Aptos Solar DNA-108-MF10-400W High Efficiency Half Cell Module Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- Aptos Solar
Table of Contents
Aptos Solar DNA-108-MF10-400W High Efficiency Half Cell Module
Dimension
Product Information
The High Efficiency Half-Cell Module is a solar panel designed to generate electricity from sunlight. It is important to note that only authorized, qualified, and trained installers should handle these solar panels. The panels are pre-wired and terminated with MC4 compatible connectors. The cables and connectors are UV and weather resistant from -40°C to +90°C and rated for 1500VDC.
The AST DNA panels may be installed in portrait or landscape orientation. They are designed to produce up to 20% more power than the STC (Standard Test Conditions) rating, depending on system design and albedo. This additional power gain should be taken into consideration when determining optimum system sizing, string length, and selecting system components and wiring.
Support structures used to support AST DNA panels should be wind rated and approved for use by the appropriate codes prior to installation. They must also be designed from materials that retain structural integrity over the 25 years lifespan of the panels they support.
De-rating factors must be applied if the panels are installed above 2000m elevation.
Product Usage Instructions
- Only authorized, qualified, and trained installers should handle the solar panels.
- Do not touch live terminals with bare hands.
- Work only in dry weather with dry solar panels and tools.
- Do not make connections while under load and do not disconnect under load.
- Use insulated tools for electrical connections.
- Do not step or stand on the solar panel.
- Do not disassemble the solar panel or junction box.
- Carry the panel with two or more persons and do not carry it by its wires or junction box. Wear non-slip, suitable gloves, and protective clothing.
- Do not install the solar panel where flammable vapors or gases are present. Do not install in a corrosive environment.
- A minimum tilt angle of 5 degrees is required to ensure drainage and enable rainwater.
- The junction box edge should be at the top when mounted in portrait orientation.
- Do not direct artificially concentrated sunlight on the solar panel.
- Specific rails and frame clips approved by AST are listed in Table 1. Alternative rails and frame clips/fasteners need to be approved by AST to ensure compliance with UL61730 safety standard.
- Connections to other panels should use compatible connectors that comply with Code requirements.
- All wiring should be double insulated with a minimum rating of 90°C and use flexible copper conductors where the minimum size should be determined by the applicable codes.
- Panels may be wired in series or parallel to obtain desired voltages and current but must not exceed the system rating for voltage and current.
- Overcurrent protection devices should be employed with a 20A current rating for series or parallel connections.
- Comply with all code and design requirements.
For more information, visit www.aptossolar.com or contact [email protected].
Introduction
This manual contains information about electrical and mechanical installation of the solar panels: DNA-108 Series
Disclaimer of Liability
Installation techniques and methods of this product is beyond Aptos Solar
Technology’s control. AST does not assume responsibility of loss or damage
resulting from improper installation, handling or use. AST disclaims liability
for damage, loss, expense arising out of, or in any way connected with
installation, use or maintenance by using this manual.
Regulation Information
This certified product meets the UL61730 standard for maximum system voltage
of 1500V with maximum overcurrent protection rating of 25A. The installer or
system integrator is assumed the responsibility to ensure compliance with all
local electrical codes which may be applicable.
Warnings & Safety
- Solar panels generate electricity when exposed to light, which can cause lethal shock and burn hazards.
- Only authorized, qualified and trained installers should handle these solar panels. Do not touch live terminals with bare hands. Work only in dry weather with dry solar panels and tools.
- Do not make connections while under load. Do not disconnect under load. Use insulated tools for electrical connections. Do not step or stand on the solar panel. Do not disassemble the solar panel or junction box.
- Carry panel with two or more person. Do not carry by its wires or junction box. Wear non-slip, suitable gloves and protective clothing.
- Do not install the solar panel where flammable vapors or gases are present. Do not install in corrosive environment.
- Do not direct artificially concentrated sunlight on solar panel.
- Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module is likely to experience conditions that produce higher current and/or voltage than reported at standard test conditions. Accordingly, the values of Isc and Voc marked on this PV module should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component voltage ratings, conductor current ratings, and size of controls (e.g., inverter) connected to the PV output.
- The module is considered to be in compliance with this standard only when the module is either mounted in the manner specified by the mounting instructions, or when the mounting means has been evaluated with this PV module to UL 2703. A module with exposed conductive parts is considered to be in compliance with this standard only when it is either electrically grounded in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70 (2014-2017), or when the bonding means has been evaluated with this PV module to UL 2703.
Fire Rating
If mounted over a roof, the solar panel shall be mounted over a fire-resistant
roof covering rated for the application. Refer to local authority for
guidelines and regulations for building fire protection and required slope.
The module fire performance rating is Type I.
Installing the Panel
- Aptos Solar Technology panels may be installed in various applications. The particular mounting is to be defined by the system designer. Installer must handle and mount the modules to prevent any impact on front surface, back surface, and frames as this could result in damage.
- Support structures used to support AST DNA panels should be wind rated and approved for use by the appropriate codes prior to installation. In addition, they must be designed from materials that retain structural integrity over the 25 years lifespan of the panels they support.
- AST DNA panels may be installed in portraits or landscape orientation.
- A minimum of tilt angle of 5 degrees is required to ensure drainage and enable rainwater.
- The junction box edge should be at the top when mounted in portrait orientation.
- Specific rails and frame clips approved by AST are listed in Table 1. Alternative rails and frame clips/fasteners need to be approved by AST to ensure compliance to UL61730 safety standard.
- De-rating factors must be applied if installed above 2000m.
Frame Cross Section
Module Wiring
- AST DNA panels are pre-wired and terminated with MC4 compatible connectors.
- Connections to other panels should use compatible connectors that comply with Code requirements. AST recommends that all wiring be double insulated with a minimum rating of 90 C, and wiring should use flexible copper conductors where minimum size should be determined by the applicable codes.
- The cables and connectors are UV and weather resistant from -40 C to +90 C and rated for 1500VDC.
- Panels may be wired in series or parallel to obtain desired voltages and current but must not exceed the system rating for voltage and current.
- AST panels may produce up to 20% more power than STC rating, depending on system design and albedo.
- The additional power gain should be taken into consideration when determining optimum system sizing, string length, and selecting system components and wiring.
- Overcurrent protection devices should be employed.
- 20A current rating for series or parallel. Please comply with all code and design requirements.
Grounding
-
NEC, article 250 governs grounding method. Grounding method must follow local electric codes. Use bolt, M4, cup washer, grounding wires, flat washer, tooth washer, screw nut, M4 and install as shown in the diagram below.
-
Torque specification is 2 to 3 Nm. Grounding materials is evaluated under UL1703.
-
cup washer: SS 9 @4.3 h8
-
grounding wires: single conductor, the cross section of conductor is no less than 4mm?
-
flat washer: SS 9 $4.3 h8
-
tooth washer: SS $7.8 Ф4.3 Thickness: 0.5 number of gears: 11
-
screw nut M4: SS
Specifications
- The electrical characteristics are within ‡ 10 % of the indicated values of Isc, Imp, Vmp, and Voc and ‡ 3 % of the indicated value max under standard testing conditions (irradiance of 1000/m2, AM 1.5 spectrum, and a cell temperature of 25 C)
- Under normal conditions, solar panels are likely to experience conditions that produce more current and/or voltage than stated at standard test conditions.
- Accordingly, the values of Is and Voc, inclusive of bifacial gain, should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25, or more, when determining component voltage ratings, and size of controls connected to the PV output. (Refer to code and design requirements).
- AST DNA panels have a maximum system voltage of 1500 VDC. Some grid-tied systems operate or near this voltage rating. The Voc increases as the ambient temperature decreases.
- Maximum system voltage is computed as the sum of the open-circuit voltage of the series-connected panels for the lowest expected ambient temperature.
- Temperature coefficients can be used to provide the most accurate prediction of the panel voltage under temperature extremes.
Maintenance
ASTDNA panels are designed to require little to no maintenance. Depending on
local conditions, panels may need periodic cleaning to remove dirt build-up
and soiling. Panels should be washed with water to remove dirt and soiling.
Frequency of cleaning will depend on local weather conditions and panel tilt.
Once a year, have qualified service professional check the general condition
of wiring and check to be sure that mounting hardware is at the correct
torque. Loose connections may result in damaged panels.
Panels generate electricity when there is sunlight, and cleaning/maintenance
personnel must take proper precautions.
Mechanical Drawings
- Installers must use pre-drilled mounting holes on the frame.
- Frame clip must have minimum height dimension as shown.
End Frame Clip
Mid Frame Clip
Mounting Methods
- Mounting holes are 14mm by 9mm. M8 bolt and fasteners.
- Torque value is 12.5 Nm – 18 Nm.
- Rails can run perpendicular or parallel to panel length. (See figure 1)
Fasteners
- Bolt: M8 Stainless steel, abbreviated as ss
- Flat washer: Ф16-Ф8.4 H1.6 ss
- Spring washer : $12.6-08.4 H4.7 ss
General Information
Slope should be less than 5 in/ft (127 mm/305mm) required to maintain a fire
class rating. Any roof penetration required to mount the module must be
properly sealed to prevent leaks. The modules are rated fire class C and are
suitable for mounting over class A roof.
Pole Mount
When installing a module on a pole, choose a pole and module mounting
structure that will withstand anticipated winds for the area.
Modules Installed with Mounting Holes
- Modules should be bolted with M8 and M6 to the support structures through mounting holes located in the frame in the back flanges. See table in the following page. Torque should be 12.5-18 Nm for tightening the
- M8 bolt, the torque should be 9-15 Nm for tightening the M6 bolt.
- Modules Installed with Clamping
- Modules should be bolted to the support structures rail by metal clamps. It is recommended to use clamp under the following conditions or approved by system installation. Clamping distance is quarter of the module length. See table in the following page.
- Clamp materials: Aluminum, Bolt torque: 12.5 – 18 NM, clamp must not contact the front glass,
bolt: M8 SS, flat washer: diameter 16-8.4 mm H1.6 ss, spring washer: diameter 12.6-8.4 mm H4.7 ss.
DNA 108-MF10-395W, 390W, 400W
Electrical Specifications
Temperature Coefficients
Test Operating Conditions
Junction Box Information
- Overcurrent protection type: none of bypass diodes: 3
- Diameter of cables: every module has 2 cables
whose diameter is 4mm2 for any one of them, and it can endure 90oC insulation and can be exposed under sun light.
Ways of connecting
Every module with 2 connectors that are positive electrode and negative
electrode. When modules are installed in series, the first positive connector
should connect with the negative connector of the next module.
The modules are equipped with PV wiring connectors that comply with the
Standard for Connectors for use in photovoltaic systems, UL 61730, the
specific allowable mating connector manufacturer and model number are listed
as below.
- Electrical Connectors
- PV-KBT4-EVO2
- PV-KST4-EVO2
Mounting holes are 1/4 and 1/8 of the panel length
Contact
All Rights Reserved. DNA-108
Version: AS-IM-001