of STANDARD solar
Modules (IEC)
5.2 GROUNDING |8
1.0 2.0 Do not use or install broken modules. Module electrical ratings are measured under
GENERAL INFORMATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Standard Test Conditions (STC) of 1000 W/m2
Contact with module surfaces or frames may cause irradiance, with an AM1.5 spectrum, and a cell
This general manual provides important safety Warning electric shock if the front glass is broken or the temperature of 25C. Detailed electrical and
information relating to the installation, maintenance Before attempting to install, wire, operate backsheet is torn. mechanical characteristics of Canadian Solar Inc.
and handling of CS-series solar modules. and/or service the module and other crystalline silicon PV modules can be found in
electrical equipment, all instructions The PV module does not contain any serviceable parts. our Installation Manual Annex ( Section Annex C:
Professional installer must read these guidelines should be read and understood. Do not attempt to repair any part of the module. Module Specifications) on www.canadiansolar.com.
carefully and strictly follow these instructions. PV module interconnectors pass direct current (DC) Main electrical characteristics under STC are also
Failure to follow these instructions may result in when exposed to sunlight or other light sources. Keep the junction box cover closed at all times. stated on each module label. Please refer to the
death, injury or property damage. The installation Contact with electrically active parts of the module, datasheet or the product nameplate for the
and handling of PV modules requires professional such as terminals, can result in injury or death, Do not disassemble a module or remove any maximum system voltage.
skills and should only be performed by qualified irrespective of whether or not the module and the module part.
professionals. The installers must inform end users other electrical equipment have been connected. Under certain conditions, a module may produce
(consumers) the aforesaid information accordingly. Do not artificially concentrate sunlight on a module. more current or voltage than under its Standard Test
The word "module" or "PV module" used in this Condition's rated power. As a result, the module
manual refers to one or more CS-series solar General Safety Do not connect or disconnect modules when current short-circuit current at under STC should be
modules. from the modules or an external source is present. multiplied by 1.25, and a correction factor should
All installation work must comply with applicable be applied to the open-circuit voltage (see Table 1
This manual is only valid for the module types CS6A- regional and local regulations or other national or below), when determining component ratings and
xxxP, CS6A-xxxM, CS6V-xxxP, CS6V-xxxM, CS6P-xxxP, international electrical standards. 3.0 capacities. Depending on your local regulations, an
and CS6P-xxxM, CS6K-xxxP, CS6K-xxxM, CS6X-xxxP, MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL additional 1.25 multiplier for the short-circuit current
CS6X-xxxM, CS6K-xxxMS., CS6V-xxxMS, CS6A-xxxMS, Protective clothing (non-slip gloves, clo- SPECIFICATIONS (giving a total multiplier of 1.56) may be applicable
CS6U-xxxP and CS6U-xxxM. thes, etc.) must be worn during installa- when sizing conductors and fuses.
tion to prevent direct contact with 30 V
Please retain this manual for future reference. DC or greater, and to protect your hands Table 1: Low temperature correction
We recommend checking www.canadiansolar.com against sharp edges. factors for open-circuit voltage
regularly for the most updated version.
Prior to installation, remove all metallic Lowest Expected Ambient Temperature (C/F) Correction Factor
jewelry to prevent accidental exposure to
1.1 live circuits. 24 to 20 / 76 to 68 1.02
INSTALLATION MANUAL DISCLAIMER
19 to 15 / 67 to 59 1.04
When installing modules in light rain,
The information contained in this manual is subject morning dew, take appropriate measures
14 to 10 / 58 to 50 1.06
to change by Canadian Solar Inc. without prior to avoid water permeate into the
notice. Canadian Solar Inc. gives no warranty of any connector. 9 to 5 / 49 to 41 1.08
kind whatsoever, either explicitly or implicitly,
with respect to the information contained herein. Do not allow children or unauthorized 4 to 0 / 40 to 32 1.10
persons near the installation site or -1 to -5 / 31 to 23 1.12
storage area of modules.
-6 to -10 / 22 to 14 1.14
1.2
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY When installing modules in strong wind, take
-11 to -15 / 13 to 5 1.16
appropriate safety measures to avoid damage to
Canadian Solar Inc. shall not be held responsible for the modules or injuries to people. -16 to -20 / 4 to -4 1.18
damages of any kind, including without limita-
tion bodily harm, injury or damage to property, Use electrically insulated tools to reduce the risk -21 to -25 / -5 to -13 1.20
in connection with handling PV modules, system of electric shock.
-26 to -30 / -14 to -22 1.21
installation, or compliance or non-compliance with
the instructions set forth in this manual. If the disconnects and OCPD's cannot be opened
-31 to -35 / -23 to -31 1.23
or the inverter cannot be powered down, cover the
fronts of modules in the PV array with an opaque -36 to -40 / -32 to -40 1.25
material to stop the production of electricity when
installing or working on a module or wiring.
Alternatively, a more accurate correction factor for 5.0 Exposing modules to salt (i.e. marine environments)
the open-circuit voltage can be calculated using the Module Installation or sulfur (i.e. sulfur sources, volcanoes) incurs the
following formula: risk of module corrosion.
CVOC = 1-Voc (25 - T) Precautions Measures and Failure to comply with these instructions will void
General Safety Canadian Solar Inc. warranty.
T is the lowest expected ambient temperature at the Prior to installing modules please obtain
system installation site information about any requirements and installation Requirements
necessary approvals for the site, installation and
Voc (%/C) is the temperature coefficient of the Do not carry modules on your head. inspection from the relevant authorities. Ensure that the module meets the general technical
selected module (refer to corresponding datasheet) system requirements.
Do not drop or place objects (such as tools) on the Check applicable building codes to ensure that the
modules. construction or structure (roof, facade, support, Ensure that other system components do not
4.0 etc.) can bear the module system load. damage the module mechanically or electrically.
UNPACKING AND STORAGE Do not lift modules by their wires or junction box,
lift them by the frame. CS-series solar modules have been qualified for Modules can be wired in series to increase voltage
Application Class A (equivalent to Safety Class II or in parallel to increase current. To connect modules
Stacks of modules should contain no more than 12 requirements). Modules rated under this class in series, connect the cables from the positive
Precautions modules, and the frames should be aligned. should be used in systems operating at voltage terminal of one module to the negative terminal
Module should be stored in a dry and ventilated above 50 V or power above 240 W, where general of the next module. To connect in parallel, connect
environment to avoid direct sunlight and Do not place excessive loads on the module or contact access is anticipated. the cables from the positive terminal of one modu-
moisture. If modules are stored in an uncontrolled twist the module frame. le to the positive terminal on the next module.
environment, the storage time should be less than When installing modules, please ensure the sup-
3 months and extra precautions should be taken Do not use sharp instruments on the modules. porting roof has a fire resistant roof covering rated The quantity of bypass diodes in the module's
to prevent connectors from being exposed to Particular care should be taken to avoid module for the application. Canadian Solar Inc. modules junction box may vary depending on the model
moisture or sunlight. backsheets being damaged by sharp objects, as are listed as Class C under the UL790 standard. series.
scratches may directly affect product safety.
Unpack module pallets carefully, following the The fire rating for this module is only valid when Only connect the quantity of modules that corres-
steps shown on the pallet. Unpack, transport and Do not leave modules unsupported or unsecured. the product is installed as specified in the mechani- ponds to the voltage specifications of the inverters
store the modules with care. cal mounting instructions. used in the system. Modules must not be connected
Do not change the wiring of bypass diodes. together to create a voltage higher than the ma-
Modules must always be unpacked by two people. ximum permitted system voltage, even under the
Always use both hands when handling modules. Keep all electrical contacts clean and dry. Environmental conditions worst local temperature conditions (see Table 1
for the correction coefficients that apply to open-
The module is intended for use in general circuit voltage).
Product identification open-air climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1:
Classification of environmental conditions Part-2-1: A maximum of two strings can be connected in
Each module is equipped with two identical Environmental conditions appearing in nature - parallel without the need to incorporate an over-
barcodes (one inside the laminate under the front Temperature and humidity. current protection device (fuses, etc.) in series
glass, the second on the rear side of the module) within each string. Three or more strings can be
that act as a unique identifier. Each module has Please consult the Canadian Solar Inc. technical connected in parallel if an appropriate, certified
a unique serial number containing 13 (pre March support department for more information on the over-current protection device is installed in series
2013) or 14 (post March 2013) digits. use of modules in special climates. within each string.
A nameplate is also affixed to the rear of each mo- Do not install modules near naked Only modules with similar electrical outputs
Do not stand, step, walk and / or jump on dule. This nameplate specifies the model type, as flames or flammable materials. should be connected in the same string to avoid or
modules under any circumstances. Localized heavy well as the main electrical and safety characteristics minimize mismatch effects in arrays.
loads may cause severe micro-cracks at cell level, of the module. Do not immerse modules in water or
which in turn may compromise module reliability. constantly expose modules to water To minimize risk in the event of an indirect light-
(either fresh or salt) (i.e. from fountains, ning strike, avoid forming loops when designing
sea spray). the system.
The recommended maximum series fuse rating is When modules have been pre-installed but the system One grounding method is recommended for
stated in a table in the Annex. has not been connected to the grid yet, each module 5.2 Canadian Solar Inc. standard modules with 5 mm
string should be kept under open-circuit conditions GROUNDING (0.20 in) grounding holes, as described below. For
Modules should be safely fixed to bear all expected and proper actions should be taken to avoid dust and alternative grounding methods, please refer to
loads, including wind and snow loads. A minimum moisture penetration. our Installation Manual Annex (Section Annex B:
clearance of 6.5 mm (0.25 in) between modules Although the modules are certified to Safety Class Alternative Grounding Methods) on the website
is required to allow for thermal expansion of the Correct connection of plug connectors II, we recommend that they be grounded and that (www.canadiansolar.com). It is not possible to use
frames. module installation should comply with all local standard grounding methods for certain module
The small drainage holes on the underside of the Make sure that connections are safe and tight. electrical codes and regulations. ranges. Please refer to Annex B for more details.
module must not be blocked. Plug connector should not be subjected to stress
from the exterior. Connectors should only be used Grounding connections should be installed by a
to connect the circuit. They should never be used qualified electrician. grounding Method:
Optimum orientation and tilt to turn the circuit on and off. Bolt + Toothed Nut + Cup washer.
Connect module frames together using adequate
To maximize your annual yield, find out the opti- Connectors are not waterproof when unmated. grounding cables: Canadian Solar recommends A grounding kit containing an M5 SS cap bolt, an
mum orientation and tilt for PV modules in your When installing modules, connector should be using 4-14mm (AWG 6-12) copper wire. Holes M5 SS flat washer, an M5 SS cup washer, and an
region. The highest yields are achieved when sun- connected to each other as soon as possible or provided for this purpose are identified with a M5 SS nut (with teeth) is used to attach copper
light shines perpendicularly onto the PV modules. appropriate measures should be taken to avoid grounding symbol . All conductive connection grounding wire to a pre-drilled grounding hole on
moisture penetrating into the connector. junctions must be firmly fixed. the frame (see image below).
Avoid shading All bolts, nuts, flat washers, lock washers and other Place the wire between the flat washer and the cup
Use of suitable materials relevant hardware should be made of stainless washer. Ensure that the cup washer is positioned
Even minor partial shading (e.g. from dirt deposits) steel, unless otherwise specified. between the frame and the wire with the concave
reduces yields. A module can be considered to be Only use dedicated solar cable and suitable plugs side up to prevent galvanic corrosion. Tighten the
unshaded if its entire surface is free from shading (wiring should be sheathed in a sunlight-resistant Canadian Solar Inc. does not provide grounding bolt securely using the SS toothed nut. A wrench may
all year round. Sunlight should be able to reach the conduit or, if exposed, should be sunlight-resistant hardware. be used to do this. The tightening torque is 3-7 Nm
module even on the shortest day of the year. itself) that meet local fire, building and electrical (2.2-5.2 ft-lbs).
regulations. Please ensure that all wiring is in
Constant shading conditions can affect module perfect electrical and mechanical condition.
service lifetime, due to accelerated ageing of the To fix the wire between Then tighten the bolt
encapsulation material and thermal stress on the Installers may only use single conductor, 2.5-10 the flat washer and using the toothed nut.
bypass diodes. mm2 (8-14 AWG), 90C wet rated solar cable, with cup washer, place the
proper insulation that is able to withstand the cup washer (concave
maximum possible system open-circuit voltage (i.e. side up) between the
Reliable ventilation TUV 2PfG1169 approved). Only copper conductor frame and the wire.
material should be used. Select a suitable conduc-
Sufficient clearance (at least 10 cm (3.94 in)) tor gauge to minimize voltage drop.
between the module frame and the mounting 6.0 For a clear understanding of our modules, please
surface is required to allow cooling air to circulate MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS refer to the illustration of a standard module shown
around the back of the module. This also enables Cable and connector protection Standard modules below:
condensation or moisture to dissipate.
Secure the cables to the mounting system using
UV-resistant cable ties. Protect exposed cables
5.1 from damage by taking appropriate precautions
Module WIRING (e.g. placing them inside a plastic conduit). Avoid Grounding holes
exposure to direct sunlight. Junction box
Correct wiring scheme Standard mounting holes (long side)
A minimum bending radius of 60 mm (2.36 in) is Additional mounting holes
(high wind or snow loads)
Ensure that the wiring is correct before starting up the required when securing the junction box cables to
system. If the measured open circuit voltage (Voc) and the racking system. Standard mounting holes (short side)
short-circuit current (Isc) differ substantially from the Module frame
Cables and connectors
specifications, this indicates that there is a wiring fault. Do not place connectors in locations where water
could easily accumulate.
The mounting design must be certified by a regis- 6.1 Table 6-1: Approved bolting methods
tered professional engineer. The mounting design mounting METHOD: BOLTING
Bolting on short frame side using four Bolting on short frame side using four standard
and procedures must comply with local codes and
standard mounting holes. Mounting rails run mounting holes. An additional support bar should
requirements from all relevant authorities. The mounting method has been qualified by perpendicularly to the short frame side be placed below the module. Mounting rails should
Canadian Solar Inc. does not provide mounting Canadian Solar Inc. and certified by VDE. Modules run parallel to the short frame side
AMENDED EDITIONS
AND DATES