SUNPOWER Maxeon E Series High Efficiency Solar Panels Instruction Manual

SUNPOWER Maxeon E Series High Efficiency Solar Panels

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

• Contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
• In case of inconsistencies or conflicts between the English version and any other versions of this manual (or document), the English version shall prevail and take control in all respects.
• For the latest Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Africa please refer to www.sunpower.maxeon.com/int/PVInstallGuideIEC
• Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.
• www.sunpower.maxeon.com
• For more information scan the qr code given below

Safety and Installation Instructions

• This document includes references to Maxeon E‐series (SPR‐Eyy‐ xxx), X‐series (SPR‐Xyy‐xxx), P‐Series (SPR‐Pyy‐xxx, SPR‐P3‐xxx, SPR‐Py‐xxx‐UPP, SPR‐Py‐xxx‐COM‐M‐BF, SPR‐Py‐xxx‐COM‐S‐BF, SPR‐Py‐xxx‐BLK, SPR‐Py‐xxx‐COM‐XS), SPR‐MAX2‐xxx, SPR‐MAX3‐ xxx, SPR‐MAX5‐xxx, SPR‐MAX6‐xxx PV Modules.
• Do not mix E, X, MAX2, MAX3, MAX5, MAX6, P Series, P3 ,P5 and P6 in one System.
• All module series does not require functional grounding and are compatible with transformer‐less inverters (ref. section 4.1)

Introduction

This manual provides safety and installation instructions for IEC certified Maxeon photovoltaic modules carrying the TUV logo on the product label (Figure 1).

Important! Please read this instruction sheet in its entirety before installing, wiring, or using this product in any way. Failure to comply with these instructions will invalidate the Maxeon Limited Warranty for PV Modules.

Disclaimer of Liability
The installation techniques, handling and use of this product are beyond company control. Therefore, Maxeon does not assume responsibility for loss, damage or expense resulting from improper installation, handling or use.

Conformity to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards
This product meets or exceeds the requirements set forth by IEC 61215 Edition 3‐2016 for PV Modules, as well as IEC 61730 Edition 1 and 2 seriesfor Class II applications. The IEC Standard coversflat‐plate PV modules intended for installation on buildings and those intended to be freestanding. This product is not intended for use where artificially concentrated sunlight is applied to the module. This manual shall be used in combination with industry recognized best practices. Modules should be installed by certified professionals only.

Limited Warranty

• Module limited warranties are described in the Maxeon warranty document obtainable at www.sunpower.maxeon.com. Please read this document for more information.
• Warranties do not apply to any of the following;
  PV Modules subjected to: (i) misuse, abuse, neglect or accident; (ii) alteration or improper installation (improper installation includes, without limitation, installation or array that does not comply with all Maxeon installation instructions and operations and maintenance instructions of any type (as may be amended and updated from time to time at Maxeon’s sole discretion), and all national, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations); (iii) repair or modification by someone other than an approved service technician of Maxeon; (iv) conditions exceeding the voltage, wind, snow load specifications; and any other operational specification; (v) power failure surges, lightning, flood, or fire; (vi) damage from persons, biological activity, or industrial chemical exposure; (vii) glass breakage from impact or other events outside Maxeon’s control.

Safety Precautions

Before installing this device, read all safety instructions in this manual.
Danger! Module interconnects pass direct current (DC) and are sources of voltage when the module is under load and when it is exposed to light. Direct current can arc across gaps and may cause injury or death if improper connection or disconnection is made, or if contact is made with module components that are damaged. Do not connect or disconnect modules when current from the modules or an external source is present.

• Cover all modules in the PV array with an opaque cloth or material before making or breaking electrical connections.
• Do not disconnect any modules when its inverter is feeding in to the grid. Switch off the inverter before disconnecting, reinstalling or making any action with the modules.
• For connectors, which are accessible to untrained people, it is imperative to use the locking connectors and safety clips, if applicable, in order to defend against untrained personnel disconnecting the modules once they have been installed.
• All installations must be performed in compliance with all applicable regional and local codes.
• There are no user serviceable parts within the module. Do not attempt to repair any part of the module.
• Installation should be performed only by qualified personnel.
• Remove all metallic jewelry prior to installing this product to reduce the chance of accidental exposure to live circuits.
• Use insulated tools to reduce your risk of electric shock.
• Do not stand on, walk, drop, and scratch or allow objects to fall on the glass surface of the modules.
• Damaged modules (broken glass, torn back sheet, broken j‐boxes, broken connectors, etc) can be electrical hazards as well as laceration hazards. Contact with damaged module surfaces or module frame can cause electric shock. Damaged modules should be immediately disconnected from the electric system. The  module should be removed from array as soon as possible and contact the supplier for disposal instructions.
• Unconnected connectors must always be protected from pollution (e.g dust, humidity, foreign particles, etc), prior to installation. Do not leave unconnected (unprotected) connectors exposed to the environment. A clean assembly environment is therefore essential to avoid performance degradation.
• Do not allow the connectors to come in contact with chemicals such as greases, oils and organic solvents which may cause stress cracking.
• Do not install or handle the modules when they are wet or during periods of high wind.
• Do not block drain holes or allow water to pool in or near module frames
• Contact your module supplier if maintenance is necessary.
• Save these instructions!

Electrical Characteristics

• The module electrical ratings are measured under Standard Test Conditions (STC) of 1 kW/m² irradiance with AM 1.5 spectrum and a cell temperature of 25 °C. Maxeon modules have specific electrical characteristics as shown on the datasheets.
• A photovoltaic module may produce more current and/or voltage than reported at STC. Sunny, cool weather and reflection from snow or water can increase current and power output. Therefore, the values of Isc and Voc marked on the module should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component voltage ratings, conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls connected to PV output. An additional 1.25 multiplier may be required by certain local codes for sizing fuses and conductors. Maxeon recommends the use of open‐ circuit voltage temperature coefficients listed on the datasheets when determining Maximum System Voltage.

Electrical Connections

• Modules may be connected in series and/or parallel to achieve the desired electrical output as long as certain conditions are met. Please use only the same type of modules in a combined source circuit.
• Even if allowed by local regulation, Plug and Socket connectors mated together in a PV system must be of the same type (model, rating) from the same manufacturer i.e. a plug connector from one manufacturer and a socket connector from another manufacturer, or vice versa, shall not be used to make a connection. Maxeon recommends that all wiring be double insulated with a minimum rating of 85° C (185° F). All wiring should use flexible copper (Cu) conductors. The minimum size should be determined by the applicable codes. We recommend a size not less than 4mm2. The insulation type should be appropriate for the type of installation method used and must meet SCII (Safety Class II) and IEC 61730 requirements. To minimize the risk from indirect lightning strikes (Voltage surges), the system should be designed to avoid loops in the wiring.
• Maxeon recommends a conservative minimum bending radius (R) 5x cable diameter must be maintained and must not be bent on the direct exit of the connector or junction box. Avoid exposure of electrical connections to direct sunlight and do not place the connector in a location where water could easily accumulate. Installers must refer to connector manufacturer’s instruction for further installation and connection requirements.
• Connectors are factory assembled with intentional gaps between the cable nut and the body of the connector. Do not retighten module connector nuts as this may lead to stress cracking of the connector assembly and will void the warranty.

System & Equipment Grounding
Please refer to the applicable regional and local codes on grounding PV arrays and mounting frames for specific requirements (e.g. lightning protection).

Module Types

• SPR E, X , P series modules and our Maxeon and Performance Product Line are compatible with Transformer Less (TL) inverters, when used as an ungrounded PV source.
• No frame grounding requirements (including functional frame grounding), but may be subjected to local regulation.
• Functional system grounding of a polarity (positive or negative) is optional and may be subject to local requirements.

E Series:
SPR‐Eyy‐xxx SPR‐Eyy‐xxx‐BLK SPR‐Eyy‐xxx‐COM

X Series:
SPR‐Xyy‐xxx SPR‐Xyy‐xxx‐BLK SPR‐Xyy‐xxx‐COM

P Series/ Performance Product Line:

• SPR‐Pyy‐xxx‐COM SPR‐Pyy‐xxx SPR‐Pyy‐xxx‐BLK SPR‐P3‐xxx‐COM
• SPR‐P3‐xxx‐COM‐1500 SPR‐P3‐xxx SPR‐P3‐xxx‐BLK SPR‐P5‐xxx‐UPP
• SPR‐P6‐xxx‐COM‐M‐BF SPR‐P6‐xxx‐COM‐S‐BF SPR‐P6‐xxx‐BLK SPR‐ P6‐xxx‐COM‐XS

Maxeon Product Line:

• SPR‐MAX2‐xxx SPR‐MAX2‐xxx‐COM
• SPR‐MAX3‐xxx SPR‐MAX3‐xxx‐BLK SPR‐MAX3‐xxx‐COM SPR‐MAX5‐xxx‐COM SPR‐MAX6‐xxx SPR‐MAX6‐xxx‐BLK, SPR‐MAX6‐xxx‐COM
  Note: If you are installing an older Module Type than above mentioned, please refer to different/previous applicable Safety and Installation Manual.
  If you are doing a frame grounding connection, avoid the direct contact between Aluminum and Copper using an intermediate metal like stainless steel or tin.

Series Connection
The modules may be wired in series to produce the desired voltage output. Do not exceed the maximum system voltage specified in module datasheet.

Parallel Connection
The modules may be combined in parallel to produce the desired current output. Series string must be fused prior to combining with other strings if the resulting maximum reverse current exceeds the fuse rating as shown in the datasheets. Bypass diodes are factory installed in the modules. Please refer to the applicable regional and local codes for additional fusing requirements and limitations on the maximum number of modules in parallel.

Module Mounting

The Maxeon Limited Warranty for PV Modules is contingent upon modules being mounted in accordance with the requirements described in this section.

Site Considerations
Maxeon modules should be mounted in locations that meet the following requirements:

• Operating Temperature:

  • All Maxeon modules must be mounted in environments within the following maximum and minimum operating temperatures:
    Maximum Operating Temperature| +85 °C (+185 °F)
    ---|---
    Minimum Operating Temperature| ‐40 °C (‐40 °F)
  • Care should be taken to provide adequate ventilation behind the modules, especially in hot environments.

• Shading:
  Modules should be installed so that permanent shading of cells is avoided and partial shading that may occur during certain times of the day or year is minimized. Permanent shading is defined as shade that is cast over the same position (of constant area) of the solar module throughout the generation hours of the day. Shading may induce in certain cases strong energy production reduction, even in case of small shading and should be avoid as much as possible, specially at mid‐day when the production is maximum.

• Design Strength:

  • Maxeon modules are designed to meet a positive or negative (upward and downward, e.g. wind) withstanding test and a negative (or downward, e.g. static load or snow load) withstanding test pressure load, as per IEC 61215, when mounted in the configurations specified in Section 5.2 and Tables 1.2 or 1.3 below.
  • When mounting modules in snow prone or high wind environments, special care should be taken to mount the modules in a manner that provides sufficient design strength while meeting local code requirements.

• Additional authorized Operating Environments:

  • Modules can be mounted in the following aggressive environment according to the test limits mentioned below
  • Salt mist corrosion testing: IEC 61701 Severity 6
  • Ammonia Corrosion Resistance: IEC 62716 Concentration: 6,667ppm

• Excluded Operating Environments:

  • Certain operating environments are not recommended for specific Maxeon modules and are excluded from the Maxeon Limited Warranty for these modules.
  • No Maxeon module should be mounted at a site where it may be subject to direct contact with salt water, or other aggressive environment.
  • Modules should not be installed near flammable liquids, gases, or locations with hazardous materials; or moving vehicules of any type.

• Performance Series Mounting Orientation
  Performance Series (P‐Series) modules are designed to be installed in landscape orientation. In landscape orientation, P‐series modules maintain higher power under row to row shading and edge soiling.

Mounting Configurations

• Mounting system must provide a flat plane for the modules to be mounted on and must not cause any twist or stress to be placed on the Module, even in case of thermal expension.

• Modules may be mounted at any angle from horizontal to vertical. Select the appropriate orientation to maximize sunlight exposure.  Maxeon recommends for a good performance of the system (reduction of soiling effect/water pooling) a minimum of 5˚ tilt angle. The cleaning frequency must be increased for modules installed with a very low angle.

• Commercial modules (96 & 128 cells) frames have permanently attached stacking pins located a 20mm zone on the long side frame at 388‐408 mm (“D” area in Figure 2). Mounting system hardware used with commercial modules must account for the presence of these stacking pins (see Table 2).

• Specific information on module dimensions and the location of mounting and grounding holes is provided in Figures 2 and Table 2.

• In order to prevent water from entering the junction box, which could present a safety hazard, modules should not be mounted such that the front/top glass faces downward (e.g., on a tracking structure that positions the module with the junction box facing skyward during sleep mode).

• We also want to remind that the watertightness is not ensured by the modules but by the mounting system and that drainage should be well designed for Modules.

• Clearance between the module frames and structure or ground is required to prevent wiring damage and allows air to circulate behind the module. The recommended assembling clearance between modules installed on any mounting system is a minimum of 5 mm distance.

• When installed on a roof, the module shall be mounted according to the local and regional building and fire safety regulations. In case the module is installed in a roof integrated PV‐System (BIPV), it shall be mounted over a watertight and fire‐resistant underlayment rated for such application

• Modules mounting systems should only be installed on building that have been formally considered for structural integrity, and confirmed to be capable of handling the additional weighted load of the Modules and mounting systems, by a certified building specialist or engineer.

• Mounting system supplier shall manage the galvanic corrosion which can occur between the aluminium frame of the Modules and mounting system or grounding hardware if such devices is comprised of dissimilar metals.

• The module is only certified for use when its factory frame is fully intact. Do not remove or alter the module frame. Creating additional mounting holes or removing the stacking pins may damage the module and reduce the strength of the frame, therefore are not allowed. Using mounting Clamps or clips with additional grounding bolts or grounding metal sheets could be in compliance with this Safety and Installation Instructions manual subject to conditions of Section 4.1

• Modules may be mounted using the following methods only:

  1. Frame Holes: Secure the module to the structure using the factory mounting holes. Four M6 or M8 stainless steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and lock washers are recommended per module. Bolts to be fasten according to racking supplier recommendations. Refer to Table 2 for the module dimensions and mounting hole locations. (Please refer to the arrows on the
     Table 2, E1&E2&E3&E4).

  2. Pressure Clamps or Clips: Mount the module with the opposite clips on the longer and/or shorter side of the frame of the module. The clips allowed location should be according to Table 1.1. Installers should ensure the clamps are of sufficient strength to allow for the maximum design pressure of the module. Clips and clamps are not provided by Maxeon . Clamps must apply force collinear with the ‘wall’ of the module frame and not only to the top flange. Clamps shall not apply excessive force to the top frame, warp the top flange, or contact the glass‐  these practices void the module warranty and risk glass breakage. Figure 1a illustrates locations for top frame clamp force. Avoid clamping within 50mm of module corners to reduce risk of frame corner deflection and glass breakage. When clamping to the module frame, torque should never exceed 15 N.m to reduce chances of frame deformation, if the clamp datasheets show a specific torque value which is lower than 15 Nm the installer should follow the torque value which ever is more stringent. A calibrated torque wrench must be used. Mounting systems should be evaluated for compatibility before installing specially when the system is not using Clamps or clips. Please contact Maxeon for the approval of the use of non‐standard pressure clamps or clips where torque values are higher than otherwise stated.

3. End Mount: End mounting is the capture mounting of the length of the module’s shorter frames with clamps on each shorter sides of the frame. Three different configurations are possible: 1) with two mounting rails under the complete length of each shorterside of the Modules, (See Table 1.2), 2) with two mounting rails parallel to the long side of the Modules (See Table 1.2) and 3) without any mounting rail (See Table 1.2). The end‐mounting rails and clips or clamps (identified as A(1&2&3&4) in Table 1.1) must be of sufficient strength to allow for maximum designed test pressure of the module. Verify this capacity with the mounting system of vendor before installation.
4. Hybrid Mount: Combination with clamps or clips located on longer or shorter sides of Modules are also possible, see Table 1.2 for allowed configurations. In any case, four clampings points are needed.

5. Maxeon specified or Maxeon supplied mounting systems. Modules mounted with strict adherence to Maxeon  documentation, using hardware systems supplied by or specified by Maxeon.  

Figure 2 and Table 1.1 below demonstrate the mounting locations and Tables 1.2 and 1.3 give allowed load ratings (designed test value) for Maxeon modules.

Module Configuration| Mounting zone distance from

corner in (mm)1

| Frame holes

E

---|---|---

Module size

| ****

Frame type

| A| B| C
(1 &2&3&4)| (1 &2&3&4)| (1 &2&3&4)| (1 &2&3&4)

96 cells, 104 cells (MAX2, MAX3), 112

cells,  P3 BLK

and P3 RES+

| G3

(Black) Silver & G4.1 & G4.2 & G4.3

| ****

50‐350

| ****

150‐380

| ****

50‐150

| ****

As per Drawing in the Table 2

128 cells and P19‐COM| G4 & G4.1 &

G4.2

| ****

50‐350

| ****

408‐880

| ****

50‐375

P3‐COM| G4.2 &

G4.3

| 50‐350| 408‐833| 50‐375
MAX6 (66 cells)| G5.2| 50‐350| 265‐514| 50‐265
MAX5 and MAX6 COM

(72 cells)

| G4.2 & G5.6| ****

50‐350

| ****

296‐536

| ****

50‐296

Configurations 1 and 2 show mounting with rail support, 3 and 4 show mounting without rail support. In “With Rail Support” the rails becomes conventional or rails transverse while “Without Rail Support” becomes end mounted in long or short side. In the case when the glass deflects it would not deflect in the rails for additional support.

Table 1.2: Mounting Zone Design Load Ratings for Racking system without rail support underneath the module. Refer to configuration 3 and 4 in Fig.3

Module

Configuration

| Wind (up & down) / Snow (down)

(units in Pa) (***)

---|---

Module size

| ****

Frame type

| ****

End Mount A

(1 &2&3&4)

| ****

Frame Holes E

(1 &2&3&4)

| ****

B

(1 &2&3&4)

| C (1 &2&3&4) **or B + C**

(B 1 &3 **+C 2 &4 **or B 2 &4 **+C 1 &3 )**

Or A + B

(A 1 &3 **+B 2 &4 **or A 2 &4 **+B 1 &3 )**

Or A + C

(A 1 &3 **+C 2 &4 **or A 2 &4 **+C 1 &3 )**

96 cells, and P3 BLK

| G3

Black & Silver & G4.1 & G4.2 &

G4.3

| ****

2400/

2400(*)

| ****

2400/

5400

| ****

2400/

5400

| ****

2400/2400

104 cells (MAX2,

MAX3) and 112‐cells

(MAX3)

| ****

G4.2

| ****

1800/

1800

P3 RES+| G4.3| 1300/

1600

| 1600/

2400

| 1600/

2400

| 1300/

1600

128 cells, P19‐COM| G4 & G4.1 &

G4.2

| Not applicable (**)| 2400/

5400

| 3600/

3600

| ****

2400/2400

P3‐COM| G4.2 &

G4.3

| 1600/

1600

| 1600/

2400

| 1600/

2400

| 1600/1600
MAX6 (66

cells)

| G5.2| 1600/

1600

| 3600/

3600

| 3600/

3600

| 1600/1600
MAX5‐ COM

(72 cells)

| ****

G4.2

| 1600/

1600

| ****

3600/

3600

| ****

3600/

3600

| ****

1600/1600

MAX6‐ COM

(72 cells)

| ****

G5.6

| 1067/

1200

• 5400Pa is allowed with clamps and mounting rails along the longer side of the frame
• 2400/2400Pa are allowed with clamps and mounting rails along the longer side of the frame
• For Rooftop application 1200/1200Pa is allowed with only clamps
• Safety factor of 1.5 included

Table 1.3: Mounting Zone Load Ratings for Racking system with rail support. Refer to Configuration 1 and 2 in Fig.3

Module Configuration

| Wind (up & down) / Snow (down)

(units in Pa) (***)

---|---
Module size| Frame type| B (1 &2&3&4)| C (1 &2&3&4)
96 cells and P3 BLK| G3 (Black &Silver) &

G4.1 & G4.2

| 2400 / 5400| ****

2400 / 2400

104 cells (MAX2, MAX3) and 112‐cells

(MAX3)

| ****

G4.2

| ****

3600/5400

P3 RES+| G4.3| 1600/3600| 1600/3600
128 cells and P19‐COM| G4 & G4.1 & G4.2| 3600 / 5400| 2400/ 3600
P3‐COM| G4.2 & G4.3| 2000/2400| 1600/2400
MAX6 (66 cells)| G5.2| 3600/6000| 2800/2800
MAX5 and MAX6 COM

(72 cells)

| G4.2 & G5.6| 3000/5400| 2400/2400

Table 1.4: Mounting Zone Load Ratings for Performance Modules

Applicable Products 2

| ****

Mounting Zone

| Distance from corner

(mm)

| Wind (up & down) / Snow(down)

(units in Pa) 3

| ****

Mounting Method

---|---|---|---|---

P3 UPP

(2066 x 1160 x

35mm)

| A| 183‐283| 1600/2400| ****

Clamp

B| 466‐566| 1600/36004
C| 783‐ 833| 1600/1600
D| 260‐320| 1600/1600
E| 465‐565| 1600/2400

Frame Holes2

| 383 (1300)| 1600/1600| ****

Bolt

504 (1058)| 1600/3600
683 (700)| 1600/1600
833 (400)

P5 UPP & P6 COM‐ M

(2384 x 1092 x

35mm)

| A| 442‐542| 1600/3600| ****

Clamp6

B| 546‐692| 1600/36004
C| 967‐1017| 1160/1160
E| 546‐692| 1600/2000| Clamp8
D| 243‐303| 800/1600| Clamp7
F| 50‐150| 1200/1200| Clamp9
Frame Holes2| 492 (1400)| 1600/3600| ****

Bolt5

642 (1100)| 1600/3600
992 (400)| 1160/1160

P6 RES BLK

(1808 x 1086 x

30mm)

| A| 50‐100| 1200/1300| ****

Clamp6

B| 402‐502| 1600/3600
C| 654‐754| 800/1300
D| 221‐321| 1066/1066| Clamp7
E| 402‐502| 1200/1800| Clamp8
F| 50‐100| 1300/1300| Clamp9

P6 COM‐S

(2185 x 1092 x

35mm)

| A| 50‐100| 1066/1200| ****

Clamp6

B| 496‐596| 1600/3600
C| 842‐942| 1066/1600
D| 223‐323| 933/1600| Clamp7
F| 50‐100| 1066/1200| Clamp9
Frame Holes2| 1100(392)| 1600/3600| Bolt
1400(542)| 1600/3600

• 2 Refer to Table 2 for different mounting hole locations
• 3 Safety Factor 1.5 included
• 4 IEC validated
• 5 Minimum washer size of 24mm in diameter is required.
• 6 Long Side Mounting, Rails Perpendicular to Mounting Frame
• 7 Short Side Mounting, Rails Parallel to Mounting Frame
• 8 Long Side Mounting, Rails Parallel to Mounting Frame
• 9 Long Side Mounting, Point Supported

For P3, P5 UPP and P6 (COM‐M, COM‐S, RES BLK)

Ground Mount Applications for Bifacial modules

• Various environmental and installation parameters affect bifacial gain. Albedo is a measure of the amount of light reflected from the ground surface. A higher albedo factor will increase irradiance on the backside and result in higher bifacial gain of the module. The surface conditions, month of the year, time of day, GHI and DNI both influence the amount of incident rearside irradiance.
• Maxeon recommendsto check with solar module mounting hardware supplier in order to determine the Structure Shading factor of your particular installation. The Structure Shading Factor varies with racking system design, irradiance, albedo and height of module installation above ground and has an overall impact on the rear side irradiance mismatch.
• The Rearside mismatch losses are proportional to the albedo, height of the modules above ground and structure shading factor. The irradiance non‐uniformity on the rearside results in mismatch generally as the albedo increases and installation height of the modules are lower to the ground.

Rooftop Applications for Bifacial modules

• Bifacial modules use direct, reflected or diffuse sunlight at the rearside to generate additional power. Therefore, it is recommended to use bifacial modules installed on flat roof applications.
• In order to maximize the bifacial gain at the rooftop applications the following parameters listed below should be considered:
  • Surface Albedo
  • Roof Integrity
  • Module Tilt Angle
  • Module Elevation
  • Structural Backside Shading
• The bifacial modules can be mounted both landscape or portrait orientation as shown in Appendix section
• When installing a bifacial module on a roof, check applicable building codes and ensure that the roof construction and the structural load calculations of the building are suitable.
• Bifacial gain tends to be most effective with a higher tilt angle.  Asthe tilt angle and the module elevation from the underlying surface increases, more reflected light and diffuse light can be captured by the module. The mounting rails shall be designed to limit the rear side shading as much as possible. Obstacles between modules and the ground should be avoided as much as possible in order to increase the bifacial gain.

Bifacial Electrical Considerations
The overall electrical bifacial gain is determined by the combination of surface albedo, irradiance, module tilt angle, shading losses from the rearside, rearside mismatch and module elevation above ground. Please refer to the Maxeon datasheet for the electrical outputs with respect to the overall bifacial gain. Please utilise a suitable performance software package to simulate the overall bifacial gain.

Handling of Modules during Installation

• Do not place modules face forward in direct contact with abrasive surfaces like roofs, driveways, wooden pallets, railings, stucco walls, etc…
• The module front surface glass is sensitive to oils and abrasive surfaces, which may lead to scratches and irregular soiling. During storage, modules need to be protected from rain or any kinds of liquids. Required storage temperature is between 10°C to 40°C in a dry environment (humidity between 30 to 80%). Do notstore modules outdoor to avoid moisture and wet conditions.
• Modules that feature antireflective coated glass are prone to visible finger print marks if touched on the front glass surface. Maxeon recommends handing modules with anti‐reflective glass with gloves (no leather gloves) or limiting touching of the frontsurface. Any finger print marks resulting from installation will naturally disappear over time or can be reduced by following the washing guidelines in Section 6.0 below. Any module coverage (colored plastic tarps or similar) during installation can lead to permanent front glass discoloration and is not recommended. The use of vacuum lifting pads can cause permanent marks on the front glass. Never lift or move the module using the cables or the junction box under any‐circumstances.
• Shading incidence need to be avoided during PV system operation. The system is not supposed to be energized until the mounting scaffolding, fences or railing have been removed from the roof.
• Systems should be disconnected in any cases of maintenance which can cause shading (e.g. chimney sweeping, any roof maintenance, antenna/dish installations, etc).

Maintenance

• Maxeon recommends visual inspection on a regular basis of all modules for safe electrical connections, sound mechanical connection, and free from corrosion. This visual inspection should be performed by trained personnel. The standard frequency is once a year according to environmental conditions, periodic cleaning of modules is recommended but is not required. Periodic cleaning has resulted in improved performance levels, especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation (less than 46,3cm (18,25 inches)). Consult your dealer or supplier about recommended cleaning schedules for your area.
• To clean a module, wash with potable, non‐heated, water. Normal water pressure is more than adequate, but pressurized water up to 100 bar (min.50 cm distance) may be used. Maxeon recommends using a large hosepipe and not to perform cleaning at high outside temperatures. Fingerprints, stains, or accumulations of dirt on the front surface may be removed as follows: first rinse off area and let soak for a short period of time (5 mins). Re‐wet and use a soft sponge or seamless cloth to wipe glass surface in a circular motion.
• Fingerprints typically can be removed with a soft cloth or sponge and water after wetting. Do not use harsh cleaning materials such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades, or other sharp instruments to clean the glass surface of the module. Use of such materials or cleaning without consultation will invalidate the product warranty. As dry cleaning is also risky for Anti‐Reflective (AR) coated module surface, spinning brush is not recommended for module cleaning.

Module Frame Details

References

• Home Solar plus Storage Solutions | SunPower
• Virtual Patent Marking | SunPower
• Global Solar Energy Company | Solar Panels | Maxeon US
• Solarmodulhersteller in Deutschland | SunPower Germany
• Compañía de paneles solares en España | SunPower España
• Entreprise d'énergie solaire | Panneaux solaires | SunPower France
• Società di energia solare | Pannelli solari | SunPower Italia
• 産業用・住宅用ソーラーパネル | マキシオン | Maxeon Japan

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