aptos DNA-1 High Efficiency Half Cell Module Installation Guide
- June 22, 2024
- aptos
Table of Contents
aptos DNA-1 High Efficiency Half Cell Module
Product Specifications
- Product: High Efficiency Half-Cell Module
- Pre-wired and terminated with MC4 compatible connectors
- UV and weather resistant cables and connectors
- Rated for 1500VDC
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +90°C
Product Usage Instructions
Handling and Installation
- Only authorized, qualified, and trained installers should handle the solar panels.
- Avoid touching live terminals with bare hands.
- Work in dry weather conditions with dry panels and tools.
- Avoid making connections while under load.
- Do not step or stand on the solar panel.
- Carry the panel with two or more persons; do not carry by wires or junction box.
Safety Precautions
- Avoid installation in the presence of flammable vapors or gases.
- Avoid installation in corrosive environments.
- Avoid directing artificially concentrated sunlight on the solar panel.
Maintenance and Operation
- Ensure a minimum tilt angle of 5 degrees for drainage and rainwater flow.
- Follow specific orientation guidelines for portrait or landscape installation.
- Use approved support structures designed for a 25-year lifespan.
Wiring and Connections
- Use compatible connectors complying with Code requirements for panel connections.
- Wire panels in series or parallel within system rating limits.
- Consider additional power gain when sizing the system and selecting components.
- Employ overcurrent protection devices with a 2A current rating for series or parallel connections.
Grounding
- Follow NEC Article 250 for grounding methods.
- Use specified components and install as shown in the provided diagram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q: Can I install the solar panel by myself?
A: No, only authorized, qualified, and trained installers should handle these solar panels for safety reasons. -
Q: What is the operating temperature range of the cables and connectors?
A: The cables and connectors are rated for operation between -40°C to +90°C.
Installation Manual
High Efficiency Half-Cell Module
Introduction
This manual contains information about electrical and mechanical installation
of the solar panels:DNA-1 and DNA-1 and DNA-144 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 1 00V with maximum overcurrent protection rating of 2 A. 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.
2 A 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.
Specifications
- The electrical characteristics are within ± 10 % of the indicated values of Isc, Imp, Vmp, and Voc and ± 3 % of the indicated value Pmax 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 Isc 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 1 0 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
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.
| High level loading condition (Apply to harsher environment conditions, such as storm. load is
5400Pa, safety factor is 1.5)
---|---
Mounting System|
| Permissible range of clamp (1/4L) < S ≤ (1/4L)
DNA-144-BF10-540W,545W and 550W-DG
Electrical Specifications
STC Rated Output Pmpp (W)
| BF10-540W-DG
540W
| BF10-545W-DG
545W
| BF10-550W-DG
550W
---|---|---|---
Module Efficiency| 20.90%| 21.09%| 21.29%
Open Circuit Voltage VVOC (V)| 49.50| 49.65| 49.80
Short Circuit Current ISC (A)| 13.85| 13.92| 13.99
Rated Voltage Vmp (V)| 41.65| 41.80| 41.95
Rated Voltage Imp (A)
Standard Test Conditions for front-face of panel: 100
| 12.97
0 W/m2, 25°C, measurement unc
| 13.04
ertainty <3%
| 13.11
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.
www.aptossolar.com
[email protected]
All Rights Reserved. DNA-120/144
Version: AS-IM-001