Panasonic VBHN240SA11, VBHN235SA11, VBHN230SA11 Operation Manual

VBHNxxxSA series

General Installation Manual Photovoltaic Module HIT®

HIT Power 240S series HIT Power 235S series HIT Power 230S series

Thank you for choosing Panasonic HIT®. Please read this manual completely before installation or use of Panasonic PV(photovoltaic) modules. With proper operation and maintenance, Panasonic HIT® will provide you with clean, renewable solar electricity for many years. This manual contains important installation, maintenance and safety information. The word “module” as used in this manual refers to one or more PV modules. Retain this manual for future reference. The module is considered to be in compliance with UL 1703 only when the module is mounted in the manner specified by the mounting instructions below.

SANYO is part of the Panasonic Group and is in charge of the manufacturing process for Panasonic HIT®.

Model No. HIT Power 240S  VBHN240SA11 and 11B HIT Power 235S  VBHN235SA11 and 11B HIT Power 230S  VBHN230SA11 and 11B

Contents

Please read before installation Safety Precautions

 General Information :3  Warning :3  Cautions :3  General Safety :3  UL Listing Information :3

Installation

 General :4  Notes on Installation :4  Operating Conditions :5

Specifications

 Note on Specifications :5  Mechanical Loading :5

Wiring

 General :5  Module Wiring :5  Array Wiring :5  Earth Ground Wiring :5  Grounding Locations :6  Grounding Methods :6  Module Terminations :8  Junction Box and Terminals :8  Conduit :8

Bypass Diodes :8

Maintenance :8

Disclaimer of Liability :8

Customer Services :8

“HIT” is a registered trademark of Panasonic Group.

Other product and service names listed in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Edition

Revision Date

Revised Item

Revised Content

New Edition

2013.4.19

2nd Edition

2015.3.18

(1) System Fire Class Rating (2) Trademark (3) Front cover, Grounding

(1) Addition of System Fire Class Rating (2) Explanation of trademark (3) According to UL1703 Edition 3

– Revision date 2014/11/18

3rd Edition

2015.9.29

Warning

Addition of Warning

Safety Precautions

General Information The installation of solar modules requires a great degree of skill and should only be performed by qualified licensed professionals, including, without limitation, licensed contractors and electricians.

WARNING

 All instructions should be read and

understood before attempting to install, wire, operate, and maintain a photovoltaic module.

 Contact with electrically active parts

of the module such as terminals can result in burns, sparks, and lethal shock whether the module is connected or disconnected.

 The installer assumes the risk of all

injury that might occur during installation, including, without limitation, the risk of electric shock.

 The modules generate DC (direct

current) electrical energy when exposed to sunlight or other light sources. Even a single module produces enough voltage and current, to cause shocks and burns if safety precautions are not followed.

 The shock hazard increases as

modules are connected in parallel, producing higher current, and as modules are connected in series, producing higher voltages.

 To avoid the hazard of electric

sparks, shock, fire, burns, damage and injury:

 Work only in dry conditions, with dry

modules and dry tools.

 Do not stand or step on modules. Do

not puncture, cut, scratch or damage the backsheet of a module. Backsheet damage will void a

module’s Limited Warranty and

may cause fire. Never use modules with a damaged back sheet.

 Do not hit the backsheet of a

module by the connector or other things.

 Do not allow children and

unauthorized persons near the installation or storage site of modules.

 Completely ground all modules.  Do not disassemble a module,

attempt any repair, open the junction box cover, nor remove any

parts installed by Panasonic. There are no user serviceable parts within the module or junction box.

 Unauthorized persons - except the

qualified licensed professional should not perform any electrical work, including wiring,

 Wear suitable clothing, guards, eye

protection and gloves to prevent you from direct contact with 30 VDC or greater.

 Wear non-slip gloves and carry

modules by the frame using both hands. Do not attempt to carry a module by yourself.

 Do not carry a module by its wires or

junction box.

 Do not drop anything on the surface

of a module.

 Ensure all system components are

compatible, and they do not subject the module to mechanical or electrical hazards.

 Sparks may occur; do not install

modules where flammable gases or vapors are present.

 Never rest or leave a module

unsupported or unsecured.

 Do not drop modules.  Do not use or install broken modules.  Do not artificially concentrate

sunlight on a module.

 Do not touch the junction box

terminals.

 Do not change the wiring of bypass

diodes.

 Do not touch a module unnecessarily.

The glass surface and frames get hot. There is a risk of burn.

CAUTIONS

 Use a module for its intended

purpose only.

 Do not treat the back sheet, frame,

or front surface with paint or

adhesives, to avoid reducing its’

functionality, damage, and causing inoperable conditions, and other unknown troubles.

 Do not insert PV cable between back

side and mounting structure rail.

GENERAL SAFETY  Follow all permissions, installation

and inspection requirements.

 Before installing modules, contact

the appropriate authorities having jurisdiction to determine permissions, installation and inspection

requirements, which should be followed.

 Electrically ground modules for all

systems of any voltage. If not otherwise specified, it is recommended that requirements of the latest National Electrical Code (USA) or Canadian Electric Code (Canada) or other national or international electrical standards be

followed. Refer to “Earth Ground Wiring” section for more

information.

 Be sure that the building or structure

(roof, façade, etc.) where the modules are being installed has enough strength to support the load of the modules.

 For modules mounted on roofs,

special structures may be required to help provide proper installation support.

 The fire rating of this module is valid

only when mounted in the manner specified in the mechanical mounting instructions.

 Both, roof construction and module

installation design have an effect on the fire resistance of a building. Improper installation may contribute to fire hazards.

 The models in this instructions are

suitable to maintain the System Fire Class Rating A when used with a Listed mounting system and a roof covering that have been rated as a Class A System when installed on a steep slope roof and/or a low slope roof with "Type 2" modules.

 Additional devices such as ground

fault, fuses, and disconnects may be required.

 Do not use modules of different

specifications in the same system.

 Follow all safety precautions of

other system components which are used.

UL Listing Information To satisfy UL requirements, when installing the modules, be sure to:

1) Use only stranded or solid copper

single–conductor sunlight-resistant cable rated for outdoor use (e.g. type UF or USE) , for all wiring that is exposed to weather.

2) Observe the requirements described

in sections labeled INSTALLATION and SPECIFICATIONS.

Installation (reference)

Solar Module

Metal clamp B (2 places)

Metal clamp A (2 places)

Mounting Structure Rail

Metal clamp B

Solar Module

Metal clamp A

Mounting Structure Rail

Metal clamp

Module Mounting Structure

M8 Nut

Metal clamp A

M8 Bolt

M8 Nut

End of Module

Between Modules

Figure 1. Installation

1.5” (38mm)

0.12” (3mm)

0.2” (5mm)

1.37”

(35mm)

0.18” (4.6mm)

Mounting Structure

Module

0.62” (16mm)

0.43” (11mm)

0.2” (5mm)

0.12”

(3mm)

0.2” (5mm)

1.5” (38mm)

INSTALLATION

General Please read this guide completely before installing or using your Panasonic PV modules. This section contains important electrical and mechanical specifications.  Modules should be firmly fixed in

place in a manner suitable to withstand all expected loads, including wind and snow loads.

 Metals used in locations that are

exposed to moisture shall not be employed alone or in combinations that could result in deterioration or corrosion.

 Install modules where they are not

shaded by obstacles like buildings and trees. Pay special attention to avoid partially shading the modules by objects during the daytime.

 If needed, contact an Authorized

Representative with questions regarding mounting profiles for Panasonic HIT®.

Notes on Installation  Clearance between the roof surface

and module frame is required to allow cooling air to circulate around the back of the module. This also allows any condensation or moisture to dissipate. Install modules with a minimum of 1 inch clearance between the roof surface and the modules so that air can circulate.

 Panasonic recommends the

installation method and mounting profile shown in Figure 1

 A module should be attached on a

mount or support structure rail by corrosive-resistant metal clamps.

 The clamps should be made of

aluminum alloy or other material that will reasonably protect against a risk of electrolytic corrosion.

 Recommendation of bolt torque

range: 16N.m to 20N.m

 The module was tested using Unirac

clamps with the specifications see figure 1 and below;

 Provider: UniRac, Inc.  Part number: SolarMount  Clamps type: Top Mounting

Clamps

 Clamp size:Mid clamp and End

clamp, C size,

 Unirac Part No. 302003, 302101  Width: 1.5”(38 mm)  Thickness : 0.12”(3 mm)

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