Ubiquiti sunMAX User manual

USER GUIDE

i
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

ii
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

1
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.

2
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.

3
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.

4
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

5
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

6
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.