SUNPOWER SPR-E Series Semi Flexible Solar Panel PV Modules Instruction Manual

Safety and Installation Instructions
for Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Africa
This document applies to SunPower PV Modules

Safety and Installation Instructions

( IEC version)
 This document includes references to SunPower E‐series (SPR‐ Eyy‐zzz), X‐series (SPR‐Xyy‐zzz), P‐Series (SPR‐Pyy‐zzz, SPR‐P3‐ zzz), SPR‐MAX2‐zzz, SPR‐MAX3‐ zzz PV Modules.
Do not mix E, X, MAX2, MAX3, P Series and P3 in one System.
All module series does not require functional grounding and are  compatible with transformer‐less inverters (ref. section 4.1)

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

www.tuv.com
ID 00000022009

  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 SunPower Limited Warranty for PV Modules.

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

1.2  Conformity  to  International  Electrotechnical  Commission  (IEC) standards
This  product  meets  or  exceeds  the  requirements  set  forth  by  IEC 61215 Edition 2‐2005 and Edition 3‐2016 for PV Modules, as well as  IEC  61730 Edition  1  and   2  series  for  Class  II  applications.  The  IEC  Standard covers  flat‐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.

1.3 Limited Warranty
Module  limited  warranties  are  described  in  the  SunPower  warranty document  obtainable  at  www.sunpower.com.  Please read  this  document for more information.
Warranties do not apply to any of the following;
PV modules which in SunPower’s absolute judgment have been subjected  to: misuse,  abuse,  neglect  or  accident;  alteration,  improper installation, application or removal  (including but not limited to installation, application or  removal by any party other  than  a  qualified  personnel; non‐observance  of  SunPower’s  installation,   users  and/or  maintenance instructions;  repair  or  modifications  by  someone  other  than  an approved  service  technician; power failure surges, lightning, flood, fire, accidental  breakage or other events outside SunPower’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.  The  dealer  or  installers  should remove the module from array 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 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
• SunPower recommend to not mix 160mm cells and 166mm cells  modules in a cosmetically sensitive application.
• 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.  SunPower 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. SunPower 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.  SunPower 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  4mm .  The insulation  type  should  be  appropriate  for the   type  of  installation method  used  and  must  meet  SCII  (Safety Class  II)  and  IEC  61730  requirements.
SunPower recommends a conservative minimum cable bend radius of  equal  to  or greater  than  40mm,  to  avoid  exposure  of  electrical  connections to direct sunlight and not to place connector in location where water could easily accumulate.

4.1 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‐zz SPR‐Eyy‐zzz‐BLK SPR‐Eyy‐zzz‐COM
X Series:
SPR‐Xyy‐zzz SPR‐Xyy‐zzz‐BLK SPR‐Xyy‐zzz‐COM
P Series/ Performance Product Line:
SPR‐Pyy‐zzz‐COM  SPR‐Pyy‐zzz  SPR‐Pyy‐zzz‐BLK  SPR‐P3‐zzz‐COM
SPR‐P3‐zzz SPR‐P3‐zzz‐BLK
Maxeon Product Line:
SPR‐MAX2‐zzz  SPR‐MAX2‐zzz‐COM  SPR‐MAX3‐zzz  SPR‐MAX3‐zzz‐BLK SPR‐MAX3‐zzz‐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 steel or tin.

4.2 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.
4.3 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 SunPower Limited Warranty for PV Modules is contingent upon modules  being mounted  in  accordance  with  the  requirements described in this section.

5.1 Site Considerations
SunPower  modules  should  be  mounted  in  locations  that  meet  the following requirements:
Operating Temperature: All SunPower modules must be mounted in environments that ensure SunPower modules will operate within the following maximum and minimum operating temperatures:

Care  should  be  taken  to  provide  adequate  ventilation  behind  the modules, especially in hot environments.

Design Strength:  SunPower modules are designed to meet a positive or negative  (upward  and  downward,  e.g.  wind)  withstanding  test  pressure load 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 SunPower  modules  and  are  excluded  from  the  SunPower  Limited Warranty for these modules.
No SunPower 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.

5.2 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.
SunPower  recommends  for  a  good  performance  of  the  system (reduction of soiling effect) 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.  Mounting  system  hardware  used  with commercial modules must account for the presence of these stacking pins (see Table 2). There is a 20mm zone on the long side frame at 388‐408 mm (“D” area in Figure 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 (¼”) stainless steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and lock washers are recommended per module. 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  SunPower. Clamps that secure to the top of the frame must not deform the top flange. Clamps must apply force collinear with the ‘wall’ of the  module  frame  and  not  only  to  the  top  flange.  Clamps  or installation  procedures  that  put  excessive  force  on  the  top flange will deform the frame, 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.  Mounting  systems  should  be  evaluated  for compatibility before installing specially when the system is not using Clamps or clips.
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 shorter side 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. Center Mount: (Only for Oasis Trackers): A continuous clamp may  be  used  to  clamp  the  bottom  flange  of  the  frame  at  the center of the long sides (identified as F1&2). Minimum clamping length shall be 150 mm on top of flange and 100 mm on bottom.
5. 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.
6. SunPower specified or SunPower supplied mounting systems. Modules  mounted  with  strict  adherence  to  SunPower documentation,  using  hardware  systems supplied  by  or specified by SunPower

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  SunPower modules.
Figure 2: Mounting Zone locations for SunPower modules
For 96 cells,P‐Series and 104c:

For  128 cells and P‐Series Commercial:

Table 1: Mounting allowed clamping Zone Locations

Module Configuration| Mounting zone distance from corner in (mm)1| Frame holes E (1&2&3&4)| Oasis center mount F(1&2)
---|---|---|---
Module size| Frame type| A (1&2&3&4)| B (1&2&3&4)| C (1&2&3&4)
96 cells, P- Series Residential and 104
cells and P3 BLK| G3 (Black)
Silver &
G4.1 &
G4.2 &
G4.3| 50-350| 150-380| 50-150| As per Drawing in the Table2 Not| eapplicabl
128 cells and P19/P3- COM| G4 &
G4.1 &
G4.2| 50-350| 408-880| 50-375| Refer to 5.2,4

 D ‐ There is a 20mm zone at 388‐408mm from the corner where mounting is not allowed due to the module stacking pin feature. Not applicable for residential P19 Series
and 96 cells residential modules and all 104 cells.

1.  No part of the module clamp may extend beyond this area.
   Table  1.2:  Mounting  Zone  Load  Ratings  (test  pressure)  for  Racking system without rail support.

(B1&3 +C2&4 or B2&4 +C1&3) OrA+B
t/4, A 1&31-D . r, 2&4 or A28,4 +BM)
OrA+C (A18,3 +C2&4 or A2&4 +C1&3)
96 cells, PSeries Residential White and P3 BLK| G3
Black &
Silver &
G4.1 &
G4.2 &
G4.3| 2400/2400(‘)| 2400/5400| 2400/5400| 2400/2400
104 cells and PSeries Black| G4.2 G4.| 2400/2400
128 cells, P19/P3- COM| G4 &
G4.1 &
G4.2| Not applicable (**)| 2400/5400| 3600/3600| 2400/2400

(): 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
() Safety factor of 1.5 included
Table  1.3:  Mounting  Zone  Load  Ratings  for  Racking  system  with  an additional support rail underneath length of frame and parallel to the  short side and suitably located

5.3 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 not store 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.  SunPower recommends handing modules with anti‐reflective glass with gloves (no leather gloves) or limiting touching of the front surface.  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

SunPower  recommends  visual  inspection  on  a  regular  basis  of  all modules  for  safe  electrical  connections,  sound  mechanical  connection, and freedom 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. SunPower 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,  crapers,  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.

Table 2: Module Frame Details

FOR COMMERCIAL (SILVER FRAME) MODULES ONLY, INCLUDES STACKING PINS
Commercial Modules

FOR P‐SERIES GEN 4.0 FRAME MODULES
Commercial Modules 

Platform| Module mounting and ground hole detail
FOR P‐SERIES COMMERCIAL GEN 4.1 FRAME MODULES| Frame Profile
---|---|---
Commercial Modules|

FOR P‐SERIES COMMERCIAL GEN 4.2 FRAME MODULES
Commercial Modules

FOR P‐SERIES GEN 4.1 FRAME MODULES ( WHITE)
Residential Modules 

Platform| Module mounting and ground hole detail
FOR P‐SERIES GEN 4.2 FRAME MODULES ( BLACK)| Frame Profile
---|---|---
Residential Modules|

FOR 104c GEN 4.2 FRAME MODULES
Residential/ Commercial Modules 

FOR P3 MODULES
Residential/ Commercial Modules 

Measurement Tolerances are +/‐3 mm for the Length and Width of the Module.

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 (ordocument), 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.com/PVInstallGuideIEC

SunPower Corporation
www.sunpower.com 
©November 2019 SunPower Corporation.
All rights reserved. Specifications included in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Documents / Resources

| SUNPOWER SPR-E Series Semi Flexible Solar Panel PV Modules [pdf] Instruction Manual
SPR-Eyy-zzz, SPR-Xyy-zzz, SPR-Pyy-zzz, SPR-P3-zzz, SPR-MAX2-zzz, SPR-MAX3-zzz, SPR-E Series Semi Flexible Solar Panel PV Modules, SPR-E Series, Semi Flexible Solar Panel PV Modules
---|---

References

• Home Solar plus Storage Solutions | SunPower
• Home Solar plus Storage Solutions | SunPower
• 産業用・住宅用ソーラーパネル | マキシオン | Maxeon Japan

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