Grape Solar GS-Star-100W User Manual

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. N

VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY

Valid from May 2015

1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: [phone] (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: [phone]

1

Grape Solar Photovoltaic Modules

Safety and Installation Manual

This document applies to Grape Solar photovoltaic modules with model number GS-Star-100W. Carefully read through
this manual in its entirety before installing, operating or servicing the photovoltaic (PV) system. Failure to comply with the
instructions described in this manual may cause bodily injury or damage to property, and invalidate Grape Solar’s limited
warranty for photovoltaic modules!

©Copyright 2011, Grape Solar, Inc. All Rights Reserved

1

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. N

VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY

Valid from May 2015

1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: [phone] (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: [phone]

2

Table of Contents

I. General Information ............................................................................................3

II. Safety Precautions ……………………………………...........................................4

III. Module Installation ..............................................................................................7

IV. Maintenance ......................................................................................................11

V. Disclaimer of Liability ………..............................................................................12

VI. Appendix ……….................................................................................................13

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PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. N

VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY

Valid from May 2015

1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: [phone] (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: [phone]

3

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Grape Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are designed to produce DC electrical energy from sunlight.

2. This manual contains important safety and installation information of Grape Solar PV modules. All

safety and installation instructions described in this manual should be thoroughly understood before
installing, operating and maintaining the PV system.

3. Working on a PV system requires specialized knowledge, and must be performed by appropriately

qualified and authorized personnel only.

4. Grape Solar PV modules are subject to operate at ambient temperatures within the range -40°C to

+85°C (-40°F to +185°F).

5. PV modules are intended for outdoor, land-based applications only.

6. Rated power output specification of Grape Solar PV modules are made at the Standard Test Condition

(STC), which is 1000W/m2 irradiance, 1.5 Air Mass (AM), and 25°C (77ºF) cell temperature.
However PV modules can produce voltage at as little as 5% of full sunlight, either connected or not
connected to an electrical circuit or load.

7. Electrical current and power generated by PV module increases with light intensity and higher power

output than the rated specifications can be achieved at colder temperatures.

8. Reflection from snow, water or other surfaces can increase light intensity, and therefore increase the

current and power generated by the module.

9. Do not artificially concentrate light on the module. Concentrating light on the module may result in

damage to the module and malfunction of the whole PV system.

10. Follow all safety precautions of other equipments and components used in the PV system.

11. Retain this manual for future reference.

12. Grape Solar recommends that the customer makes a note of the serial numbers of modules in order to

keep a record of the system.

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PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. N

VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY

Valid from May 2015

1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: [phone] (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: [phone]

4

II. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. General Safety

1.1 Ensure that the modules are used for the intended purpose only.

1.2 When installing, operating and maintaining the PV system, observe all local, regional, national

and international statutory regulations, guidelines, norms and code requirements.

1.3 The safety information for other system components must also be followed.

1.4 Keep children away from the module and PV system.

2. Handling Safety

2.1 The utmost care is required when unpacking, transporting, and storing the modules. Leave

modules in packaging until they are to be installed.

2.2 Always store the modules in a dry, ventilated in-door space if possible. If the un-connected

modules have to be stored outside for any length of time, always have the glass surface facing
down and cover modules with water-proof material to prevent water collecting inside the panel
and causing damage to exposed connectors.

2.3 Carry modules with both hands. Do not use the junction box as a handle to hold or transport the

module.

2.4 Do not stand or step on the module.

2.5 Do not drop module or allow objects to fall on module.

2.6 Do not mark or scratch the front or rear surface of the module with sharp objects.

2.7 Do not disassemble, modify or adapt the module such as drilling holes in the frame or glass. Do

not apply paint or adhesive to the module rear surface.

2.8 Do not remove any part or labeling installed by Grape Solar from the module. Doing so will

void the module warranty.

2.9 Keep all electrical contacts of module clean and dry. Do not handle modules when they are wet

unless wearing the appropriate protective equipment.

2.10 Do not leave a module unsupported or unsecured.

2.11 There are no user serviceable parts within the module. Do not attempt to repair any part of the

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PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. N

VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY

Valid from May 2015

1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: [phone] (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: [phone]

5

module. Broken or damaged modules must not be used and must be handled carefully and
disposed properly since the broken glass can be sharp and cause bodily injury if not handled
with the appropriate protective equipment, and contact with any surface or the frame of the
broken module can result in electrical shock.

3. Installation Safety

3.1 All installations must be performed in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and
any applicable local codes by authorized personnel. If the module is installed in Canada,
installation shall be in accordance with CSA C22.1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.

3.2 Keep children away from module and the system when installing.

3.3 Do not wear metallic jewelry while performing mechanical or electrical installation of modules

to avoid accidental exposure to live circuits.

3.4 When working with modules exposed to light, follow all applicable regulations regarding

working with live electrical equipment.

3.5 Do not install or handle the modules when they are wet or during periods of high wind.

3.6 Do not install modules where contact with salt water is likely or where modules are likely to

become partially or wholly submerged in fresh or salt water, examples of which include boats,
docks and buoys.

3.7 Always use insulated tools and rubber gloves that are approved for working on electrical

installations to reduce the risk of electric shock.

3.8 Always use equipment, connectors, wiring and support frames suitable for working with PV

electric systems.

3.9 When installing modules on elevated locations, such as a rooftop, use caution to avoid falling or
other safety hazards by following appropriate safety practices and using required safety
equipment.

3.10 PV modules do not have a power ON/OFF switch. The only way to make modules inoperative
is removing them from light, or fully covering their front surface with an opaque material, or
placing modules face down on a smooth, flat surface.

3.11 Avoid setting the module down with any type of force on any surface, particularly when placing
it at a corner.

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