Kyocera KC Series, KC125GT, KC130GT, KC167GT, KC170GT Installation Manual

INSTALLATION MANUAL

FOR THE

KC-SERIES

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER MODULES

Please read this manual carefully before installing the modules.

6C-203650-3

1. INTRODUCTION

As the world leader in development and application of high
technology ceramic/silica materials, Kyocera offers a wide
range of highly efficient and reliable crystalline silicon solar
photovoltaic (PV) power modules. Kyocera began to
extensively research PV technology in 1975 and
commenced manufacturing operations in 1978. Since then,
Kyocera has supplied millions of cells and modules
throughout the world. With years of experience and
state-of-the-art technology, Kyocera provides the highest
quality PV power modules in a range of sizes designed to
meet the requirements of the most demanding energy and
power users worldwide.

2. APPLICATIONS

KC series modules are a reliable, virtually
maintenance-free direct current (DC) power source,
designed to operate most efficiently in sunlight. KC series
modules are ideal for powering remote homes, water
pumps, utility grid-tie, telecommunication systems and
many other applications either with or without the use of
storage batteries.

3. WARNINGS SAFETY

Solar modules generate electricity when exposed to light.
Arrays of many modules can cause lethal shock and burn
hazards. Only authorized and trained personnel should
have access to these modules. To reduce the risk of
electrical shock or burns, modules may be covered with an
opaque material during installation to avoid shocks or burns.
Do not touch live terminals with bare hands. Use insulated
tools for electrical connections.

PERMIT

Before installing your solar system, contact local
authorities to determine the necessary permit,
installation and inspection requirements.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Systems should be installed by qualified personnel
only. The system involves electricity, and can be
dangerous if the personnel are not familiar with the
appropriate safety procedures.
Do not step on the module.

Although KC series modules are quite rugged, the
glass can be broken (and the module will no longer
work properly) if it is dropped or hit by tools or other
objects.
Sunlight shall not be concentrated on the module.
The module frame is made of anodized aluminum, and
therefore corrosion can occur if the module is subject
to a salt-water environment with contact to a rack of
another type of metal. (Electrolysis Corrosion) If
required, PVC or stainless steel washers can be
placed between the solar module frame and support
structure to prevent this type of corrosion.

KC series module(s) frame must be attached to a
support structure by one of the methods described in
Section 6, Installing KC series module(s).

Module support structures that are to be used to
support KC series module(s) should be wind rated and
approved for use by the appropriate local and civil
codes prior to installation.

FIRE RATING

KC series modules are comprised of a glass front

surface, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) backskin and possess
a Class C fire rating.

GROUNDING

Refer to “Grounding” section.

INSPECTION

Follow the requirements of applicable local and
national electrical codes.

BATTERY

When solar modules are used to charge batteries, the
battery must be installed in a manner, which will
protect the performance of the system and the safety
of its users. Follow the battery manufacturer s

guidelines concerning installation, operation and
maintenance recommendations. In general, the

battery (or battery bank) should be away from the main
flow of people and animal traffic. Select a battery site
that is protected from sunlight, rain, snow, debris, and
is well ventilated. Most batteries generate hydrogen
gas when charging, which can be explosive. Do not
light matches or create sparks near the battery bank.
When a battery is installed outdoors, it should be
placed in an insulated and ventilated battery case
specifically designed for the purpose.

4. SITE SELECTION

In most applications, KC series modules should be installed
in a location where they will receive maximum sunlight
throughout the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the
modules should typically face south, and in the Southern
Hemisphere, the modules should typically face north.
Modules facing 30 degrees away from true South (or North)
will lose approximately 10 to 15 percent of their power
output. If the module faces 60 degrees away from true
South (or North), the power loss will be 20 to 30 percent.
When choosing a site, avoid trees, buildings or obstructions,
which could cast shadows on the solar modules especially

during the winter months when the arc of the sun is lowest
over the horizon.

5. MODULE TILT ANGLE

KC series modules produce the most power when they are
pointed directly at the sun. For stand alone installations the
solar modules should be tilted for optimum winter
performance. As a general rule, if the system power
production is adequate in the winter, it will be satisfactory
during the rest of the year. The solar module tilt angle is
measured between the solar modules and the ground.
Refer to the recommended module tilt angle table for your
site.

MODULE

SUNLIGHT

employed, this may affect the listing for Fire Class Ratings.
FREE STANDING: The supporting structure is used to
mount modules at correct tilt angles. The mounting design
may have an impact on the fire resistance.

KC series module may be attached to a support structure
by the following
methods:

STANDARD: Utilizing ¼" or 6mm stainless steel hardware
through the existing 0.28" diameter (7 mm) mounting holes
in the module frame and then through KC series module
mounting holes on the support structure. The stainless
steel hardware used for securing the module frame should
secure with an applied torque of 6 foot-pounds (8
Newton-meters). Refer to the Module Drawings for the
position of the solar module mounting holes.

CLAMPING: Top or bottom clamping methods certified by a
registered professional engineer, and in compliance with
local codes.

TILT ANGLE

HORIZONTAL

Module Tilt Angle

Recommended Tilt Angles for Stand Alone
Fixed Systems—Based on Winter Performance

SITE LATITUDE

IN DEGREES FIXED TILT ANGLE
0 TO 15
15 TO 25
25 TO 30
30 TO 35
35 TO 40
40 +

For grid tie installations where the solar modules are
attached to a permanent structure, the solar modules
should be tilted at an angle equal to the site's latitude. This
will typically result in the highest annual energy output.

SAME AS LATITUDE

15

LATITUDE + 5
LATITUDE + 10
LATITUDE + 15
LATITUDE + 20

6. INSTALLING KC SERIES MODULES

KC series module may be installed in various applications
utilizing a variety of support structure options and
attachment methods. For optimal performance in all
applications, clearance between the module frame and the
mounting surface is required to allow cooler ambient air to
circulate around the back of the module.

BUILDING ATTACHED: The modules are commonly
supported parallel to the surface of the building wall or roof.
Clearance between the module frames and surface of the
wall or roof is required to prevent wiring damage and to
allow air to circulate behind the module. Do not fully
enclose the photovoltaic array, as solar modules perform
best when cool in temperature. If other mounting means are

OTHER: Other method(s) certified by a registered
professional engineer, and in compliance with local codes.

7. MODULE WIRING

KC series modules come pre-wired and terminated ready
for most building attached or free standing installations.
Each module has two #10 AWG type USE-2/RHH/RHW-2
stranded sunlight resistant output cables each terminated
with Multi-Contact connectors. The positive (+) terminal
has a female connector while the negative (-) terminal has a
male connector. The module wiring is solely for series
connections only, i.e. female (+) to male (-)
interconnections. Series and parallel connections shall be
made by use of two #10 AWG type XLP sunlight resistant
output cables with male and female Multi-Contact
connectors.

NOTE: When making connections with Multi-Contact
connectors, make sure the array is disabled. DO NOT

MAKE CONNECTIONS WHILE UNDER LOAD. Module
output connections are marked “Do not disconnect under
load”.

NOTE: MAXIMUM SYSTEM VOLTAGE 600 VDC.

KC series modules and most PV system components have
a maximum system voltage rating of 600 volts DC. Some
grid-tie systems operate at or near this voltage rating. Like
other polycrystalline solar modules, the open circuit voltage
of the KC series module increases as the ambient
temperature decreases. Maximum System voltage is
computed as the sum of the open-circuit voltage of the
series-connected photovoltaic modules for the lowest
expected ambient temperature. Refer to the National

Electrical Code Article 690-7(a) for determining the
maximum number of KC series modules that can be placed
in series. Temperature coefficients, specific to the module

of use, can be used to provide the most accurate prediction
of module voltage under temperature extremes.