Planning the Installation
Figure
PV Array Requirements
WARNING: Shock hazard
Whenever a PV array is exposed to sunlight, a shock hazard exists at the output wires or exposed terminals. To reduce the risk of shock during installation, cover the array with an opaque (dark) material before making any connections.
General Recommendations
It is important that the PV array is installed correctly to the manufacturer’s specifications and to local code requirements.
Equipment and Installation Recommendations
| Important: The PV array should be free of shade. This requirement includes even | |
| small obstructions such as antennas, chimneys, and power lines. As well, be aware of | |
| potential obstructions from growing trees and neighboring buildings. A small amount of | |
| shade can have a disproportionately high impact on system performance. |
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Equipment | • All electrical equipment should be approved for the voltage and current | |
recommendations | ratings necessary for the application. | |
| • All wiring should be sized correctly to minimize voltage drop. | |
| • All exposed wires or conduits should be sunlight resistant. | |
| • All required overcurrent protections should be included in the system and | |
| accessible for maintenance. | |
Installation | • All electrical terminations should be fully tightened, secured, and strain | |
recommendations | relieved as appropriate. | |
| • All mounting equipment should be installed according to the manufacturer’s | |
| specifications. | |
| • All wires, conduit, exposed conductors and electrical boxes should be secured | |
| and supported according to code requirements. | |
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