Kyocera KD130GX-LPU, KD185GX-LPU INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION MANUAL

FOR THE

KD130GX-LPU～～～～KD185GX-LPU

OF

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER MODULES

Please read this manual carefully before installing the modules.

KYOCERA

1. INTRODUCTION

As the world leader in the 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

KDxxxGX-LPU series modules are a reliable, virtually
maintenance-free direct current (DC) power source,
designed to operate at the highest level of efficiency.
KDxxxGX-LPU series modules are ideal for remote
home, water pumping, utility-tied, telecommunications
and many other applications either with or without using
storage batteries.

3. WARNINGS & SAFETY

PV 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. Do not touch
live terminals with bare hands. Use insulated tools for
electrical connections. Do not use these modules for
solar concentration.

PERMIT

・

Before installing your PV system, contact local
authorities to determine the necessary permits,
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.

6C-207461

・ Do not step on the module.
・ Although KD

durable, the glass can be broken (and the module will no
longer work properly) if it is dropped or hit by tools or
other objects.

・ The module frame is made of anodized aluminum, and

therefore corrosion can occur if the module is subject to
a salt-water environment and is in contact with another
type of metal (electrolytic corrosion). If required, PVC or
stainless steel washers can be placed between PV
module frame and support structure to prevent this type
of corrosion.

・ KDxxxGX-LPU

attached to a support structure by one of the methods
described in Section 6, Installing KD
module(s).
Module support structures to be used to support

・

xxxGX-LPU

KD
and approved by the appropriate local and civil codes
prior to installation.

・

Do not expose the back of the module to direct sunlight
In Canada installation shall be in accordance with CSA

・

C22.1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.

FIRE RATING

・

In case of roof installation, PV module assembly shall be
mounted on a fire resistant roof covering rated for the
application. KD
comprised of a glass front surface, polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) backsheet with a Class C fire rating.

xxxGX-LPU

series module frame(s) must be

series module(s) should be wind rated

xxxGX-LPU

series modules are quite

xxxGX-LPU

series modules are

series

GROUNDING

・

Refer to “Grounding” section.

BATTERY

・ When PV modules are used to charge batteries, the

battery must be installed in a manner, which will ensure
the performance of the system and the safety of its users.

Follow the battery manufacturer’’’’s safety guidelines
concerning installation, operation and maintenance
recommendations. In general, the battery (or battery

bank) should be kept away from people and animals.
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 this purpose.

4. SITE SELECTION

In most applications, KD
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 PV modules

xxxGX-LPU

series modules

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

5. MODULE TILT ANGLE

xxxGX-LPU

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

series modules produce bigger power

6. INSTALLING KDxxxGX-LPU SERIES
MODULES

To install the module, use bolt and nut on installation holes
which are opened in the module frame and install the
module by following the instruction below.

The minimum spacing of .6” (15 mm) is required between
PV module and the mounting surface around the perimeter
of PV module. KD
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 and to avoid the module and / or wiring damage. A
minimum of .13” (3.2 mm) spacing must also be maintained
between module frames to allow for thermal expansion.

KD

xxxGX-LPU

support structure by the following methods. When installing
modules in snowy area, an appropriate countermeasure
has to be taken to prevent possible damages to the lower
side frame by slipping snow (e.g. attach supporting parts to
the lowest modules.). Any damage caused by snow or such
countermeasure is not covered under warranty.

BOLTING: Utilizing 5/16” or 8 mm steel hardware structure
through the existing .35” (9 mm) diameter mounting holes in
the module frame and then through KD
module mounting holes on the support structure. Tighten
the screws with adequate torque (usually 132 in-lb).
Support structure should have enough strength to keep the
mounting span. Refer to the Module Drawings for the
position of PV module mounting holes.

xxxGX-LPU

series modules may be attached to a

series modules may be

xxxGX-LPU

series

7. MODULE WIRING

KD

xxxGX-LPU

terminals ready for most building attachments or free
standing installations. Each module has two #12 AWG type
USE-2/RHH/RHW-2 stranded sunlight resistant output
cables each terminated with Multi-Contact
connectors. The positive (+) terminal has a male connector
while the negative (-) terminal has a female connector. The
module wiring is solely for series connections only, i.e. male
(+) to female (-) interconnections. Series and parallel
connections shall be made by use of two #10-14 AWG type
XLPE sunlight resistant output cables with male and female
Multi-Contact
NOTE: When making connections with Multi-Contact
connectors, make sure the array is disabled. DO NOT
MAKE CONNECTIONS WHILE UNDER LOAD. Module

series modules come pre-wired with



locking



locking connectors.

output connections are marked “Do not disconnect under
load”.

: MAXIMUM SYSTEM VOLTAGE 600 VDC.

NOTE

KD

xxxGX-LPU

components have a maximum system voltage rating of 600
volts DC. Some grid feed in systems operate at or near this
voltage rating. Like other polycrystalline the PV modules,
the open circuit voltage of the KD
modules increases as the ambient temperature decreases.
Maximum system voltage is computed as the sum of the
open-circuit voltage of the series-connected PV modules for
the lowest expected ambient temperature. Refer to the
National Electrical Code Article 690-7(a) for determining the
maximum number of KD
can be placed
to the module of use, can be used to provide the most
accurate prediction of module voltage under temperature
extremes.

: Install the maximum number of series connection for

NOTE
the KD
voltage is less than 600 V.
NOTE
maximum over current protection.
NOTE
for the KD
NOTE
larger current and / or voltage than reported in the standard
test conditions. Therefore, when voltage evaluations for
components, capacity of conductors, size of fuses, and size
of control systems connected to the module output are
determined, multiply the values of short- circuit current (Isc)
and open-circuit voltage (Voc) that are marked in
KD

xxxGX-LPU

: Do not connect the modules in parallel without

: The minimum diameter that the cable can be bent

: In normal conditions, PV modules may produce

xxxGX-LPU

series modules and most PV system

xxxGX-LPU

xxxGX-LPU

in series. Temperature coefficients, specific

series modules so that the system

xxxGX-LPU

series modules by the coefficient, 1.25.

series modules is 1.93” (49mm).

series modules that

series

8. GROUNDING

Before installation, contact the local code authorities to
determine the necessary grounding requirements. When
installing in US market, attach all PV module frames to an
earth ground in accordance with the National Electrical
Code (NEC) Article 250. Proper grounding is achieved by
connecting PV module frames and all metallic structural
members contiguously to one another using a suitable
grounding conductor. The grounding conductor shall be of
copper, copper alloy or another material suitable for use as
an electrical conductor per NEC. The grounding conductor
must then make a connection to earth using a suitable earth
grounding electrode. Ensure positive electrical contact
through the anodizing on the module frame extrusion by
utilizing one of the following methods. Attach the grounding
conductor:

(1)to one of the .35” (9mm) diameter holes marked “ground”

using 5/16” stainless steel hardware. Wrap conductor
around bolt. Tighten the screws with adequate torque
(usually 132 in-lb). Avoid direct contact of copper ground
conductor to aluminum frame.

(2)to a ground lug (manufacturer:ILSCO,model:GBL-4DBT).

Tighten the screws with adequate torque (usually 62
in-lb). Use #10-32 stainless steel hardware to attach the
lug to the module frame by the torque of 40 in-lb. A
stainless steel star washer, positioned between the lug
and the anodized surface of the frame, must be employed
to break through the anodized layer of the frame