Sharp ND-U230C1, ND-U224C1, ND-U216C1, ND-224UC1, ND-220UC1 Installation And User Manual

Ver. 2.0U Dec. 4, 2008

INSTALLATION AND USER MANUAL

FOR SHARP PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

ND-U230C1 / ND-U224C1 / ND-U216C1

ND-224UC1 / ND-220UC1 / ND-216UC1 / ND-208UC1 / ND-200UC1

NT-175UC1 / NT-170UC1 / NE-170UC1 / NE-165UC1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important safety instructions for the PV module that must be followed during the

installation and the maintenance of PV modules.

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING THE MODULES.

PLEASE PASS ALONG THIS MANUAL TO YOUR CUSTOMER.

A) GENERAL MANUAL

A-1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing SHARP photovoltaic (PV) module. This

Installation Manual contains essential information for electrical and
mechanical installation that you must know before installing SHARP
photovoltaic modules. These modules are UL listed (UL 1703). This
Manual also contains safety information you need to be familiar with.
All the information described in this Manual is the intellectua l property
of SHARP and is based on the technologies and experience that have
been acquired and accumulated over the long history of SHARP. This
Manual does not constitute a warranty, expressed or implied. SHARP
does not assume responsibility and expressly disclaims liability for loss,
damage, or expense arising out of or in any way connected with
installation, operation, use or maintenance of PV modules. No
responsibility is assumed by SHARP for any infringement of patents or
other rights of third parties that may result from use of PV modules.
SHARP reserves the right to make changes to the product,
specifications or Installation Manual without prior notice.

A-2. GENERAL INFORMATION
(INCLUDING WARNING AND SAFETY)

The installation of PV modules requires a great degree of skill and
should only be performed by qualified licensed professionals, including
licensed contractors and licensed electricians. Please be aware that
there is a serious risk of various types of injury occurring during the
installation including the risk of electric shock. These SHARP PV
modules are equipped with a permanently attached special cable
assembly for ease of installation which does not require special
assembly.

< GENERAL WARNING >

1. PV modules are heavy. Handle with care.

2. Before you attempt to install, wire, operate and maintain the PV
module, please make sure that you completely understand the
information described in this Installation Manual.

3. Contact with electrically active parts of a PV module such as
terminals can result in burns, sparks and lethal shock whe ther the
PV modules are connected or not.

4. PV modules produce electricity when sufficient sunlight or other
light source illuminates the module. When modules are connected
in series, vol tage is cumulative. Wh en modules are connected in
parallel, current is cumulative. PV systems can produce high
voltage and current which could present an increased hazard and
may cause serious injury or death.

5. Do not connect PV modules directly to motor loads. Variation in PV

module output power as a function of solar irradiance may damage
directly-connected loads.
1: In the case of a brushless motor, the lock function may become

active and the motor may be damaged;

2:

In the case of a brush type motor, the coil may be damaged.

For example,

< GENERAL SAFETY >

1. Install PV modules and ground frames and other metal
components in accordance with applicable codes and regulations.

2. PV modules should be installed and maintained by qualified
personnel. Only installation/service personnel should have access
to the PV module installation site.

3. Keep children away from PV modules.

4. Prior to installation, do not store modules outdoors or in a damp
environment to prevent glass from damage due to white
efflorescence.

5. When PV modules are installed on roofs or any other structures
above ground, appropriate safety practices should be followed and
appropriate safety equipment should be used in order to avoid
possible safety hazards. Note that the installation of PV modules
on some roof types may require the addition of fireproofing, as
required by local building/fire codes.

6. Roof mounted PV modules are to be mounted over a fire resistant
roof.

7. Only PV modules with the same cell size should be connected in
series.

8. Follow all safety precautions of other components used in the
system.

9. In order to avoid risk of injury or electrical shock, do not allow
anyone to handle damaged PV modules if the person is unqualified
or has limited knowledge of PV modules. Place defective PV
modules in cartons so PV cells are completely shad ed, because a
defective PV module or module with broken glass may generate
power even if it is removed from the system.

10. When installing PV modules in a readily accessible location, the
National Electrical Code (NEC) 690.33 requires installing the
additional locking sleeve (Multi-Contact part # PV-SSH4) on the
connector. Note that this sleeve is not included with the module.
This requirement is for circuits operating in excess of 30 volts,
nominal, maximum system voltage for DC or 30 volts for AC
circuits.

11. Avoid uneven shade on the PV module surface. Shaded cells may
become hot (“hot spot” phenomenon) which may result in
permanent damage to the module (e.g., solder joints may peel off).

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12. Do not clean the glass surface with chemicals. Do not let water
stay on the glass surfaces of PV modules for a long time. This
creates a risk of permanent damage to the glass, such as white
efflorescence, otherwise known as “glass disease,” which may
cause reduced power output.

13. To avoid dirt accumulation or white efflorescence due to water
accumulation, do not install PV modules horizontally (flat).

14. In high snow load regions, appropriate measures are to be taken
so that PV module frames (on lower edges of the modules) will not
be damaged.

15. Do not expose PV modules to sunlight concentrated with mirrors,
lenses or other means.

16. Turn off inverters and circuit breakers immediately, should a
problem occur.

17. The maximum open circuit vo ltage must not be greater than the
specified maximum system voltage. Voltage is proportional to the
number of PV modules in series and is affected by weather
conditions. For strings connected in parallel take proper measures
to block reverse current flow.

< HANDLING SAFETY >

1. Do not expose the PV module to excessive loads on the surface of
the PV modu le or twist the frame. The glass may br e a k.

2. Do not stand or step on the PV module. The glass may be slippery,
and there is a risk of injury or electric shock if glass is broken.

3. Do not hit or put excessive load on the glass or back sheet. PV
cells may break.

4. To avoid damage to the back sheet, do not scratch or hit the back
sheet.

5. To avoid damage to the terminal box and electricity leakage or
shock, do not hit the terminal box; do not pull the interconnect
cables; do not scratch the interconnect cable.

6. Avoid the connector from scratching or impacting the back sheet of
the module.

7. Install connector such that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.

8. Do not twist the interconnect cable excessively.

9. Never touch the end of the interconnect cables with bare hands
when the module is illuminated. Cover the surface of module with
cloth or other sufficiently opaque material to block the module from
incident light and handle the wires with insulated gloved hands to
avoid electric shock.

10. Do not drill holes in the frame. It may compromise the frame
strength and cause corrosion of the frame.

11. Do not scratch the anodized coating of the frame (except for
grounding connection). It may cause corrosion of the frame or
compromise the frame strength.

12. Do not loosen or remove the screws from the PV module. It may
compromise the strength of the PV module and cause corrosion.

13. Do not touch the PV module with bare hands. The frame of the PV
module has sharp edges and may cause injury. Wear suitable
gloves, such as leather gloves with padding in the palm and finger
areas.

14. Do not drop the PV module or allow objects to fall on the PV
module.

15. Do not lift the PV module by only one side. The frame may bend.
Always use two hands to lift and carry the PV module on the long
side of the frame.

16. Some PV modules incorporate one or more support bars on the
back of the module. Do not mount or carry the PV module using
the support bar(s) on the back of the module.

< INSTALLATION SAFETY >

1. Always wear protective head gear, insulating gloves and safety

Ver. 2.0U Dec. 4, 2008

shoes (with rubber soles).

2. Keep the PV module packed in the carton until installation.

3. Do not touch the PV module unnecessarily during installation. The
glass surface and the frame may be hot. There is a risk of burns
and electric shock.

4. Do not work in rain, snow or windy conditions.

5. Due to the risk of electrical shock, do not perform any work if the
terminals of the PV module are wet.

6. Use insulated tools.

7. Do not use wet tools.

8. When installing PV modules, do not drop any objects (e.g., PV
modules or tools).

9. Make sure flammable gasses are not generated or present near
the installation site.

10. Insert interconnect connectors fully and correctly. Check all
connections.

11. The interconnect cable shou ld be securel y fastened to the module
frame, the mounting racking or in a raceway to prevent movement
of the interconnect cab le over time. Ca ble support shou ld be done
in a way to avoid the connector from scratching or impacting the
back sheet of the module.

12. Do not touch the terminal box and the end of the interconnect
cables (connectors) with bare hands during installation or under
sunlight, regardless of whether the PV module is connected to or
disconnected from the system.

13. Do not unplug a connector if the system circuit is connected to an
operating load.

14. Do not work alone (always work as a team of 2 or more people).

15. Wear a safety harness when working above the ground.

16. Do not wear metallic jewelry which may conduct electricity and
enable electric shock during installation.

17. Do not damage the back sheet of PV modules when fastening the
PV modules to a support by bolts.

18. Do not damage the surrounding PV modules or mounting structure
when replacing a PV module.

19. Use UV resistant cable ties or other wire management hardware to
secure the interconnect cables. Drooping cables may cause
various problems, such as leading to electrical shorts.

20. Take proper measures for preventing the laminate (consisting of
encapsulant, cells, glass, back sheet, etc.) from dropping out of the
frame in case the glass is broken.

21. Cables shall be located so that they will not be exposed to direct
sunlight in order to prevent degradation of the interconnect cables.

A-3. PV MODULE COMPONENTS

A-4. SITE SELECTION

PV modules should be installed in a lo cation where there i s no shading
throughout the year. In the northern hemisphere, PV modules should

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typically face south, and in the southern hemisphere, PV modules
should typically face north.
Please make sure that there are no obstructions in the surroundings of
the site of installation. Take proper steps in order to maintain reliability
and safety in case the PV modules are installed in areas that have
heavy snow / extreme cold / strong winds / installations over, or near,
water and areas where installations are prone to salt water exposure or
on small islands or in desert areas. If you are planning to use the PV
modules where salt water damage may occur, please consult with
SHARP to determine an appropriate installation method, or if
installation is possible.

A-5. TILT ANGLE SELECTION

The tilt angle of the PV module is measured between the surface of the
PV module and a horizontal ground surface. The PV modu le ge ne rates
maximum output power when it faces the sun directly.
For standalone systems with batteries where the PV modules are
attached to a permanent structure, the tilt angle of the PV modules
should be selected to optimize the performance based on seasonal
load and sunlight. In general, if the PV output is adequate when
irradiance is low (e.g., winter), then the angle chosen should be
adequate during the rest of the year. For grid-connected installations
where the PV modules are attached to a permanent structure, PV
modules should be tilted so that the energy production from the PV
modules will be maximized on an annual basis.

A-6. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

To ensure proper system operation and maintain the warranty, be
careful to observe the correct cable connection polarity (Figure 1) when
connecting the modules to a battery or to other modules. If not
connected correctly, the bypass diode(s) could be destroyed. All PV
modules must be grounded by electrical connection of the module
frames to ground. Care must be taken to arrange the system ground so
that the removal of one module from the circuit will not interrupt the
grounding of any of the other modules. For grounding, each PV module
has a hole in the frame for either a bolt, nut and washer, a ground lug
fastened by bolt or screw, or an appropriate screw (hardware not
provided). Installation for wiring shall be in accordance with the NEC
and grounding method shall comply with the NEC, article 250 and the
relevant instructions below. In a connection of this type, the hardware
(such as a star washer) must score the frame surface to make positive
electrical contact with the frame. The ground wire must not be smaller
than No.14 AWG (2.1 mm
NEC.
Hardware used must be compatible with the mounting structure
material to avoid galvanic corrosion. If using the SHARP On-Energy
mounting system, the module and mounting structure may utilize an
“integrated grounding” system in which individual wire grounding of
every module is not required. Refer to the OnEnergy System
Installation Manual.
If modules are installed in a readily accessible location (per NEC)
where the circuit is operating in excess of 30 volts, nominal, maximum
system voltage for DC or 30 volts for AC circuits, NEC requires
installing the additional locking sleeve connector (Multi Contact
#PV-SSH4) on the connector. Note that this sleeve is not included with
the module. See Figure 2.

Grounding Using Existing Ground Hole (Figure 3)

The existing ground holes can be used with stainless steel #10-32
bolts, #10 lock washers and #10-32 nuts. All grounding hardware must
have a thread count of at least 32 turns per inch. These holes may be
used to secure an outdoor-rated, tinned copper, UL listed lay in ground
lug such as Ilsco model GBL4-DBT or equivalent.

2

), and should be sized according to the

Ver. 2.0U Dec. 4, 2008

Grounding Using Existing Unused Module Mounting Hole
(Figure 4)

An existing otherwise unused module mounting hole can be used to
install the same grounding hardware noted above. Do not use a
mounting hole or hardware that is used for structurally mounting the
module. UL 1703 prohibits the use of a bonding fastener for any
purpose other than ground bonding.

A-7. MAINTENANCE

SHARP PV modules are designed for long life and require very little
maintenance. If the angle of the PV module is 5 degrees or more,
normal rainfall is usually sufficient to keep the module glass surface
clean under most weather conditions. If dirt build-up becomes
excessive, clean the glass surface only with a soft cloth using water. If
cleaning the back of the module is required, take utmost care not to
damage the back side materials. In order to ensure proper operation of
the system, please check all wiring connections and the condition of
the wire insulation periodically.

SERIES WIRING (VOLTAGE ADDITIVE)

SERIES WIRING (VOLTAGE ADDITIVE)

PARALLEL WIRING (CURRENT ADDITIVE)

PARALLEL WIRING (CURRENT ADDITIVE)

Figure 1

Figure 1

Additional locking sleeve

Additional locking sleeve

Figure 2

Figure 2

Figure 4

Figure 4

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Lay in Ground Lug

Lay in Ground Lug

Figure 3

Figure 3