General Recommendations
When purchasing PV modules and other system components, you need to pay
special attention to module quality and warranties. Here are some general tips on
what to do when purchasing PV modules and other PV system components:
Know the performance warranties and understand clearly what happens if
there are problems.
Find out whether manufacturers will replace defective modules under
warranty with the exact product or model or the same wattage and size.
Read the fine print, especially the product maintenance required to
preserve warranties.
Understand the manufacturer’s ability to honor all warranties.
Buy components from reliable sources, not just the cheapest on the market.
Find out the turnaround time to replace faulty equipment.
Determine how often the equipment needs to be serviced.
Get a copy of the owner’s manual for every piece of equipment purchased.
Obey national electrical and building codes.
General recommendations will help you select the best materials, equipment, and
installation methods. The right choices will guarantee many years of satisfaction and
consistent service. Use these suggestions to compare factory-designed systems among
suppliers, so that the customer selects the right PV power system for their needs.
Materials and Equipment Recommendations
The following miscellaneous materials will support the installation process. This
is not an all-inclusive list but covers the necessities for most projects:
Use materials that are sunlight/UV resistant for outdoor
PV system components.
Seal seams for all non-flashed roof cracks with flexible urethane sealants.
Goals
When you complete this chapter, you will be able to:
Compare and contrast the design and installation phases.
List PV planning steps.
Discuss PV installation recommendations.
Explain materials needed to install PV system components.
Install PV system components.
48 ADVANCED PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS
Work with materials appropriate for the
temperature and weather at the
installation area.
Use nonconductive shims or washers to
isolate metals, such as steel and
aluminum, which are not alike.
Do not place aluminum near
concrete materials.
Use only stainless steel closures.
The metal parts essential to PV installa-
tion are rust-resistant aluminum, steel that is
strengthened by hot dip, special steel treated
for desert locations, and steel specific for sea-
side locations.
Here are some helpful hints to follow
when selecting equipment.
1. Write the voltage and current rating
needed and used on all electrical
equipment.
2. List PV arrays to UL 1703.
3. Make sure the PV array has a five-year
warranty.
4. Make sure that the inverters are
registered as UL 1741.
5. Get inverters with warranties of at least five years and preferably 10 years.
6. Use sunlight/UV resistant cables and conduits for exposed areas.
Follow these basic recommendations when installing PV systems:
Make sure overcurrent protection devices are easy to reach for maintenance
and testing.
Install mounting equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.
Seal roof cracks with sealing methods that do not negatively affect the
roof warranty.
Use top-rated roofing products (i.e., class A roof materials) appropriate for
the roof and environment.
Secure all cables, conduits, and exposed conductors
according NEC, OSHA, and UL code requirements using
products that do not degrade or disintegrate in the sun
or under other extreme environmental conditions.
Keep PV arrays shade-free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all
year long.
Automatic sorting of solar cells after final test.
Courtesy of NREL, Credit: BP Solar
TECH TIPS
Vent pipes and chimneys can
significantly reduce energy yield by
casting shadows on panels.
CHAPTER 3
Installation: Creating the Best PV System 49
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