aptos solar technology DNA-120 High Efficiency Half Cell Module Installation Guide

: July 20, 2024
: aptos solar technology

Table of Contents

aptos solar technology DNA-120 High Efficiency Half Cell Module
Product Specifications
Product Usage Instructions
Introduction
Specifications
Maintenance
Mechanical Drawings
Junction Box Information
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)
of bypass diodes: 3

aptos solar technology DNA-120 High Efficiency Half Cell Module

Product Specifications

Product Name: High Efficiency Half-CellModule
Manufacturer: AST
Model: DNA-120/144
Frame Cross Section
Pre-wired and terminated with MC4 compatible connectors
UV and weather resistant from -40°C to +90°C
Rated for 1500VDC

Product Usage Instructions

Installation Guidelines
Only authorized, qualified, and trained installers should handle the solar panels. Avoid touching live terminals with bare hands. Work in dry weather with dry panels and tools. Avoid making 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 or disassemble the panel/junction box. Carry the panel with two or more persons and avoid carrying it by its wires or junction box. Wear non-slip gloves and protective clothing. Support structures must be wind-rated, approved for use, and designed to retain structural integrity over the 25-year lifespan of the panels. Install the panels in a location free from flammable vapors, gases, or corrosive environments.

A minimum tilt angle of 5 degrees is required for drainage and rainwater management.

Wiring and Connections

AST DNA panels come pre-wired and terminated with MC4 compatible connectors.
Use compatible connectors complying with code requirements when connecting to other panels.
All wiring should be double insulated with a minimum rating of 90°C using flexible copper conductors.
Panels can be wired in series or parallel to achieve desired voltages and current within system ratings.

System Design Considerations

AST panels may produce up to 20% more power than STC rating, consider this when sizing the system, selecting components, and wiring.
Factor in additional power gain when determining system sizing, string length, and selecting system components.
Employ overcurrent protection devices with a 20A current rating for series or parallel connections.

Mounting Instructions

AST panels can be installed in portrait or landscape orientation.
Ensure the junction box edge is at the top when mounted in portrait orientation.
Use specific rails and frame clips approved by AST to comply with UL61730 safety standard.

Elevation Considerations
If installed above 2000m, apply de-rating factors as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I install the solar panel in a corrosive environment?
A: No, do not install the solar panel in a corrosive environment.
Q: What is the minimum tilt angle required for drainage?
A: A minimum tilt angle of 5 degrees is required to ensure drainage and enable rainwater flow.

Installation Manual
High Efficiency Half-CellModule

Introduction

This manual contains information about electrical and mechanical installation of the solar panels: DNA-120 and DNA-144 Series

Disclaimer of Liability
Installation techniques and methods of this product is beyond Aptos Solar Technology’s control. ASTdoesnot assume responsibility of loss or damage resulting from improper installation, handling or use. ASTdisclaims 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 20A. 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.

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 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

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. Test load is 5400Pa, safety factor is 1.5)
---|---
Mounting System|
| Permissible range of clamp

(1/4L) < S ≤ (1/4L)[For modules whose length is less than 1966mm]

DNA 144-BF26-440W, 445W, 450W

Electrical Specifications

**** STCrated Output Pmpp (W)

| DNA-144-BF26-440W

**** 440W

| DNA-144-BF26-445W

**** 445W

| DNA-144-BF26-450W

**** 450W

---|---|---|---
Module Eﬃciency| 20.24%| 20.47%| 20.70%
Open Circuit Voltage VVOC (V)| 49.0| 49.2| 49.4
Short Circiut Current ISC (A)| 11.36| 11.44| 11.52
Rated Voltage Vmmp (V)| 40.8| 41.0| 41.2
Rated Voltage Immp (A)| 10.79| 10.86| 10.93

DNA 144-MF26-440W, 445W, 450W

**** STCrated Output Pmpp (W)| -440W

**** 440W

| -435W

**** 435W

| -430W

**** 430W

---|---|---|---
Module Eﬃciency| 20.21%| 19.98%| 19.75%
Open Circuit Voltage VVOC (V)| 49.9| 49.70| 49.50
Short Circiut Current ISC (A)| 11.23| 11.16| 11.09
Rated Voltage Vmmp (V)| 41.20| 41| 40.80
Rated Current Immp (A)| 10.68| 10.61| 10.55

DNA 120-BF26-360W, 365W, 370W

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.