Ulica Solar Module Installation Manual
Ulica Solar Module Installation Manual
Note:
Electrical and mechanical installation information will be introduced in this installation manual, so
please read carefully and understand the information before before installing, operating or
servicing the PV system.
The Buyer shall not change the installation method by their own, any simplified installation method
or different from this installation manual shall be checked with and confirmed by the Seller,
otherwise the Seller will not be responsible for any quality issues caused by the unauthorized
installation method.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in bodily injury or damage to property. Keep these
instructions!
Working on a Pv system (installation, setup,maintenance,repairs) must be carried out by qualified
and authorized persons.
Version Number:UL202201
-1-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... - 3 -
2. Laws and Regulation ........................................................................................................................... - 3 -
3. General Information............................................................................................................................. - 3 -
3.1 Modules identification .................................................................................................................. - 3 -
3.2 Junction box style and wiring method .......................................................................................... - 5 -
3.3 Regular Safety .............................................................................................................................. - 5 -
3.4 Electrical Performance Safety ...................................................................................................... - 6 -
3.5 Operation Safety ........................................................................................................................... - 6 -
3.6 Fire Safety ..................................................................................................................................... - 7 -
3.7 Unload/Transportation .................................................................................................................. - 7 -
4. Installation Conditions ......................................................................................................................... - 8 -
4.1 Installation Site and Working Environment ................................................................................. - 8 -
4.2 Selection of Tilt Angles ................................................................................................................ - 8 -
5. Mechanical Installation ........................................................................................................................ - 9 -
5.1 Regular Requirements .................................................................................................................. - 9 -
5.2 Monofacial assembly mechanical installation ............................................................................ - 10 -
5.3 Bifacial module Mechanical Installation .................................................................................... - 16 -
6. Electrical installation ......................................................................................................................... - 18 -
6.1 Electrical Performance................................................................................................................ - 18 -
6.2 Cables and Wiring ...................................................................................................................... - 19 -
6.3 Connector .................................................................................................................................... - 20 -
6.4 Bypass diode ............................................................................................................................... - 20 -
6.5 PID .............................................................................................................................................. - 20 -
7. Grounding .......................................................................................................................................... - 20 -
8. Operation and maintenance ............................................................................................................... - 21 -
8.1 Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................... - 21 -
8.2 Module Appearance Inspection .................................................................................................. - 22 -
8.3 Inspection of Connectors and Cables ......................................................................................... - 22 -
9. Release and execution........................................................................................................................ - 22 -
-2-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
1. Introduction
Electrical and mechanical installation information will be introduced in this installation manual, so please
read and understand the information before installing Ulica’s modules. In addition, this manual also
contains some safety information that you shall be familiar with. All contents in this manual are intellectual
properties of Ulica which originates from long term of technical exploration and experience accumulation
of Ulica.
This installation manual does not entail any explicit or implicit quality warranty and does not stipulate on
compensation schemes for losses, module damages or other costs caused by or related to module
installation, operation, utilization and maintenance process. Ulica will not take any responsibility if patent
rights or the third party rights are infringed by use of modules. Ulica reserves the rights for modifying
product manual or installation manual without noticing in advance. It is recommended to visit our website
regularly at www.Ulica-solar.com for the latest version of this installation manual. If customers fail to
install modules as per requirements set forth in this manual, the limited warranty provided for customers
will be invalid. In addition, suggestions in this manual are to improve safety of module installation, which
are tested and proved by practices. Please provide this manual to PV system users for reference and advise
on PPE(Personal Protective Equipment), operation and maintenance requirements and other suggestions..
The mechanical and electrical installation of photovoltaic modules shall be in accordance with applicable
regulations, including electrical law, construction law and electrical connection requirements. These
regulations vary from sites to sites, for example, building roof installation, vehicle applications, etc.
Requirements may also vary depending on the installed system voltage, DC or AC. Please contact local
authorities for specific terms.
3. General Information
-3-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
-4-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
3.2 Junction box style and wiring method
-5-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
3.3.11 They are designed for outdoor use. Modules can be ground mounted, vehicles or boats. The
proper design of support structures lies within the responsibility of the system designers and installers.
3.3.12 When installing the system, abide to all local, regional and national statutory regulations. Obtain a
building permit if necessary.
3.3.13 The electrical characteristics are within ±10 percent of the indicated values of Isc, Voc and Pmax
under standard test conditions (irradiance of 100 mW/cm2, AM 1.5 spectrum, and a cell temperature of
25°C (77°F).
3.3.14 Only use equipment, connectors, wiring and support frames suitable for solar electric systems.
3.7 Unload/Transportation
Precautions and general safety rules:
3.7.1 The modules should be stored in the original Ulica package before installation. Protect the package
from damage. Unpack the modules as per the recommended unpacking procedures. The whole process of
unpacking, transport and storing should be handled with care.
3.7.2 Do not stand, climb, walk or jump on unpacked pallets of modules.
3.7.3 Before installation, ensure that all modules and electrical contacts are clean and dry.
If the modules are required to be stored temporarily, they should be stored under dry and ventilated
conditions.
3.7.4 Unpacking must be carried out by two or more persons at the same time. It is forbidden to use the
wires or junction boxes of the modules to carry the modules. Handling the modules requires two or more
people with non-slip gloves; Do NOT handle the modules over-head or stack the modules.
3.7.5 Do not put the modules in a place that is not supported or stable.
3.7.6 Do not allow the modules to come in contact with sharp-pointed objectives to prevent them from
scratches, avoiding a direct impact on the safety of modules.
3.7.7 Do not remove the original packaging if the modules require long-distance transport or long-term
storage.
3.7.8 The finished package can be transported by land, sea or air. During transport, make sure that the
package is fixed with packing straps securely to the shipping platform without movement.
3.7.9 Transport: Do not stack more than two layers on truck.
-7-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
3.7.10 Only one layer stacking is only allowed for small truck. Make sure that the package is fixed with
packing straps securely to the shipping platform without movement.
3.7.11 Only one layer stacking is only allowed for transport at the project site.
4. Installation Conditions
-8-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
5. Mechanical Installation
-9-
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
5.1.5 If modules are installed on brackets parallel to the roof or wall, the minimum gap between the
module frame and the roof/wall shall be 10cm for air ventilation in case of module wire damage.
5.1.6 Make sure the building is suitable for installation before installing modules on roof. Moreover, seal
properly to prevent leakage.
5.1.7 The module frames can appear thermal expansion and cold contraction so the frame interval
between two adjoining modules shall be no less than 10mm.
5.1.8 Make sure that backsheet of modules will not be in contact with bracket or building structures that
can pierce into the inside of the modules, especially when the module surface is imposed by pressure.
5.1.9 Maximum static load of the PV module is down force 5400pa and uplift force 2400pa, which can
vary from different mounting methods of the modules (please refer to the following installation guidance),
the described load in this manual is for the test load.
5.1.10 Note: on the basis of IEC61215 - 2016 installation requirements, when computing the
corresponding maximum design load, need to consider the safety factor of 1.5 times.
5.1.11 Modules can be installed horizontally or vertically. When installing the modules, be cautious not
to block the drain hole of the frame.
- 10 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
1. Aluminum alloy frame 2. M8 stainless bolt 3. Flat stainless washer 4. Spring stainless washer
5. HEX stainless nut
Figure7 Schematic diagram2 of monofacial module with bolt Installation
Recommended accessories are as below :
- 11 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
5.2.3 Installation and Mechanical Load of Monofacial Module
Installation of framed module with fixtures on long side. Installation of framed module with fixtures on short
Beam perpendicular to long sides side. Beam perpendicular to short sides
(clamp length≥40mm) (clamp length≥40mm)
Figure 9 Monofacial Module Installation Annex
Monofacial Modules model:
Flame
Length of cable (mm)
Module type Cell type Cell quantity Dimensions (mm) Dimensions
positive/ negative
(mm)
- 12 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
The following installation methods and mechanical loads have been verified by the Ulica Solar’s
Laboratory for PV Science and Technology. The following installation methods is Simple installation
mode, these installation mode are not Ulica’s recommended installation method.
Use 4 clamps on the short side. Use 4 clamps on the short side. No mounting rails
Mounting rails run perpendicular to the long side frame. (fixture length≥ 40mm ,A=20~200mm)
(fixture length≥ 40mm ,A=20~200mm)
- 13 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Load capacities of framed Monofacial modules:
Installation Method Use 4 clamps on the short side.
Use 4 clamps on the short side.
Mounting rails run perpendicular to the long
No mounting rails (fixture length≥ 40mm ,
side frame. (fixture length≥ 40mm ,
A=20~200mm)
Module Type A=20~200mm)
UL-xxx P-120(156) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa
UL-xxx M-120(158) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa
UL-xxx M-120(166) Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa
UL-xxx M-108(182) Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa
UL-xxx M-132(182) Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa
UL-xxx M-144(166) Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa
UL-xxx M-144(182) Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa Down force load ≤1200Pa, Uplift load ≤1200Pa
Use 4 clamps on the long side. No mounting rails (fixture length≥ Use 4 clamps on the long side. No mounting rails (fixture
40mm ,A=200~400mm,or A=400~600mm) length≥ 40mm ,A = (0 - 200) mm ,B = (0 - 200) mm )
UL-xxx P-120(156) Down force load ≤3600Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa Down force load ≤3600Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-120(158) Down force load ≤3600Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa Down force load ≤3600Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-120(166) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-108(182) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-132(182) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-144(166) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-144(182) Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤1800Pa Down force load ≤1800Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
- 14 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Use 4 clamps on the short side and 2 clamps on the long side. Use 2 clamps on the short side and 2 clamps on the long side.
No mounting rails。(fixture length≥ 40mm,A = (0 - 200) mm,B Mounting rails run perpendicular to the long side frame. (fixture
= (0 - 200) mm ) length≥ 40mm ,A = (250 - 450) mm,B = (100 - 250) mm
Installation Method Slide-in rails on the short side. No fixture. Use 4 clamps on the long side.
Mounting rails run perpendicular to the long side Mounting rails run perpendicular to the long side
Module Type frame. (fixture length≥ 40mm)
UL-xxx P-120(156) Down force load ≤2400Pa, Uplift load ≤2000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-120(158) Down force load ≤2400Pa, Uplift load ≤2000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
- 15 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Installation Method Slide-in rails on the short side. No fixture. Use 4 clamps on the long side. Mounting rails run
Mounting rails run perpendicular to the long side perpendicular to the long side frame. (fixture
Module Type length≥ 40mm )
UL-xxx M-120(166) Down force load ≤1000Pa, Uplift load ≤1000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-108(182) Down force load ≤1000Pa, Uplift load ≤1000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-132(182) Down force load ≤1000Pa, Uplift load ≤1000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-144(166) Down force load ≤1000Pa, Uplift load ≤1000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
UL-xxx M-144(182) Down force load ≤1000Pa, Uplift load ≤1000Pa Down force load ≤5400Pa, Uplift load ≤2400Pa
- 16 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Recommended accessories are as below:
- 17 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Installation with bolts into 4 outer holes Installation with bolts into 4 inner holes
(Beam parallel to long sides) (Beam parallel to long sides)
6. Electrical installation
- 19 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
6.3 Connector
Please keep connectors clean and dry. Make sure connector caps are fastened before connection. Do not
connect connectors under improper conditions of damp, dirty or other exceptional situations ). Avoid
connectors from direct sun light and water immersion or falling onto ground or roof.
Incorrect connection may lead to electric arc and electric shock. Please make sure that all electric
connection is reliable.
Make sure all connectors are fully locked.
Only compatible connectors can be mated, i.e. from the same vendor and model, shall be used;(If you need
to use different types of connectors, please consult customer service of Ulica solar ).
6.5 PID
Protection and Inverter Compatibility.
PV modules may appear Potential Induced Degradation (PID) under high humidity, high temperature and
high voltage condition. Modules may appear Potential Induced Degradation (PID) under the conditions
below:
6.5.1 PV modules install under hot and humid weather condition.
6.5.2 PV modules installation site is under long term humid condition such as floating PV system.
6.5.3 To reduce the risk of PID, on the modules DC connection site, it is recommended to connect the
negative to ground.
The PID protection measures on system level are recommended as follow:
(1) For isolated PV inverter, the negative of the PV modules DC connection side can be directly
grounded.
(2) For non-isolated PV inverter, isolated transformer is needed to be installed before applying virtual
grounding (grounding method guidance from the inverter manufactures are usually needed).
7. Grounding
In design of modules, the anodized corrosion resistant aluminum alloy frame is applied for rigidity support.
For safety utilization and to protect modules from lightning and static-electricity damage, the module frame
must be grounded.
The grounding device must be in full contact with inner side of the aluminum alloy and penetrate surface
oxide film of the frame.
Do not drill additional grounding holes on module frame.
The grounding conductor or wire may be copper, copper alloy, or any other material acceptable for
application as an electrical conductor per respective National Electrical Codes. The grounding conductor
must then make a connection to ground with a suitable ground electrode.
- 20 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Holes marked with a grounding mark on the frame can only be used for grounding but not for mounting.
Frameless double glass modules have no exposed conductor, and therefore according to regulations it did
not need to be grounded.
Grounding methods below are permissible:
(1) Grounding by grounding clamp.
There is a grounding hole with the diameter of Ø4.2 mm at the edge of the module back frame. The central
line of the grounding sign also located on the edge of the module back frame overlaps with that of the
grounding hole.
Grounding between modules shall be confirmed by qualified electricians and grounding devices shall be
manufactured by qualified electric manufacturer. The torque of copper core wire used for the grounding
clamp is recommended to be 2.3N•m. 12 AWG. And copper wires cannot be pressed during installation in
case of damaging.
(2) Grounding by unoccupied mounting holes .
Mounting holes on modules that are not occupied can be used for installing grounding components.
◆ Align grounding clamp to the frame mounting hole. Use grounding bolt to go through the grounding
clamp and frame.
◆ Put the tooth side of the washer on the other side and fasten the nuts.
◆ Put grounding wires through the grounding clamp and grounding wire material and dimension shall
meet
requirements in local national and regional law and regulations.
◆ Fasten bolts of grounding wires and then installation is completed.
8.1 Cleaning
- 21 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Accumulated contaminants on module surface glass will reduce the power output and lead to local hot spot,
such as dust, industrial wasted water and birds’ droppings. The severity of influence is determined by
transparency of wastes. Small amounts of dust will affect the intensity and evenness of received solar
irradiation but are not dangerous and power will not be reduced remarkably generally.
During operation of modules, there shall be no environmental factors to shade modules fully or partially.
These environment factors including other modules, module mounting system, birds dwelling, dust, soil or
plants. These will significantly reduce output power. Ulica suggests that the module surface should not be
shadowed in any case.
Frequency of cleaning depends on dirt accumulation speed. In normal situations, rainwater will clean the
module surface and reduce the cleaning frequency. It is suggested to use sponge dipped with clean water or
soft cloth to wipe the glass surface. Do not use acid and alkaline detergents to clean modules. Do not use
tool with rough surface to clean in any case.
In order to avoid potential risk of electrical shock or burn,Ulica suggests cleaning the modules during early
morning and evening with low irradiance and low modules temperature especially area with high average
temperature.
In order to avoid potential risk of electrical shock, do not try to clean the modules with glass damage or
expose wires.
- 22 -
www.ulicasolar.com
NINGBO ULICA SOLAR CO., LTD.
Email: [email protected] Web: www.ulicasolar.com
- 23 -
www.ulicasolar.com