SOLON SOLquick.Installation and Maintenance Manual.
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Contents1 Introduction 3
1.1 Warning 3
1.2 Contact information 3
1.3 SOLquick Features and Benefi ts 3
1.4 Disclaimer of Liability 4
2 Important Safeguards & Warnings 5
2.1 Target Group & Skill 5
3 Declaration of Conformity 6
3.2 National Electrical Code (NEC & CEC) 6
4 SOLquick Electrical Characteristics 7
5 Safety Instructions 8
5.1 Handling Safety 8
5.2 Installation Safety 8
5.3 Fire Safety 9
5.4 Electrical Safety 9
6 Mechanical Installation 10
6.1 Unpacking Instructions 10
6.2 Orientation, Tilt Angle & Shading 12
6.3 Roof Preparation 12
6.4 Mounting Methods 12
6.5 Ballast Mounting 13
6.6 Ballast Mounting Instructions 14
6.7 Penetration Mounting 16
6.8 Penetration Mounting Instructions 17
7 Electrical Installation 19
7.1 Electrical Interconnection 19
7.2 Electrical Connection 20
7.3 Wire Management 20
8 Maintenance & Cleaning 23
3Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
1 Introduction
1.1 Warning!Please read these instructions thoroughly before beginning installation,
operation, or maintenance. Failure to comply may result in personal injury and
property damage! Please store this manual safely for the life of the product so
that it can be referenced by the end user. SOLON reserves the right to make
unannounced changes to the SOLquick assembly. Be sure to check whether
these instructions correspond to the current state and your model number
1.2 Contact InformationFor additional information and for a list of local dealers and distributors, visit
our website at www.solon.com or contact us at:
SOLON Corporation
6950 S. Country Club Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone: +1 (520) 807-1300
1.3 SOLquick Features and Benefi tsThank you for buying our SOLON photovoltaic (PV) commercial rooft op
system. SOLON combines years of experience in photovoltaic laminate
production and system integration with a commitment to bringing the benefi ts
of solar electricity to people around the world.
The Solon SOLquick is a fully-integrated photovoltaic system engineered to
minimize installation time and labor, and maximize energy production for fl at
rooft op applications. SOLquick is greatly adaptable with both penetration and
ballasting options as well as an interconnection method that accommodates
for roof variability. The integrated design can be ballasted in most cases,
facilitating a rapid installation that requires no tools or grounding.
This manual describes the installation and maintenance instructions for
SOLquick units intended for use in North America (NA). The SOLquick is
available in the following confi gurations: SOLquick Black XT 280 (NA),
SOLquick Black XT 285 (NA), SOLquick Black XT 290 (NA), SOLquick Black
XT 295 (NA), SOLquick Blue XT 280 (NA), SOLquick Blue XT 285 (NA),
SOLquick Blue XT 290 (NA), SOLquick Blue XT 295 (NA). The instructions in
this manual apply to all of the models listed.
Before installing, wiring or using a SOLquick unit, it is important to thoroughly
read this manual and understand the instructions. Installers must understand
the basic principles of electricity and electrical apparatuses as well as article
690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Special attention must be given to
the safety instructions.
4
1.4 Disclaimer of LiabilitySince the use of this Safety and Installation Manual and the conditions or
methods of installation, operation, use and maintenance of the SOLquick are
beyond the control of SOLON, SOLON does not assume responsibility and
expressively disclaims liability for loss, damage, injury or expense arising out of
or in any way connected with such installation operation, use or maintenance
of the SOLquick.
SOLON Corporation assumes no responsibility for infringement of patents
or other rights of third parties which may result from use of SOLquick. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent
rights. The information in this manual is based on SOLON’s knowledge and
experience and is believed to be reliable, but such information including
product specifi cations (without limitations) and suggestions do not constitute
a warranty, expressed or implied. SOLON reserves the right to make changes
to the product, specifi cation or this manual without prior notice.
5Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
Note Read this section carefully before installing, using, repairing or performing maintenance on SOLquick or the PV power system.
Warning!Lethal voltages and/or shock hazard may be present in laminates and arrays
during sunlight hours, even at low light levels. This hazard increases when
multiple laminates are connected together to provide higher system voltage
or current levels. Dangerous voltages may also be present at night from
connections to batteries and feedback from inverters or other parts of the
system.
2.1 Target Group and SkillSOLON SOLquick units should only be installed by qualifi ed installers with
adequate solar installation experience. You must comply with the standards
and regulations applicable to PV installations, such as National Electrical Code
(NEC) and other building codes, the grid operator’s technical connection
requirements, and trade association rules concerning accident prevention.
Failure to comply can lead to signifi cant personal injury and equipment
damage.
2 Important Safeguards & Warnings
6
3 Declaration of Conformity
3.1 Declaration of ConformityThe complete SOLquick assembly, including the photovoltaic component and
the supporting understructure, is ETL listed and certifi ed by Intertek Testing
Laboratories for compliance with “UL 1703 Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Laminates
and Panels Standard for Safety”.
This UL standard covers fl at-plate photovoltaic laminates and panels intended
for installation on or integral with buildings or to be freestanding (not
attached to buildings), in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NFPA
70), appropriate Building Codes, and any other applicable Local Codes in the
US.
For non-integral “Class C” laminates, the assembly is to be mounted over a fi re
resistant roof covering rated for the application.
Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic laminate is likely to experience
conditions that produce more current and/or voltage than reported at
standard test conditions. Therefore, the values of Isc and V
oc marked on this
laminate must be sized according to section 690-8 of the National Electrical
Code for all component voltage ratings, conductor ampacities, fuse sizes, and
size of controls connected to PV output.
Use USE conductor cable of minimum 10 AWG and minimum 90°C
temperature rating, which is also sunlight resistant rated, for laminates and
interconnect wiring that is exposed to weather as per NEC.
3.2 Electrical Code (NEC or CEC)The National Electrical Code (NEC) covers the installation of photovoltaic
systems and must be adhered to when systems are designed and installed in
the US. Article 690, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, of the NEC applies to solar
photovoltaic electrical energy systems including the array circuit(s), power
conditioning unit(s) and controller(s) for such systems.
All wiring shall be in accordance with the NEC, and grounding method of the
frame of arrays shall comply with the NEC, article 250.
Any Canadian installation shall be in accordance with CSA C22.1, Safety
Standard for Electrical Installations, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 for
installations in Canada.
7Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
SOLquick Electrical Characteristics
Model
Rated
Maximum
Power at
STC (W dc)
Open
Circuit
Voltage at
STC (V dc)
Short
Circuit
current at
STC (A dc)
Rated
Voltage at
STC, (V dc)
Rated
Current at
STC (A dc)
Maximum
System
Voltage
(V dc)
Maxiumum
Series Fuse
(A dc)
SOLquick Black XT 280 280 43.69 8.44 35.20 7.96 600 20
SOLquick Black XT 285 285 43.96 8.51 35.40 8.06 600 20
SOLquick Black XT 290 290 44.23 8.59 35.60 8.16 600 20
SOLquick Black XT 295 295 44.50 8.66 35.80 8.26 600 20
SOLquick Blue XT 280 280 44.08 8.20 35.95 7.78 600 20
SOLquick Blue XT 285 285 44.30 8.27 36.25 7.86 600 20
SOLquick Blue XT 290 290 44.53 8.33 36.50 7.95 600 20
SOLquick Blue XT 295 295 44.70 8.44 36.68 8.08 600 20
4 SOLquick Electrical Characteristics
8
5.1 Handling Instructions
DO NOT drop, allow objects to fall on, stand, kneel or step on laminates.
DO NOT install or service during conditions of rain, snow, ice, or high
winds.
DO NOT disassemble the unit, or remove any part factory installed by
SOLON. Use SOLquick systems for their intended use only and follow all
manufacturers’ instructions. Any disassembly or unintended use will void
all warranty.
DO NOT direct artifi cially concentrated sunlight on the laminate.
Use caution when handling SOLquick units. The exposed glass edges of
the PV laminate can be damaged if collisions or other careless acts occur.
5.2 Installation Safety
DO NOT attempt to install or service any portion of the PV system unless
you understand the electrical operation and are fully qualifi ed to do so.
Provide a fi re extinguisher, and fi rst aid kit when performing fi eld work on
all energized equipment where the system open circuit voltage is 30 volts
or greater.
Since sparks may be produced, do not install SOLquick where fl ammable
gases or vapors are present
DO NOT attempt to open the diode housing or junction box located
on the back side of any SOLON SOLquick. There are no user serviceable
parts inside.
DO NOT work on PV laminates when laminates are wet. If a wet laminate
is cracked or broken the full system voltage may be present.
Never remove product or warning labels.
Tools and working conditions should be dry.
Follow all applicable Federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration safety standards when working on any construction
project. Always reference the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
70E, Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, when performing
electrical work.
5 Safety Instructions
9Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
Appropriate protective wear must be worn when handling the materials.
Protective gear would include insulative gloves for any electrically active
components and hard hats, steel toe boots and protective eyewear for
any lift ing of materials.
5.3 Fire Safety Refer to your local authority for guidelines and requirements of building
or structural fi re safety.
It may be necessary to use components such as earth ground fault circuit
breakers, fuses and circuit breakers.
5.4 Electrical Safety Rated electrical characteristics are within ±10 percent of the indicated
values of Isc, V
oc, and P
max under Standard Test Conditions.
(Irradiance of 1000 W/m2, AM 1.5 spectrum and a cell temperature of
77°F (25°C).
Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic laminate may experience
conditions that produce more current and/or voltage than reported
at Standard Test Conditions. Accordingly, the values of ISC
and VOC
marked on UL Listed laminates should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25
when determining component voltage ratings, conductor capacities, fuse
sizes and size of controls connected to the laminate output. Refer to Sec.
690-8 of the National Electric Code for an additional multiplying factor of
125 percent (80 percent of rating) which may be applicable.
DO NOT wear jewelry when working on the units.
A two-person team is required while performing fi eld work on all
energized equipment where the system open circuit voltage is 30 volts or
greater.
Wear electrical insulating gloves rated at 1000 volts and suitable eye
protection when working on systems where the system open circuit
voltage is 30 volts or greater.
DO NOT touch terminals while the PV laminate is exposed to light
without wearing electrical insulating gloves.
DO NOT connect or disconnect a PV laminate unless the array string is
open- circuited and all of the laminates in the string are covered.
10
6 Mechanical Installation
NoteSOLquick is listed by ETL for a design load of 30 psf. SOLquick has maintained
structural integrity while absorbing compression loads up to 90 psf during
independent testing. The system is therefore suitable for snowy regions.
Reference ASCE to determine the proper wind and snow load calculations for
each location. All installations should also be in accordance with local building
codes and regulations. For proper structural design, it is recommended to retain
the services of a structural engineer experienced with the installations of PV
systems.
It is the sole responsibility of the user and/or installer to verify that the
laminate mounting system and mounting method are properly engineered and
in accordance with local building codes and regulations.
6.1 Unpacking Instructions
Warning!DO NOT CUT THE CENTER WRAPPING OF SOLquick PALLETS AS THIS
MAY CAUSE THE UNITS TO BECOME DESTABALIZED AND RESULT IN
DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY. ALWAYS HANDLE SOLquick UNITS BY THE
FRAME, NEVER BY THE LAMINATE. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO
UNPACKING SOLquick UNITS.
Note unpacking SOLquick requires two operators.
Shipments of SOLquick units are bound in a vertically palletized packaging
confi guration. Each pallet contains a total of eight units and weighs ~680lbs.
Each SOLquick unit is individually supported by stretch wrap. Unpacking must
be completed one unit at a time by two operators.
1. One operator should cut the outermost layer of stretch wrap while the
other operator holds the SOLquick unit to ensure stability. Cut the stretch
wrap on the side of the unit of the wind defl ector.
2. Aft er outermost layer of stretch wrap is removed, operators should
remove SOLquick unit from pallet by handling the frame on the long sides
of the unit. The fi rst SOLquick to be removed will be clearly marked. Aft er
clearing pallet and other obstructions SOLquick unit should be carried
horizontally and parallel to the roof to the desired location.
3. Repeat steps one and two on the opposite side of the pallet from unit
previously removed until pallet is empty.
11Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
1. Starting from the outer most layer, one operator cuts
the stretch wrap on the side of the wind defl ector. The
other operator must hold the module in place.
2. Aft er removing the fi rst module and placing it in the
desired location, Repeat step one alternate sides of pallet
and continuing to remove the outer most module from the
wrap.
3. Continue to remove SOLquick units until pallet is empty. Installers must alternate sides of pallet when removing units or pallet will become unstable and can cause physical damage or personal injury.
12
6.2 Orientation, Tilt Angle & ShadingThe SOLquick assembly is designed with an array confi guration that minimizes
inter-row shading while maximizing installation capacity. This balance yields
optimum overall energy production for a commercial rooft op application. The
structure allows for a high installation density while providing a suffi cient walkway
for installation and maintenance access. The engineered tilt design increases
energy production and decreases soiling and snow accumulation as compared to a
horizontally mounted PV laminate.
PV laminates should be located in areas with an unobstructed view of the sun
where they will receive maximum exposure of daily sunlight. Shadowing caused by
buildings, trees, utility poles and other obstructions, signifi cantly reduces the PV
energy output at both the individual and system level. Optimal energy production
of the SOLquick system can be achieved by installing the units in a south-facing
orientation for locations in the northern hemisphere.
6.3 Roof PreparationFree the roof of any unintended debris, specifi cally small rocks or other objects
that could cause damage to the SOLquick or roof. Ensure that the rooft op has
been inspected and approved by the proper authority and warranty holder for such
an installation. It is recommended that mounting positions are marked on the roof
and materials are staged in such a way to expedite the overall installation process.
6.4 Mounting MethodsThe information in this section describes methods of securing the SOLquick units
to a fl at rooft op. It is the sole responsibility of the user and/or installer to verify
that the array mounting method is properly executed and is in accordance with
local building codes and regulations.
There are only two methods for mounting a SOLquick PV laminate:
Ballast Securement
Penetration and Ballast Securement
13Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
Description
Racking and laminate assembly
Dimensions (LxWxH):
78.28 x 53.75 x 7.99 inches
Weight: 80 lbs
Flexible buckle and strap to mechanically connect
SOLquick units.
Mechanically connects SOLquick units.
Ballasting pavers designed for 25 year outdoor
life span. -Not a standard part. Can be purchased
separately if required.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 16 x 8 x 1 inches
Weight: ~20lbs
Allows for drainage of precipitation under
SOLquick units and acts as a sacrifi cial layer.
Please consult your roofi ng manufacturer for roof
warranty reqiurements.
Item no.
1
2
3
4
5
Name
SOLquick Assembly
Interconnection Strap
U-Bolt
8" x 16" Ballast
Drainage Mat/Slip
Sheet (If required by
Roof Warranty)
Recommended tools
Chalk line
Pen/Chalk
Folding ruler or
tape measure
Utility knife
6.5 Ballast MountingInstalling SOLquick by ballasting requires virtually no tools. A structural engineer should be consulted to determine the
appropriate mounting method as well as the amount of ballast required at a given site per ASCE standards.
Items required for ballast mounting include:
14
6.6 Ballast Mounting Instructions With Interconnection Straps:
1. Place SOLquick assemblies at the desired location (over a fi tted underlying
drainage mat if required).
2. Connect SOLquick units to each other by looping the Interconnect Strap
once through the interconnection slot of each adjoined laminate ensuring that
the connecting bar is placed in the groove of the frame material. Note that if
interconnection is only for two SOLquicks connected in an East-West orientation,
the Interconnection Strap will not have a connecting bar. If the connection is
only for two SOLquicks connected in a North-South orientation, there will be
a connecting bar that should be placed in the groove of the frame material.
Be sure not to twist the strap as it is run through the interconnection slots.
Complete the connection by snapping the mated buckles of the Interconnect
Strap together.
15Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
3. Complete the connection by snapping the mated buckles of the Interconnect
Strap together. This method will connect four SOLquick units together within the
array. A smaller version of the Interconnect Strap is used to connect units of the
far East/West sides of the array and the North-South connection does not have a
connecting bar. This provides load sharing for the overall array.
4. Evenly distribute 8“ x 16“ ballast pavers that are designed for the applicable
standard on top of the SOLquick ballast rack. Ballasting requirements for a given
site are to be determined by a structural engineer per ASCE requirements.
16
6.7 Ballast Mounting Instructions with U-Bolt:
1. Place SOLquick assemblies at the desired location (over a fi tted underlying
drainage mat if required).
2. Connect SOLquick units to each other by inserting the u-bolt through the
pre-drilled holes. The plate for the u-bolt is inserted on the opposite side of the
frame within the groove of the frame material. Note that if the interconnection
is for units in a North South orientation, the plate is secured to the pair of
inner notches on the u-bolt. For four units or for an East West orientation
interconnection, the plate is secured to the outer pair of notches on the u-bolt.
17Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
3. Complete the connection by securing the plate to the notches on the U-bolt.
4. Evenly distribute 8“ x 16“ ballast pavers that are designed for the applicable
standard on top of the SOLquick ballast rack. Ballasting requirements for a given
site are to be determined by a structural engineer per ASCE requirements.
18
6.7 Penetration MountingSome installations may require penetration mounting due to seismic concerns,
stuctural loading and/or local requirements.
Items required for penetration mounting include:
Description
Racking and laminate assembly
Dimensions (LxWxH):
78.28 x 53.75 x 7.99 inches
Weight: 80 lbs
Flexible buckle and strap to mechanically connect
SOLquick units.
Mechanically connects SOLquick units.
Allows for drainage of precipitation under
SOLquick units and acts as a sacrifi cial layer.
Please consult your roofi ng manufacturer for roof
warranty requirements. This is not a standard part
and can be purchased separately if required.
Roof penetration component designed for
intended use. This is not a standard part and can
be purchased separately if required.
Roof penetration component designed for
intended use. This is not a standard part and can
be purchased separately if required.
Roof penetration component designed for
intended use. This is not a standard part and can
be purchased separately if required.
Item no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Name
SOLquick Assembly
Interconnection Strap
U-Bolt
Drainage Mat/Slip
Sheet (If required by
Roof Warranty)
Flashable Standoff
Penetration
Lag Screws
Z-Clamp
19Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
6.8 Penetration Mounting Instructions:
1. Place SOLquick assemblies at the desired location (over a fi tted underlying
drainage mat if required).
2. Fit and mark the location of Flashable Standoff Penetrations obtained from an
outside supplier with attached Z-clamp. The Z-clamp should be placed over each
of the four slotted corners of the SOLquick units and in ballast tray as seen in the
illustration below to position penetrations.
Z Clamp
Recommended tools
Chalk line
Pen/Chalk
Folding ruler or
tape measure
Utility knife
Powerdrill
Flashable Standoff Penetration
(Outside supplier)
Flashing Method
(Outside supplier)
20
3. Attach Flashable Standoff Penetrations to the roof at each of the fi ve required
locations of the SOLquick units. The Z-clamp is capable of securing up to four
adjoining units in the middle of the array and two units on the front and back array
edges.
21Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
All electrical components must be rated for the particular site and application and
must be installed according to the specifi c instructions contained in this manual.
All applicable local and National or Canadian Electric Code standards must be
observed.
7.1 Electrical InterconnectionSOLON SOLquick is designed to be easily interconnected. See step by step
instructions below:
7 Electrical installation
1. Each unit comes with one positive (+) wire terminal
and one negative (-) mated wire terminal. Both wires are
connected inside of the junction box (diode housing).
2. Pull interconnect wires from adjoining units through
keyhole slots.
3. Insert the plug from one PV laminate into the receptacle
of the next PV laminate in the array string.
4. Secure the mated connector pair on the inside of the wind
defl ector to protect it from damage.
22
7.2 Electrical ConnectionPV arrays are comprised of strings. A string is a series of PV laminates connected
together to reach a desired voltage. The number of SOLquick laminates in a string
can vary depending on the PV laminate voltage and desired system voltage,
provided the max system voltage does not exceed that allowed by NEC Section
690-7 (600 volts).
When calculating the system operational voltages use the PV laminate Vmp
.
However, for NEC compliance, the maximum system voltage is calculated using Voc
.
When determining component voltage ratings, conductor ampacities, fuse sizes,
and size of controls connected to PV output, use the values of Isc and V
oc marked
on the PV laminate or found in this instruction manual.
NOTEUnder normal conditions, a photovoltaic laminate is likely to experience condi-
tions that produce more current and/or voltage than reported at standard test
conditions. Accordingly, the values of Isc and V
oc marked on this PV laminate
must be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component voltage
ratings, conductor amapcities, fuse sizes and size of controls connected to PV
output.
Refer to Section 690-8 of the National Electrical Code for an additional
multiplying faction of 125 percent (80 percent derating) which may be
applicable.
Caution!DO NOT connect or disconnect a SOLON SOLquick laminate unless the array
string is open-circuited and all of the PV laminatess in the string are covered.
The connectors are not designed to make or break the full system current.
Caution!Be aware that artifi cially concentrated sunlight shall not be directed onto the
SOLquick PV laminates.
The electrical characteristics are within ±10 percent of the indicated values of
ISC
, VOC
, and Pmax
under standard test conditions (irradiance of 1000 W/m2, AM
1.5 spectrum, and a cell temperature of 25°C (77°F).
7.3 GroundingThe SOLquick assembly is a unique photovoltaic mounting solution that has no
exposed electrically conductive parts when ballast mounted. Because of this it
generally does not require a grounding method unless otherwise specifi ed by a
local authority. Please refer to NEC 690 and your local permitting authority for
grounding requirements on systems mounted using the metal penetration method.
23Installation and safety manual SOLON SOLquick
8 Maintenance & Cleaning
Attention!Do not use cleaning agents and/or abrasive cleaning equipment to clean the
SOLquick laminates. The front glass of the SOLquick laminates can be cleaned
using water. Do not use pressurized cleaning systems to clean the SOLquick glass
as this can cause damage to the underlying cells.
Caution!Since the use of this manual is beyond SOLON’s control it is imperative that
a qualifi ed electrician, suffi ciently trained on this system, is used to complete
any service, maintenance, or operations on this system. SOLON will not accept
any responsibility or liability for the service, maintenance, or operation of this
system unless such qualifi ed individuals are used and they strictly adhere to the
instructions provided in this manual. SOLON expressly disclaims any liability for
loss, damage, or expense incurred by the failure of the owner/installer to follow
the instructions set forth in this manual.
Because the system is tied to the power grid, and the system is dually energized,
lethal DC voltages may be present on the system at all times. In addition, because
the modules convert energy directly from sunlight, lethal voltages may be present
even when disconnected from the grid.
When servicing modules, DO NOT walk on, step on, or lean on solar modules under
any circumstances.
SOLquick installation should be annually inspected for the following concerns:
Mechanical interconnects have begun to loosen and there are no abrasions
or cuts.
Degradation of the ballasting pavers.
Excessive soiling that may cause power loss.
Electrical interconnects are loose.
Wire insulation is unabraided.
The SOLquick assembly can be easily removed for easy roof access, by unfastening
interconnect straps and removing any ballast and penetration anchors. For further
information on PV systems inspection and maintenance please visit
http://solarabcs.org/.
24
SOLON Corporation
6950 S. Country Club Rd
Tucson · AZ · 85756-7151
Phone +1 520 807-1300
Fax +1 520 807-4046
E-Mail [email protected]