Memc M260AMC User Manual
Installation Manual
for MEMC Silvantis 60 cell Photovoltaic Modules
Product List: MEMC-M235AMA, MEMC-M240AMA, MEMC-M245AMA, MEMC-M250AMA, MEMC-M255AMA,
MEMC-M240LMA, MEMC-M250LMA, MEMC-M260LMA, MEMC-M240AMC, MEMC-M245AMC,
MEMC-M250AMC, MEMC-M255AMC, MEMC-M260AMC,
MEMC-M240LMC, MEMC-M250LMC, MEMC-M260LMC
© Copyright 2012 MEMC Electronic Material
Installation Manual: MEMC Silvantis 60 cell PV Modules
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................... 3
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2.0 PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES PRODUCT CODE
3.0 MODULE OVERVIEW
3.1 STORAGE, UNPACKING, AND HANDLING........................................................................................................... 3
3.2 SAFETY........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.3 MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
........................................................................................................................................... 3
..................................................................................... 3
4.0 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 PLANNING AND DESIGN.......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 MODULE INSTALLATION OPTIONS........................................................................................................................ 5
4.3 MODULE INSTALLATION USING CENTER MOUNTING BRACKETS................................................................... 7
4.4 MODULE INSTALLATION USING SHARED RAILS M240/250/260LMA AND M240/250/260LMC........ 7
4.5 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION WARNINGS............................................................................................................ 8
5.0 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................. 8
5.1 PLANNING AND DESIGN.......................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 MODULE WIRING....................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.3 GROUNDING.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.4 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WARNINGS............................................................................................................. 10
6.0 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY.............................................................................................................................. 10
7.0 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS AND SPECIFICATIONS
8.0 APPENDIX
8.1 MODULE DETAILS.................................................................................................................................................... 13
8.2 MODULE ILLUSTRATIONS...................................................................................................................................... 14
8.3 PREMOUNTED CABLES AND CONNECTORS.................................................................................................... 15
.................................................................................................................................................................. 13
............................... 11
Customer Service
MEMC Singapore PTE. LTD.
11 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh
Block B Jackson Square 4th Floor
Singapore 319579
Fax: (65) 6681-9301
Email: Module_Warranty@memc.com
Website: www.memc.com
© Copyright 2012 MEMC Electronic Material
Installation Manual: MEMC Silvantis 60 cell PV Modules
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this guide is to provide general information regarding the proper installation and handling of MEMC photovoltaic
modules that serve residential, commercial, and industrial segments. System design, construction, and commissioning should be
performed by qualied personnel only.
To ensure system integrity, designers, installers and operators must meet all mechanical and electrical requirements for the system and
its components. It is the responsibility of the system designer and installer to ensure that all codes and requirements are followed as
well.
Please review all the sections that pertain to proper installation of modules listed in this Guide. The instructions detailed in this guide
must be followed throughout the module’s lifetime deployment. If you need additional information about the safe, proper use and
handling of MEMC photovoltaic module products, please contact MEMC.
2.0 PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES PRODUCT CODE
This guide is to be used for MEMC Silvantis 60 cell photovoltaic (PV) module installation. Please refer to the following module numbers
before using the guide:
Modules with tempered glass: MEMC-M235AMA, MEMC-M240AMA, MEMC-M245AMA, MEMC-M250AMA, MEMC-M255AMA
Modules with anti-reective coating (AR coating or ARC): MEMC-M240AMC, MEMC-M245AMC, MEMC-M250AMC,
MEMC-M255AMC, MEMC-M260AMC
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Modules with corner cap and tempered glass: MEMC-M240LMA, MEMC-M250LMA, MEMC-M260LMA
Modules with corner cap and anti-reective coating: MEMC-M240LMC, MEMC-M250LMC, MEMC-M260LMC
3.0 MODULE OVERVIEW
MEMC Silvantis Photovoltaic modules consist of a series of electrically interconnected crystalline silicon solar cells that are sealed within
a laminated sheet of tempered glass superstrate* and EVA/back-sheet substrate. These laminates are secured inside an aluminum
frame to provide rigidity and a means for attachment to mounting sub-structures. The frames should not be modied or removed.
* Tempered glass may have AR coating.
• Photovoltaic modules are designed and constructed for outdoor use. Do not submerge modules in water at any time.
• The front and back of each module is labeled with a product bar code. Do not cover, remove or deface these labels. This may
be required for product identication.
• Damage to the glass surface or the anti-reective coating can impact the power output and overall eciency of the system.
Scratches, handling marks, or any damage to the glass surface must be avoided.
• For best performance and to avoid potential issues, keep the front side of the module clean and free of obstructions including
covers, tape, adhesives, paint and debris.
3.1 STORAGE, UNPACKING, AND HANDLING
• Packaged modules must be stored in a dry and ventilated area.
• Packaged modules must not be exposed to rain, snow, hail or other environmental conditions that may compromise the
packaging material and the modules.
• Packaged modules must be on appropriate provided pallets and must not be stacked more than two pallet high for storage.
• Once the modules are opened, store modules in a dry and ventilated room.
• Modules should never be stored in a wet environment.
• Upon unpacking, do not carry a module by its wires or junction box. Only carry a module by its frame with two or more
people.
• Precaution should be taken to avoid damage to the glass surface with or without anti-reective coating due to improper
handling during storage or unpacking.
© Copyright 2012 MEMC Electronic Material
Installation Manual: MEMC Silvantis 60 cell PV Modules
• Keep all electrical contacts clean and dry.
• All modules are manufactured with a sealed junction box and pre-attached cables and locking connectors. These
components should not be modied or tampered with in any way.
• Do not allow unauthorized persons near the installation site or storage area of modules.
• Do not place modules on top of one another.
• Do not place any load on the module or twist the module frame.
• Do not stand, step, walk, or jump on the module.
• Do not drop or place objects on the modules such as tools.
• Do not handle modules with bare hands and avoid scratches, handling marks, or any damage especially to the front glass of
the module, backsheet, or electrical components.
• Do not mark the modules with sharp instruments.
• Do not leave a module unsupported or unsecured.
• Do not modify module frames in any way.
3.2 SAFETY
The following safety guidelines and best practices should be followed:
• All installations must be performed in compliance with all applicable regional and local electrical codes or other national or
international electrical standards.
• Use insulated tools during installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of photovoltaic modules.
• Wear suitable protection to prevent direct contact with module’s electrical output and mechanical sharp edges.
• Cover the front of the modules with an opaque material to stop production of electricity when installing or working with a
module or wiring.
• Modules connected in a series should not be disconnected under illumination. Disconnecting modules under illumination may
cause electrical arcing which may result in burns, res or other problems.
• Follow industry best practices when commissioning, trouble shooting, disconnecting, or connecting a PV system.
• Trouble shooting should include planning, checking, disconnecting, cause seeking, replacement, and record keeping.
• Do not install or handle the modules or their components when they are wet or during periods of high wind.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or open any part of the module including junction box or sub-components.
• Do not articially concentrate sunlight on a module.
• Do not install or handle any broken modules. If a module is broken, or the back sheet is torn, contact with the surface or
frame can cause an electrical shock.
• Do not wear rings, jewelry, watches, or other metallic items while working with photovoltaic modules.eping.
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3.3 MAINTENANCE
Check modules, glass, and frames for damage. Regularly inspect all MEMC Silvantis Solar Modules for safe electrical connections,
sound mechanical connections, and freedom from shading and corrosion. If dirt or debris buildup becomes excessive, periodically
clean the glass only with a soft cloth using mild, non-abrasive detergent and water. When using mild cleaning liquids, a neutral pH in
the range of 6.0 to 8.0 is recommended. Chemicals with pH less than 6.0 or greater than 8.0 should be avoided as it may damage
the glass surface and or the AR coating. Please consult with system designer to decide the cleaning and inspection frequency
according to local environmental conditions.
Do not power wash or use harsh cleaning materials or objects such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades, or other sharp
instruments to clean the glass surface of the module. Use of such materials will invalidate the product warranty.
WARNING: Use caution when cleaning the back surface of the module to avoid penetrating the substrate materials.
© Copyright 2012 MEMC Electronic Material
Installation Manual: MEMC Silvantis 60 cell PV Modules
4.0 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
4.1 PLANNING AND DESIGN
• Before installation, check to ensure all sub-structure will accommodate expected system loads. This includes and is not
limited to roof, foundations, mechanical structure, and mechanical connections.
• For roof installations, utilize a re-resistant roof covering rated for the application.
• Mechanical structures should not contact the module backsheet under any expected load conditions
• Consider the following factors during system design, which will inuence performance:
a) MEMC solar modules produce the most power when they are pointed directly at the sun, and should be tilted for
optimum system performance.
b) Proximity to obstructions such as: walls, buildings, trees, groundcover, snow cover, or dust and debris that have the
potential to shade or damage the modules.
c) Elevated temperatures will decrease energy yield, so designs should ensure adequate airow across the back of the
module.
d) Allow a minimum spacing of 10 mm between modules for thermal expansion.
4.2 MODULE INSTALLATION OPTIONS FOR MOUNTING LOCATIONS
For mounting locations for clamps or bolt for specied load, please refer to Table on page 6.
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• Each module should be mounted using four bolts through the mounting holes on the rear side of the module, or with four
clamps over the front side.
• Depending on the desired load capability of the array, modules may be mounted either perpendicular or parallel to the
structure rails. Clamps can be mounted anywhere inside of the safe mounting range for each case illustrated below (referring
to chart showing clamp and bolt mounting locations).
• If using bolts, eight mounting holes are provided on the rear side the module frame as shown in Appendix 8.1. Use a stainless
steel bolt stack no smaller than ¼"-20 or M6, with two at washers and a locking washer as shown in Appendix 8.2.
• To ensure an adequate clamping area, all clamps used should comply with the following general conditions:
1. Clamp height must correspond to 50 mm frame height
2. Clamp must have a minimum width of 38 mm
3. Clamp depth must be between 6 mm to 10 mm
• All fasteners used to x the modules with clamps should be stainless steel, and no smaller than ¼”-20 or M6.
• To provide adequate xing or clamping force, torque the minimum recommended fasteners to 13.6 - 16.3 N.m [10 - 12 ft lb].
• All other structural dimensions, such as clamp and rail thickness, should be sized appropriately for the intended site load.
© Copyright 2012 MEMC Electronic Material
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