............................................54

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Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
sunMAX™by Ubiquiti Networks is a grid-tie solar solution that utilizes photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar panels,
to convert solar energy into alternating current electricity. Using a watertight residential mounting system,
sunMAX offers both portrait and landscape array configurations with easy-to-use software to help you
design and implement a fully customizable solar solution.
The sunMAX solar solution should be installed by someone trained and familiar with the safety and
operational procedures of the sunMAX system and all of its components.
The AC Modules and solar system are UL listed to standard 2703. Please adhere to all applicable codes,
required permits, and regulations concerning the installation and inspection requirements as they pertain to
your location.
Safety
The following instructions and safety precautions are in place to ensure proper deployment and
operation of your solar equipment:
• Use only the materials and tools specified in this guide.
• Do not break or modify any of the solar components or use them outside of their intended use.
• Do not sit or stand on the surface of the AC Modules.
• Install components securely to avoid parts from becoming loose or falling off during the
installation.
• Only work in dry conditions with dry tools.
• Prevent rafters and sheathing from becoming wet.
• Install each AC Module securely to ensure proper operation and grounding of the array.
• AC Modules are installed on rooftops where there is danger of slipping or falling. Ladders and
scaffolding should be used when climbing onto roofs.
• Do not use chemicals on solar modules when cleaning.
• Do not wear metallic jewelry or any conductive material.
• Do not touch electrical contacts, cables, or wires.

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Recommendations
Note: Become familiar with the installation site and its surroundings by visiting the location prior to
the actual install date.
Note: It is recommended that you work with at least one other person. Never work alone.
Take the following precautions before starting work:
• Plan the job and visit the site before doing any work.
• Always work with at least one other person on site.
• Inspect power tools before using them.
When conditions make it necessary, tell workers to stop working.
• Do not perform installation in poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or high winds.
Wear appropriate work clothes and protective equipment.
• Wear gloves when handling flashing. Flashing has sharp edges and may also become hot in warm
temperatures.
• Work clothes for both the upper and lower body should fit well and allow you to move freely.
• Always wear protective equipment such as harnesses and lifelines.
• Wear non-slip shoes. Shoes get dirty when worn on a roof, so keep the soles clean.
Observe safety regulations for ascending and descending ladders and stepladders.
• Ladders from a first-story roof to a second-story roof are very dangerous. Do not set up a ladder on
a roof.
• When there is no other choice, straddle the ridge and lay down a rubber anchor mat, and secure
the ladder to the mat. Always have one person hold the ladder firmly.
• When you use a two-stage ladder, secure it with ropes or stays to prevent it from sliding sideways,
and have two people hold the ladder steady.
• Use ladders with steps broad enough to permit safe work.
When working in high places, wear harnesses and use scaffolding.
• When working at heights of 6' or more, use scaffolds or other equipment to ensure a stable work
platform.
• Scaffolds should be designed and erected by a qualified person.
• When it is difficult to erect a stable work platform, install safety nets, wear harnesses, and take
other measures to prevent falls.
• Regulations mandate the use of harnesses. Fasten harnesses securely, and check that the length of
lifelines is 6' or less.
• Attach the primary support line securely to a metal fixture installed for that purpose on a ridge or
beam.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
Install enclosures and covers.
• Install enclosures, guardrails, or covers at the end of work decks that are 10' or more above ground,
at openings, and at other dangerous locations.
• When it is extremely difficult to install enclosures, guardrails, or covers, or when they must be
removed to work in that location, install a safety net, wear harnesses, and take other measures to
prevent falls.
WARNING: Wiring work should be performed according to the provisions of the National Electrical
Code. Grounding work and wiring connections to the inverter should be performed by a qualified
electrician.
Adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Pay special attention to Article 110, Chapter 2 Article 250,
Chapter 3, Articles 300 & 310, 480 & 690.
WARNING: The solar array generates electricity whenever it is exposed to sunlight. Be careful when
handling it. There is a danger of shock if you touch the connectors or wires of the electric cables.
Points to Check Before Wiring
• The solar modules generate electricity when exposed to light. You will need to wear insulating gloves.
• You will need a multimeter for volts, amps, resistance, and continuity capable of measuring DC and AC
up to 600V and 40A.
• Make sure your tools are insulated.
Wiring Solar Panels
• Never step or sit on the glass surface of the solar modules. The glass may break.
• When you install the solar modules on the mount, never allow an output cable to become caught
between the mount and a module frame.
• Ensure that the module connectors are fully inserted. There is a risk of malfunction if they are not
pushed all the way in.
• Support output cables to eliminate slack. High winds can blow slack cable against the mount, damaging
the cables.
Wiring Solar Arrays to the Inverter
• For wiring through walls, protect the cables with metal conduits, flexible metal conduits, or other
protection. Failure to do so can result in shock and short circuits. Always use conduit to protect sections
of array output cables that are exposed to sunlight.
• For wiring outdoors, protect cables with PVC conduits, metal conduits, or flexible conduits.
• Prevent water from entering or building up in conduit by using waterproof fittings or duct seal.
• To prevent shock, tape and label the cut ends of array output extension cables (the side opposite to the
connector side) before connecting to solar module output cables. Furthermore, tape them again after
measuring the voltage of each array.
• To prevent shock when you connect the array output cables to the inverter, remove the tape one cable
at a time as you connect the cables.
Measuring Array Output Voltage
• Ensure that all solar modules are exposed to sunlight. (Remove lightproof sheets, if present.)
• Set the volt meter measurement range to a DC voltage, greater than the expected measurement.
• Keep the plus (+) solar array output cables away from the ends of the minus (-) cables, as dangerous arcs
can occur. The array output voltage under normal conditions (clear skies) can be very high.

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Grounding the Mount
• Use a minimum #10 AWG ground wire. Run a continuous bond wire to each module and rail in the array.
Refer to section on grounding in this user guide.
• Follow NEC 690 grounding provisions.
Installation Requirements
• No. 2 Phillips screwdriver
• Leveling string
• Tape measure
• Electric drill
• 3/16"(4.8 mm) long drill bit
• Chalk line
• Chalk stick (for marking cutting shingle)
• Tin snips or utility knife (for cutting shingle)
• 13 mm wrench (preferably an impact driver)
• Caulking gun
• EPDM compatible roof caulking
• Shingle ripper or other prybar to remove existing nails
Additional Tile Roof Mount Requirements
• 2"masonry hole saw or an angle grinder/saw with a masonry blade
• Roofing paper and roofing cement

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Chapter 2: Components
Chapter 2: Components
Solar Panel
The Solar Panel (SM-SP-260-DC) can be installed in portrait orientation, landscape orientation, or a
combination of both. Each panel in the array is installed downroof in the lower-edge position, side by
side until a row is complete. Prior to transferring the Solar Panels to the roof for installation, each will be
assembled with cabling and a Microinverter, at which point, the assembled parts will be referred to as an
ACModule.
39.06in (992mm)
64.92” (1649mm)
Topside View of Solar Panel
(Portrait Orientation)
Underside View of Solar Panel
(Portrait Orientation)
(Landscape Orientation)
When installing a single Solar Panel, you must have a minimum of four Mounting Assemblies. The overhang
distance past each mount (on both sides) and the spacing between Mounting Assemblies must still adhere
to the same specifications as a multi-panel array. For grounding purposes, a Panel Connector, along with a
grounding wire, is installed between the Trim Cover and the lower edge of the array.
Landscape Orientation Portrait Orientation

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Panel Connector
Panel Connectors (SM-PC) join solar panels together structurally between adjacent corners and along the
outside edges of the Solar Panels and bond them together electrically.
Mounting Assembly
Mounting Assemblies (SM-MA) provide structural support and 360° adjustment swivel between the Roof
Mount and outer edges of the Solar Panel. The arrow located on the top surface of each Mounting Assembly
should always point downward towards the Trim Cover.

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Chapter 2: Components
Connector Mount
Connector Mounts (SM-CM) provide structural support and 360º adjustment swivel between the Roof Mount
and outer edges of the Solar Panel where Mount Assemblies would coincide with a Panel Connector location.
Each Connector Mount has an arrow on the top surface of the 360° swivel that should always face forward
toward the trim cover.
Trim Cover Kit
The Trim Cover Kit is used to enhance the visual appearance and aesthetics along the entire front edge of the
array and help ease installation of the panels. There are three versions of the Trim Cover Kit: 1-panel portrait
(SM-TC-1P), 2-panel portrait (SM-TC-2P), and landscape (SM-TC-L).
Jumper Cable
Jumper Cables (SM-JC) connect and extend the Y-cables in adjacent rows together underneath the solar
array. Includes cable support clips for attaching to the inside edge of the array.

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Solar Gateway
The Solar Gateway (SM-SG) communicates with and gathers data from all Microinverters in the solar array and
sends information to Ubiquiti’s sunMAX cloud management system via the home network.
Roof Mount Kit
Provides a structural mount between the roof surface and Mounting Assembly to support the array. The kit
includes the roof mount and mounting hardware, roof flashing and counter flashing to ensure watertight
installation. (Note: Flashing has sharp edges and tends to get hot when exposed to full sunlight.)

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Chapter 2: Components
Tile Roof Accessory Kit
Provides structural mount between the roof surface and the array. Includes additional tile roof flashing with
extension post and counter flashing for watertight installation. (Note: Flashing has sharp edges and tends to
get hot when exposed to full sunlight.)
End Run Kit
The End Run (SM-EC-NA for North America and SM-EC-EU for Europe) provides easy adaptation of cabling
from the array to the electrical panel feeding the grid. It connects to the open-ended Y-cable in your solar
array to the house-side wiring that feeds into the electrical panel on the outside of your home.
Typically you want to install the Solar Panels in a manner where the End Run will wind up closest to your
breaker box or the location where the power cabling will penetrate the roof.
The End Run Kit also includes a cabling end cap and grounding kit (nut and bolt).

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Y-Cables
Model: SM-YC-P4
The sunMAX Y-Cable (Portrait) is used to connect panels and devices such as the Solar Gateway or a
microinverter in a portrait panel configuration.
Model: SM-YC-L4
The sunMAX Y-Cable (Landscape) is used to connect panels and devices such as the Solar Gateway or a
microinverter in a landscape panel configuration.
Cabling Clip
Cable Clips hook and snap onto the solar panel from underneath to support and secure Jumper Cables and
Y-Cables to the frame’s edge.

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Chapter 3: Component Usage
Chapter 3: Component Usage
All sunMAX mounting components are installed into the Solar Panel frame using the same motion.
Components hook underneath the outer edge of the panel’s frame and then pivot down. Never force a
component into place as it can damage the Solar Panel’s frame.
Solar Panel
When installing a single Solar Panel, either portrait or landscape, it must have a minimum of four Mounting
Assemblies. The overhang distance past each mount (on both sides) and the spacing between Mounting
Assemblies must still adhere to the same specifications as a multi-panel array. For grounding purposes, a
Panel Connector, along with grounding wire, is installed between the Trim Cover and the lower edge of the
solar array.
Panel Connector
Panel Connectors are installed horizontally only, regardless of orientation of the solar array. Do not install
vertically between the panels in your array.

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
When you have multiple mounts on a Solar Panel or one right next to a connector, do not install the mount
closest to the connector. Leave it loose temporarily, allowing the Solar Panel to drop quite a bit where they
come together and make it easier to level the array panels.
The Panel Connectors have preset gaps on them where the Solar Panels will sit as they come together. Align
the gaps with the frame edges, hook them underneath, and pivot down.

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Chapter 3: Component Usage
Mounting Assembly
Mounting Assemblies provides structural support and 360º adjustment between the Roof Mount and the
outer edges of the Solar Panel. The Mounting Assembly base also slides forward and backward to allow
adjustment of the swivel mount position supporting the Solar Panel. The arrow located on the top surface of
each Mounting Assembly should always point downward towards the Trim Cover.
The same function and installation rules apply to the Connector Mounts as well. Connector Mounts (SM-CM)
provide structural support and 360° adjustment swivel between the Roof Mount and outer edges of the array
where Mounting Assemblies would coincide with a Panel Connector location.
Trim Cover Kit
Trim covers serve the following purposes:
• Provide a cleaner appearance.
• Serve as an assembly aid by structurally stabilizing the array.
There are three different Trim Covers based on the layout of your solar array:
Landscape
Standard width of one Solar Panel in landscape orientation. In a landscape layout, there will be one Trim
Cover per column along the front edge where the first Solar Panel will be installed.

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
2-Portrait
Standard width of two Solar Panels in portrait orientation. For every 2 columns of Solar Panels in portrait
layout, there will be one Trim Cover that extends along the front row of both AC Modules. For instance in an
eight-column array of portrait Solar Panels, use four of the SM-TC-2P Trim Covers.
1-Portrait
Standard width of a single Solar Panel in portrait orientation. The single portrait Trim Cover is used in a solar
array where there is an odd number or portrait columns. For instance in an array or three portrait columns,
use one SM-TC-2P portrait Trim Cover and one SM-TC-1P portrait Trim Cover.

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Chapter 3: Component Usage
The Trim Covers also come with two end plates, or endcaps. Depending on the layout of your solar array, if
columns go beyond a single landscape, portrait, or 2P design, multiple Trim Covers may be used and installed
side-by-side across the front edge of your array. Once the front edge of your solar array is complete, install an
end plate on both of the open ends of the Trim Covers using the included mounting screws.
Each Trim Cover also comes with a set of trim locks to secure it in place at all Mounting Assembly locations
along the front edge of the array.

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sunMAX™Solar User Guide
Jumper Cable
Jumper Cables are used to connect power cables in adjacent rows or small gaps between modules. The same
Jumper Cable can be used in either portrait or landscape installations.
Jumper Cable
Cable Clip
Cable Clips hook onto the panel’s edge to support and secure Jumper Cables and Y-Cables to the AC Module.
Cables then snap into the Cable Clip underneath the AC Module, holding them in place along the inside edge
of the AC Module’s frame.