Kyocera KD240GX-LFB2, KD245GX-LFB2, KD250GX-LFB2 Installation Manual

INSTALLATION MANUAL

FOR KYOCERA PV MODULES

Please read this manual carefully before installing the modules.

6C-211046

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 b egan 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 users
worldwide.

2. APPLICATIONS

Kyocera PV module (hereinafter referred to as “the PV
module”) is a reliable, virtually maintenance-free direct
current (DC) power source, designed to operate at the
highest level of efficiency. The PV module is ideal for
residential, commercial, or utility applications; grid-tie or
off-grid applications and those 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.

・ Do not step on the module.
・ Although the PV module is quite durable, the glass ca n

be broken if it is dropped or hit by tools or other objects.
This will render the module inoperable.

・ The module frame is made of anodized aluminum, and

therefore corrosion can occur if the module is subject to
a salt-water environment and/or is in contact with
another type of metal (galvanic corrosion). Pay attention
to the above and take appropriate measures to prevent
corrosion when selecting the installation environment,
material of support structure, and clamping method.

・ The PV module frame(s) must be attached to a support

structure by one of the methods described in Section 6,
INSTALLING PV MODULE.

・

Module support structures used to support the PV
module

should be wind rated 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.

CAUTION

・ Do not touch the PV module with bare hands.

The frame of the PV module may have sharp edges and
may cause injury. Wear suitable gloves, such as leather
gloves with padding in the palm and finger areas.

FIRE RATING

・ In case of roof installation, the PV module assembly

shall be mounted on a fire resistant roof coveri ng rated
for the application. The PV module is comprised of a
glass front surface and polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) backsheet and has a Class C fire rating.

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, the PV 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

KD240GX-LFB2, KD245GX-LFB2
KD250GX-LFB2

・ When handling the modules,

DO NOT HOLD THEM BY
SUPPORTING ONLY ONE
SIDE OF THE FRAME
BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE
SEPARATION OF THE
GLASS AND FRAME.

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

5. MODULE TILT ANGLE

The PV modules produce more power 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.

6. INSTALLING PV MODULE

A minimum spacing of 2” (50 mm) is required between the
PV module and the mounting surface around the perimeter
of PV array. The PV modules 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 and to avoid
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.

The PV modules may be attached to a support structure by
the following methods. The structure should have eno ugh
strength to achieve the mounting span. When installing
modules in a snowy area, an appropriate countermeasure
has to be taken to prevent possible damage to the lower
side frame by slipping snow (e.g. attach supporting parts to
the lower side frame of modules.). Any damage cause d by
snow or such countermeasures is not covered under
warranty.

BOLTING: Use 5/16”(8mm) stainless steel (or equivalent in
corrosion resistance)

hardware through the existing .35”x.37”

(9×9.5mm)

slotted mounting holes in the module frame and
then through the holes on the support structure. Tighten the
screws with adequate torque (usually 132 in-lb; refer
structure manufacturer specifications). Refer to the module
drawings (Section 12) for the position of mounting holes.

CLAMPING: Fasten modules firmly using clamps which will
not be deformed by wind load or snow load. Clamps should
be attached to support structure with 1/4” (6mm) or larger
bolt and nut with adequate torque (usually 71 in-lb; refer
structure manufacturer specifications). Bolt and nut should
be stainless steel or equivalent in corrosion resistance.
Support structure should support the bottom of module at
least .39” (10mm) width or overlap. Clamps must not bend
the module frame nor damage the surface of the frame.
Clamps also must not shade the sunlight incidence on glas s
surface. Take measures to prevent module from falling off
clamps. Refer to the ‘CLAMPING AREA’ in the Module
drawings (Section 12) for the permissible clamping range.

CONTINUOUS CLAMPING:
Continuous clamping means mounting PV module by two
long clamps which cover overall length of the module frame.

Fasten modules firmly using continuous clamps which will
not be deformed by wind load or snow load. Support
structure should support the bottom of module at least .39”
(10mm) overlap. Clamps must not bend the module frame
nor damage the surface of the frame. Clamps also must not
shade the sunlight incidence on glass surface. Take
measures to prevent mo dule from fall ing of f clamps . If there
is clearance between clamp and module side face, take
measures to prevent modu le from moving or falling off (e.g.
put plastic parts into clearance.). Refer to the
‘CONTINUOUS CLAMPING AREA’ in the Module drawings
(Section 12) for the permissible clamping range.

The clamp specification is below;

A- SUS304 or equivalent

t: thickness L: width a: overlap

0.079" (2.0mm)
and over

min. 1.93"

(49mm)

0.098" (2.5mm)

and ove

r

min. 1.34"

(34mm)

0.12" (3.0mm)
and over

min. 0.94"

(24mm)

Long side clamping;

min. 0.20" (5mm)

short side clamping;

min. 0.35" (9mm)

B-anodized aluminum AL6063-T5 or equivalent

t: thickness L: width a: overlap

0.079"

(2.0mm)
and over

frame

length

min. 0.28 "

(7mm)

0.12"

(3.0mm)

and over

min.

1.50"

(38mm)

0.14"

(3.5mm)

and over

min.

1.18"

(30mm)

0.16"

(4.0mm)

and over

min.

0.98"

(25mm)

Long side clamping;

min. 0.20" (5mm)

Short side clamping;

min. 0.35" (9mm)

The clamp shape and dimensions above are for reference
only, and any damage caused by clamps is not covered
under warranty.

7. MODULE WIRING

The PV module comes pre-wired. Each module has two #12
AWG type PV-wire stranded sunlight resistant output
cables each terminated with SMK R51-7/P51-7 (MC4
compatible) 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/or parallel connections shall be made with
#10-14 AWG type PV-wire stranded output cables, h aving
sunlight resistant and temperature rating of 90℃ minimum,
with SMK R51-7/P51-7

(or MC4: PV-KST4/KBT4) connectors.

NOTE

: When making connections with the 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 IS 600 VDC.

The PV module 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 PV modules, the open-circuit voltage
of the PV modules increases as the ambient te mperature
decreases. Maximum system voltage is computed as the

a

t

L