SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DIY KIT - Installation Manual

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SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DIY KIT - Installation Manual
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC
                       DIY KIT
             Installation Manual

                                                                                   Version 1.1
                                                                   The UK Solar Panel Shop Ltd
                                              2 Pollard Garth, Skidby. East Yorkshire. HU16 5GA
                                 Tel: 01482 210089 e‐mail: technicalsupport@uksolarshop.co.uk

Note: These Instructions Should Be Read Carefully Prior
                    To Installation
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DIY KIT - Installation Manual
Contents

           Table of Contents:

           Introduction                                                                            ‐ Page 3
           Health & Safety                                                                         ‐ Page 3
           Kit Check sheet                                                                         ‐ Page 3
           MCS Accreditation                                                                       ‐ Page 3

           Installation                                                                            ‐ Page 4
           PV Module Layout                                                                        ‐ Page 4
           Rafter Identification                                                                   ‐ Page 5
           Roof Hook Installation                                                                  ‐ Page 6
           Rail Installation                                                                       ‐ Page 8
           PV Module Installation                                                                  ‐ Page 9
           Inverter – Board 1                                                                      ‐ Page 11
           AC Isolator & OFGEM Meter – Board 2                                                     ‐ Page 11
           Cabling                                                                                 ‐ Page 11

           Appendix                                                                                ‐ Page 12
           Appendix 1                                                                              ‐ Page 12
           Appendix 2                                                                              ‐ Page 13
           Appendix 3                                                                              ‐ Page 14
           Appendix 4                                                                              ‐ Page 15

                                    Note: All instructions and data values within this document are based      Page | 2
                                     on our standard DIY KITS; if your kit has alternative components the
                                                    details in this manual may not be valid
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DIY KIT - Installation Manual
Introduction

               Introduction
               This installation manual contains essential information for the effective and safe installation of your solar
               photovoltaic (PV) kit. It is essential that this kit is fitted by a competent person with relevant experience, if this kit
               is installed without the required knowledge base your installation may not be eligible for MCS accreditation and
               any guarantees may be void.
               This technical documentation should be available with you at all times during the installation, but prior to
               installation please read these instructions as in many cases it will prevent problems from occurring during the
               installation process.
               In all cases any technical advice you require can be obtained by contacting us via;
                  tel: 01482 210089
               e‐mail: technicalsupport@uksolarshop.co.uk

               Health & Safety
               From the outset, the designer and installer of a PV system must consider the potential hazards carefully, and
               systematically devise methods to minimize the risks.
               The main safety issues are:
                       The supply form PV modules cannot be switched off, so special precautions should be made to ensure
                        that live parts are either not accessible or cannot be touched during installation, use and maintenance.
                       PV systems include d.c wiring, with which few electricians are familiar so DON’T attempt to alter or
                        terminate any connections.
                       The installation of PV systems presents a unique combination of hazards – due to risk of electric shock,
                        falling and simultaneous manual handling difficulty. All of these hazards are rarely encountered all at
                        once. While roofers may be accustomed to minimizing risks of falling or injuries due to manual handling,
                        they are not used to dealing with the risk of electric shock. Similarly, electricians would be familiar with
                        electric shock hazards but not with handling large objects at heights.
               There are other hazards/risks that are specific to the installation location that MUST be considered and minimized
               before the installation can commence.
               ANY PV system installation MUST comply with Health & Safety Requirements: BS7671 and other relevant
               standards and Codes of Practice, before any works can commence.

               Kit Check sheet
                       Please ensure all equipment has been delivered, and no parts are damaged.
                       Please complete the PV Modules check sheet (APPENDIX 1)

               MCS Accreditation
               In order for your installation to receive MCS accreditation and therefore the Feed‐in Tariff scheme (FITs) you must
               follow this instruction manual closely. The UK Solar Panel Shop Ltd will only apply for/issue the MCS accreditation
               once all aspects of the installation are carried out satisfactorily

                                                                                                                                 Page | 3
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DIY KIT - Installation Manual
Installation

               Installation
               There are still a few steps that need to be carried out before any installation works can begin.
                       Ensure that all required access platforms/scaffolding are erected and certified.
                       All relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is on site and is worn at all times. For more details on
                        required PPE refer to : Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

                                                      Wear protective gloves                   Section off the site and secure
                                                                                               against falling objects

                                                      Wear a safety helmet

                                                                                                110V Tools Only
                                                      Ensure that you have
                                                      access to a first aid kit

                       Ensure manual handling route/mechanical equipment for lifting the PV modules to the roof is safe and
                        adequate.

               PV Module Layout
               At this point you will have a clear idea of the module arrangement you wish to achieve, whether it be a simple
               2kWp system in portrait orientation or a far more complicated layout where you are trying to navigate around roof
               lights. Before you start trying to lift tiles and fit brackets, it is vital that the roof space is measured once again to
               ensure the layout fits. Please refer to PV array dimensions below;

                         System Size (kWp)                              Orientation                Total Dimensions (wxhxd:mm)
                                 2                                       Portrait                          4028x3296x40*
                                 3                                       Portrait                          6032x3296x40*
                                 4                                       Portrait                          8036x3296x40*
                                 2                                      Landscape                          6612x2024x40*
                                 3                                      Landscape                          6612x3026x40*
                                 4                                      Landscape                          6612x4028x40*

                        *‐ inclusive of all clamps
                        Figures based on Canadian Solar CS6P – 250P PV Panel. Alternative panels may alter dimensions.

                                                                                                                                 Page | 4
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DIY KIT - Installation Manual
Installation

               Rafter Identification
               Once you are satisfied the array will fit on your roof, the next step is to determine the rafter locations. To calculate
               their position you will need to locate the end most rafter within your array. To do this, first remove the tiles in the
               approximate area (fig.1) of this rafter until you can see/feel the rafter (if membrane is present). Once the first
               rafter is located you can then find the approximate location of all the others you require by simply measuring
               across the tiles to the approximate area (determined by rafter distance measured from within the roof space) and
               repeating the previous step.
               Guide diagrams:

                                               b

                   ½L

                                                                                                    L = PV Module Length
                                                                                                    a = min. distance to roof edge (min 300mm)
                                                                                                    b = max. spacing between brackets

                                                                       Fig 1
                                                a
               In all cases, values a & b should be calculated in the design stage, factors to determine values;
                       Roof Structure
                       Rail gauge & rail cantilever calculation      (APPENDIX 2)
                       Local weather factors (wind/snow)             (Appendix x)

                                                                                                                                 Page | 5
Installation

               Roof Hook Installation
               Ensure all roof hook positions are correct. Once you have allocated all positions the roof hooks can be mounted to
               the rafters.
               Note: Packers may be required (Page 7 – Fig 4) between rafter and roof bracket to achieve (Page 6 – Fig 3)
               Follow Diagrams

                                                                        Fig 3

               Drill pilot holes with 4mm drill bit                     Install 2 x [M8x50mm] screws (provided)

                                                                                                                            Page | 6
Installation

                                                                                                                  Fig 4

               NOTE: It may be necessary to grind away some portions of the tiles to allow bracket to seat correctly (Fig 4)

                                                                                                                          Page | 7
Installation

               Rail Installation
               Orientation – Portrait
               Ensure all brackets are in correct position and fixed securely. The rails can now be attached to the brackets,
               ensuring cantilever calculations have been completed (APPENDIX 2)

               The rails simply click onto the utilizing the Schletter Rapid+2 Roof Hook System, this allows the rail to simply click
               into position and then be tightened into position. NOTE: Ensure the rail is in aligned before clicking in as there is
               very little lateral movement once clicked into position.

               Schletter Rapid+2 System             Click rail onto Klick‐top               Tighten screw to fix rail into position

               If the rail requires jointing, simply slide the jointer/clamp into position bridging the two rails and tighten the nuts
               provided.

               Once you have installed the rails it is imperative that you carry out the measurements below to ensure they are
               square to each other.

                                                                                                                              Page | 8
Installation

               PV Module Installation
               Installing the PV modules onto the rail is an area that many find difficult. However it is relatively simple, the MOST
               important aspects are as follows and if you follow these simple steps you will find the process straight forward;

                       Ensure the rails are square                                                                 (Refer to Page 8)
                       Ensure you have installed the DC cable to the DC isolator                                   (APPENDIX 4)
                       Measure your overall array width including Mid & End Clamps
                                                                 (Array Width = 20mm + [No. Modules x (Module Width + 20mm)])
                       Measure your rail length
                       Calculate the spacing before first End Clamp: 131001‐40                          (Rail Length – Array Width)
                                                                                                                        2
                                  st
                        Place the 1 PV Module on the rail, ensure its square to the rails as if NOT it WILL affect all further
                        modules (Refer to Appendix 2) for positioning)

                       Fix the Module to the rails using the Module End‐Clamps.
                        Push into rail but do NOT screw down Module Mid‐Clamps on the
                        adjacent side of the module (Fig 2)

                       Repeat the process using Mid‐Clamps until you install the last module and then install 2x End‐clamp,
                        connecting the DC cable as shown

                                                                                                                            Page | 9
Installation

               Fig 2 – Diagram shows a simple design with clamp locations

                                                                            Page | 10
Installation

                                                                                                           Example Purpose ONLY

               Inverter – Board 1
               The installation of the inverter is straight forward. The UK Solar Panel Shop provides an inverter board (Board 1)
               with all ancillaries necessary. This board can be mounted in most locations but we recommend your loft space, as
               the inverter does require ventilation and easy access to the array for cabling solutions, certain inverters can also
               emit a low level noise during high generation (refer to manufacturers details for dB levels). Dependant on which
               inverter you have requested or been supplied, the exact location regulations will differ. However we will always
               issue you with the relevant inverter installation guide for your assistance.
               The board that you will receive in your kit can be simply mounted to a wall within the loft space (fixings supplied).

               AC Isolator & OFGEM Meter – Board 2

               The installation of AC Isolator & OFGEM Meter board (Board 2) is again provided by The UK Solar Panel Shop all
               that you as the customer have to do is mount it, the kit as standard would require board 2 to be mounted next to
               your current distribution board & REC Incoming Supply (fixings supplied).

               Cabling
               The kit you have received will have all the cabling you require for your installation, as standard the kits come with;
                    2x 10m DC – 4.0sqmm LSOH Black 0.6/1KV (MC4 pre‐terminated)
               and either;
                    20m External SWA 3‐Core 6943X*
                       20m Internal PVC/PVC Twin/Earth 6242Y*                           *‐ Cable Cross Sectional Area dependant on installation

               This cabling should be installed as shown in APPENDIX 4

               CABLE ROUTING SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY A COMPETANT PERSON ADHERING TO ALL REGULATIONS IN BS7671

                                                                                                                                    Page | 11
Appendix

           Appendix 1

           Please complete the table below for your own records as you may need to refer to them in the future.

            PV Modules

            Make                                 Model                                  Serial Number

            Inverter

            Make                                 Model                                  Serial Number

            OFGEM Generation Meter

            Make                                 Model                                  Serial Number

                                                                                                                  Page | 12
Appendix

           Appendix 2

           Ensure you rail cantilever does not exceed the range stated below:

                               ¼L

                               ½L
                      L

                                                                                     ¼L

              L = module length           c = maximum cantilever
              a = module width            c ≤ 40% of X (max 400mm)
              Bp = mounting rail length
              X = fixing intervals

           Example:

                   X = 900mm
                    therefore the maximum cantilever can be;
                    max c = (900x0.4) 360mm

                                                                                Page | 13
Appendix

           Appendix 3
           There are various factors that determine the distance between roof hooks (value X – Appendix 2);
                  Rafter location and distance apart
                  Wind loading for your area
                  Snow loading for your area

                                                                                                              Page | 14
Appendix

               2x 10m DC – 4.0sqmm LSOH Black 0.6/1KV      External 4.0sqmm SWA 3‐Core 6943X
                (MC4 pre‐terminated)                         OR
                                                            Internal 4.0sqmm PVC/PVC Twin/Earth
                                                             6242Y
                                                                                                     Appendix 4

Page | 15
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