7.2 Center Clamp Module Installation
Illustrations 15
7.3 Module Clamp Drawings 15
Thank you for choosing SunEdison's Silvantis modules. This
guide provides information regarding the proper installation
and handling of Silvantis modules.
Silvantis modules consist of a series of electrically
interconnected monocrystalline solar cells that are sealed
within a laminated sheet of tempered, low glare antireflective coating (ARC) glass superstrate, and EVA back
sheet substrate. These laminates are secured inside an
aluminum frame to provide rigidness and a mounting
mechanism to affix to sub-structures. Do not modify or
remove frames.
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
SunEdison photovoltaic module products, please contact
SunEdison.
1.1 Models Covered by Installation Guide
Silvantis Monocrystalline Modules
Silvantis F-Series
F310BzCF315BzCF320BzC
F325BzCF330BzCF335BzC
Silvantis F-Series U.S. Tariff-Free
F310BzDF315BzDF320BzD
F325BzDF330BzDF335BzD
Silvantis R-Series
R330BzCR335BzCR340BzC
R345BzCR350BzCR355BzC
z indicates manufacturing location: M = Malaysia, X = Mexico, K = Korea
P = China, T = Taiwan
For product parameters and specifications see Section 7.0.
Ensure to follow all safety guidelines stated below. Failure
to do so can cause injury, damages, or a void in the
module warranty.
2.1 General Safety
• Modules are intended 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
labels as they are necessary for product identification.
• Do not allow unauthorized persons near the installation
site or module storage area.
• Troubleshooting should include planning, checking,
disconnecting, cause seeking, replacement and
record keeping.
• Do not wear rings, jewelry, watches or other metallic
items while working with photovoltaic modules.
2.2 Mechanical Safety
• Damage to the glass surface or its anti-reflective coating
will impact the power output and overall efficiency of the
system. Scratches, handling marks or any other damage
to the glass surface must be avoided.
• To avoid these and other performance prohibitive
issues, keep the front side of the module clean and free
of obstructions including covers, tape, adhesives, paint
and debris.
• Packaged modules must be stored indoors; in a dry and
ventilated area.
• Once opened, continue to store modules in a dry and
ventilated room.
• To safely keep modules stored, they must remain
packaged on the provided pallets, and must not be
stacked more than two pallets high.
• Do not place or drop objects on the modules, including
other modules.
• Do not twist the module frame.
• Do not stand, step, walk or jump on the module.
• Do not mark the modules with sharp instruments.
• Do not leave a module unsupported or unsecured.
• Do not modify module in any way, which includes the
frame, glass, eva, etc.
• Upon unpacking, only carry a module by its frame with
two or more people. Do not carry a module by the wires
or junction box.
• All modules are manufactured with a sealed junction
box, pre-attached cables and locking connectors. These
components should not be modified or tampered with
in any way. If connectors are not hooked up right away,
SunEdison recommends attaching protective caps to
prevent damage to the connectors.
• 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 the junction box
or sub-components.
• Do not artificially concentrate sunlight on a module.
• Do not install or handle broken modules. If a module
is broken, or the back sheet is torn, contact with the
surface or frame can cause an electrical shock.
2.3 Electrical Safety
• All installations must be performed in compliance
with all applicable regional and local electrical codes
or other applicable national and international electrical
standards.
• Use only insulated tools during installation,
troubleshooting and maintenance of the 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.
WARNING:Precautions should be taken to avoid damage to the glass surface when unpacking, handling or
storing the modules since any damage to the glass surface may impact the power output of the modules.
• Modules connected in a series should not be
disconnected under illumination. Disconnecting
modules under illumination may cause electrical arcing,
which may result in burns, fires or other injuries and
damages.
• Photovoltaic modules produce DC electrical energy
from sunlight. When illuminated, each module can
have a DC potential of over 45 V and should be
handled with care.
• Always use a wire management system that keeps
wires and cables out of direct contact with edged
surfaces, which could cut or damage the insulation. Do
not allow wires to rest on the ground or roof surface.
3.0 Mechanical Installation
3.1 Planning and Design
• Before installation, check to ensure the sub-structure
will accommodate expected system loads. This
includes and is not limited to roof, foundations,
mechanical structure and mechanical connections.
• All Silvantis solar modules have a module fire resistance
rating of Class C. According to the UL1703 test
protocol, revised in 2014, all Silvantis solar modules
also have a module fire resistance rating of Class A
for spread of flame, and fire performance of either
Type 1 or Type 2 classification as specified on the
module label. Per UL, the fire rating of this module is
valid only when mounted in the manner specified in
the mechanical mounting instructions. The system fire
rating is determined by the module, rack and roofing
materials. SunEdison recommends not mixing module
fire performance type within a system.
• Mechanical structures should not contact the module
back sheet, any racking or the microinverter under any
expected load conditions.
• Consider the following factors during system design,
which will influence performance:
a. SunEdison 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 have the potential to
shade or damage the modules (examples below):
• walls
• buildings
• trees
• groundcover
• snow cover
• dust and debris
c. Designs should allow adequate airflow across
the back of the module because elevated
temperatures will decrease energy yield.
For bolt and clamp mounting locations and allowable load
capacities, please refer to the table on pages 6-7.
• 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, within
the region specified as shown in the mounting diagram
below.
• 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 in the table on pages 6-7.
• If using bolts, use a bolt stack no smaller than ¼"-20
or M6, with two flat washers and a locking washer as
shown in Appendix 7.1.
• To ensure an adequate clamping area, all clamps must
be able to clamp within the range specified in the table
on pages 6-7. All fasteners used to fix the modules with
clamps should be no smaller than ¼”-20 or M6.
• To provide adequate fixing or clamping force, torque the
fasteners to the manufacturers torque specifications.
• For all cases, the area of the supporting structure in
contact with rear side of the module must comply with
the dimensions specified in Appendix 7.1.
• All other structural dimensions, such as clamp and rail
thickness, should be sized appropriately for the intended
site load.
3.3 Module Installation Using Center
Mounting Brackets
• Modules may also be mounted using center clamps as
shown in Appendix 7.2, for use with trackers.
• Center mounting clamps must meet SunEdison
approved extrusion and hardware requirements.
• For module loads higher than 2400 Pa, module clamps
and hardware must be pre-approved by SunEdison.
• SunEdison approved center clamps utilizing M8 bolts
are to be tightened to 9.2-11.9 N·m (6.8-8.8 ft·lbs).
• Mechanical structures should not contact the module
backsheet under any expected load conditions.
• Ensure that frame weep holes (see Appendix 7.1) are
not obstructed by the mechanical installation.
• Mechanical installation of the module shall not cause
the frame to torque more than 38 mm.
• A minimum clearance of 152 mm is required between
the roof and bottom of the module frame.