Sharp ND-255QCS Module Specific Instructions, Mechanical Installation

Ver. 6.0U _ Sep 6, 2012

B) MODULE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

There are several approved ways to mount these Sharp PV modules to a support structure. They may be mounted either using the bolt holes provided or using frame clamps (not provided). Inter-module type or end-type clamps must be designed for PV modules and have minimum dimensions shown in Figure 4 & 5 and listed in Table I on the long sides of the module in accordance with the instructions below and drawings provided. To avoid shading and module damage, the clamp should be within frame coverage width. Further, the clamp should not extend higher than the level defined by an imaginary line drawn at 24 degrees from the module glass outward from the intersection of the frame and glass. Clamps should be made of aluminum, stainless steel or other appropriate material to resist weathering and galvanic corrosion. Sharp does not warranty frame clamps or take responsibility for any third party mounting system. Sharp does not warranty frame clamps. The Sharp module warranty may be void if customer-selected frame clamps or third party mounting system are improper or inadequate with respect to properties (including strength or material) or installation. Note that if metal clamps are used, there must be a path to ground from the clamps, (for instance, by using star washers in the hardware set). Please review the descriptions below and drawings carefully; not mounting the modules according to one of these methods may void your warranty. Additionally, UL has tested and listed these modules for mounting using either bolts or clamps. Mounting with clamps is considered to be equivalent to mounting with bolts and is acceptable under the same conditions as bolt mounting.

To provide adequate ventilation, modules must be mounted such that there is a minimum 50 mm gap between the bottom of the module frame and the roof deck/ground surface.

Mounting Using Frame Bolt Holes (Figures 6)

The modules may be fastened to a support utilizing the four 9 mm diameter holes in the bottom of the frame and according to Figure 6. The module should be fastened with four (4) M8 (5/16") bolts. Recommended torque value is 12.5 Nm. This mounting method is designed to a static load of 2400 Pa (50.1 lbs/ft²). For your reference, please use the washer specified as below for the minimum requirement:

We recommended parts of the following specifications.

1)	Spring washer	3)	Bolt
	Material: Stainless Steel		Material: Stainless Steel
	Diameter: M8 (5/16")		Diameter: M8 (5/16")×20 mm
	Thickness: 2 mm (reference value)
2)	Washer	4)	Nut
	Material: Stainless Steel		Material: Stainless Steel
	Size: M8 (5/16")		Size: M8 (5/16")

Thickness: 1.6 mm (reference value)

Mounting Using Clamps on Long Edge of Module: Long Edge Parallel to Array Rails (Figures 4 & 8)

The modules may be mounted using clamps designed for solar modules as shown in Figure 4 and Table I. Note that the clamp positions are important – the clamp centerlines must be between 5.9” (150 mm) and 16.1” (410 mm) regarding ND/NU series as shown in Figure 8 from the end of the module. The module must be supported along the length of the long edge, and should overlap the array rail by at least 0.4” (10 mm). Note that the mounting clamps should meet the minimum dimensions as shown in Figure 4 and listed in Table I. The array rails must support the bottom of the modules and must be a continuous piece (no un-spliced breaks in the rail). This mounting method is designed to a static load rating of 2400 Pa (50.1 lbs/ft²).

Mounting Using Clamps on Long Edge of Module: Long Edge Perpendicular to Array Rails (Figures 5 & 9)

The modules may also be mounted using clamps on the long sides of the module when the array rails are perpendicular to the long sides, as shown in Figure 5 and listed in Table I. The clamp centerlines must be between 5.9” (150 mm) and 16.1” (410 mm) regarding ND/NU series as shown in Figure 9 from the ends of the module. Note that the mounting clamps should meet the minimum dimensions as shown in Figure 5 and listed in Table I. The array rails must support the bottom of the modules and clamps, also must be continuous pieces (no un-spliced breaks in the rail). This mounting method is designed to a static load rating of 2400 Pa (50.1 lbs/ft²).

Rail parallel with long side of module

Figure 4

Rail perpendicular with long side of module

Figure 5

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