evergreensolar ES Series

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Evergreen Solar ES Series photovoltaic (PV, solar electric) panels are designed to produce DC electrical energy from light. This manual

contains important safety, installation and operating information with which you should be familiar before using Evergreen Solar panels.

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ES Series Photovoltaic Panels

Safety, Installation and Operation Manual

Valid from 1

This Manual is valid in North America only (ETL listed; conforms to UL Standard 1703)

General Information

• All installation and safety instructions should be understood before

attempting to install, wire, operate and maintain the panel.

• When installing, observe all local, regional, national and international

statutory regulations, guidelines, norms and code requirements.

• Installation or maintenance should only be performed by qualied

professionals, in accordance with local requirements.

• Panels produce voltage even when not connected to an electrical

circuit or load. Panels produce nearly full voltage when exposed to

as little as 5% of full sunlight, and both electrical current and power

increase with light intensity.

• Panels can produce higher output than the rated specications.

• Industry standard rated specications are made at conditions of

1000W/m

irradiance and 25°C (77ºF) solar cell temperature. Colder

temperatures can substantially increase voltage and power.

• Ensure that panels are only subjected to ambient temperatures in the

range -40 to +80°C (-40 to +176°F).

• Reection from snow, water or other surfaces can increase light and

therefore increase both the current and power generated by the

panel.

• Do not articially concentrate light on the panel.

• Panels are intended for outdoors, land-based applications only.

Panels are not intended for indoor use or application on moving

vehicles of any kind.

• Excluded applications also include, but are not limited to, installations

where panels come into contact with salt water or where likely to

become partially or wholly submerged in fresh or salt water, examples

of which include boats, docks and buoys.

• Use only equipment, connectors, wiring and support frames suitable

for use in a solar electric system.

• Follow all safety precautions of other used components.

• Each panel is marked with a serial number, including the date of

manufacture and themanufacturing location.

Example: XXxxYYYYMMDDzzzzzzz

- XX = country code (49 for Germany, 01 for US)

- xx = manufacturing building code, can be 01 or higher

- YYYY = year, MM = month, DD = day

- zzzzzzz = serial number

Handling Safety

• Do not use the junction box to hold or transport the panel.

• Do not stand or step on the panel.

• Do not drop panel or allow objects to fall on panel.

• Do not damage or scratch the rear surface of the panel.

• Avoid setting the panel down hard on any surface, particularly when

placing it on a corner.

• Do not disassemble, modify or adapt the panel or remove any

part or labeling installed by Evergreen Solar. Doing so will void the

warranty.

• Do not drill holes in the frame or glass of the panel. Doing so will void

the warranty.

• Do not apply paint or adhesive to the rear surface of the panel.

• Never leave a panel unsupported or unsecured.

• Panels are constructed with tempered glass, but must still be handled

with care.

• A panel with broken glass or torn back-skin cannot be repaired and

must not be used since contact with any panel surface or the frame

can produce electrical shock.

• Broken or damaged panels must be handled carefully and disposed

of properly. Broken glass can be sharp and cause injury if not handled

with the appropriate protective equipment.

• Work only under dry conditions, and use only dry tools. Do not handle

panels when they are wet unless wearing the appropriate protective

equipment.

• When storing unconnected panels outside for any length of time,

always cover panels which have the glass facing down to stop

water collecting inside the panel and causing damage to exposed

connectors.

Installation Safety

• Keep children away from the system and panels when installing.

• Do not carry out installation work when there are strong winds.

• When installing panels above ground, avoid any possible falling or

other safety hazards by following appropriate safety practices and

using required safety equipment.

• Solar electric panels have no on/off switch. Panels can be rendered

inoperative only be removing them from light, or by fully covering

their front surface with an opaque material, or by working with panels

face down on a smooth, at surface.

• When working with panels in light, follow all applicable regulation

regarding working with live electrical equipment.

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Electrical Specifications at STC (1000W/m², 25°C cell temperature, AM 1.5 spectrum)
Electrical Specifications at NOCT (800W/m², 20°C ambient temperature, 1m/s wind speed, AM 1.5 spectrum)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Evergreen Solar ES Series Photovoltaic Panels are solar electric (PV) panels designed to produce DC electrical energy from light. This manual provides essential safety, installation, and operation information for these panels, which are ETL listed and conform to UL Standard 1703 for North America.

Function Description:

The primary function of the ES Series panels is to convert light into DC electrical energy. They are designed for outdoor, land-based applications and are not intended for indoor use or on moving vehicles. The panels produce voltage even when not connected to a circuit or load, and nearly full voltage is generated with as little as 5% of full sunlight. Both electrical current and power increase with light intensity. The panels can produce higher output than their rated specifications, especially in colder temperatures where voltage and power can substantially increase. Reflection from snow, water, or other surfaces can also increase the generated current and power.

Important Technical Specifications:

The ES Series panels are available in several models, including ES-160, ES-170, ES-180, ES-190, ES-195, and ES-200, with power ratings (Pmp) ranging from 160W to 200W at Standard Test Conditions (STC).

Number of Cells: All models feature 108 cells.
Bypass Diodes: Each panel includes 3 x Type AR2510, 1000V, 25A bypass diodes.
Max. Series Fuse/Max. Reverse Current: 15A.
Rated System Voltage: 600V Maximum (UL) and 1000V Maximum (TÜV).
Ambient Temperature Range: -40 to +80°C (-40 to +176°F).
Weight: 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg).
Dimensions: The mechanical specifications include a length of 61.8 inches, a width of 37.5 inches, and a thickness of 1.6 inches.
Temperature Coefficients:
- γPmp (%/°C): -0.49
- βVmp (%/°C): -0.47
- αImp (%/°C): -0.02
- βVoc (%/°C): -0.34
- αIsc (%/°C): +0.06

Electrical Specifications at STC (1000W/m², 25°C cell temperature, AM 1.5 spectrum):

Pmp (W): 160-200
Vmp (V): 25.1-27.5
Imp (A): 6.38-7.28
Voc (V): 32.1-33.2
Isc (A): 7.29-8.25

Electrical Specifications at NOCT (800W/m², 20°C ambient temperature, 1m/s wind speed, AM 1.5 spectrum):

TNOCT (°C): 45.9
Pmp (W): 112.7-143.2
Vmp (V): 22.2-24.0
Imp (A): 5.08-5.97
Voc (V): 28.8-30.7
Isc (A): 5.68-6.72

Usage Features:

Installation: Installation and maintenance should only be performed by qualified professionals in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. The panels are equipped with factory-installed wires and quick connectors for easy series interconnection.
Mounting: Panels should be mounted to maximize direct exposure to sunlight and minimize shadowing, which can substantially reduce output. They must be securely fastened using support frames or mounting kits specialized for PV applications and can be mounted at any angle from vertical to horizontal. Adequate rear ventilation (minimum 100mm/4 inches gap) is required for roof-mounted systems for cooling. A clearance of 7mm (0.14 inches) or more between panels is needed for thermal expansion.
Grounding: Panel frames must be connected to an earth ground for safety and lightning protection. Grounding holes are provided for #10-32 stainless steel thread cutting screws. Evergreen Solar specifically requires the negative DC pole of the array to be grounded.
Safety: Users must avoid touching electrical terminals or wires when the panel is exposed to light. Metallic jewelry should not be worn during installation. Electrical connections should not be opened or unplugged while the circuit is under load. Insulated tools and rubber gloves approved for electrical installations must be used.
Handling: Panels should not be handled by the junction box, stood or stepped on, dropped, or have objects fall on them. The rear surface should not be damaged or scratched. Drilling holes in the frame or glass, disassembling, modifying, or removing labels will void the warranty. Panels with broken glass or torn back-skin cannot be repaired and must not be used due to potential electrical shock.
Fire Safety: Local authority guidelines for building or structural fire safety must be followed. For roof applications, panels should be mounted over a fire-resistant covering. Components like earth ground fault circuit breakers, fuses, and circuit breakers may be necessary. Panels should not be used near flammable gases.
Electrical Connections: The total DC system voltage should not exceed 100V for qualified professional installation. System wiring must have suitable cross-sectional areas and connectors approved for the maximum short-circuit current. Polarities of cables and terminals must be matched. An appropriately rated and certified over-current device (fuse or circuit breaker) must be connected in series with each panel or string if reverse currents can exceed the maximum protective fuse value. The panel contains factory-installed bypass diodes inside the junction box, which is not field accessible.

Maintenance Features:

Routine Inspection: No routine maintenance is required, but periodic inspection for damage to glass, back-skin, frame, junction box, or external electrical connections is advisable.
Cleaning: PV panels can operate effectively without washing, but removing dirt from the front glass can increase output. The panels feature a wear-resistant and durable anti-reflection treatment. Water can be used for regular washing or rinsing to remove dust, dirt, or other deposits. For ingrained dirt, the treated glass can be washed with a micro-fiber cloth and ethanol or a conventional glass cleanser.
Prohibited Cleaners: Aggressive, abrasive, or alkali-based cleansers or chemicals (including ammonia-based solutions) should never be used on the treated front glass.
Safety during Maintenance: Rubber gloves must always be worn for electrical insulation while maintaining, washing, or cleaning panels.
Storage: When storing unconnected panels outside, cover them with the glass facing down to prevent water collection and damage to exposed connectors.