The provided document is a User Guide for the First Solar Series 7 FT1 Module, model types FS-7XXXA-FT1. This guide provides essential information for system designers, installers, and maintenance personnel regarding the installation, operation, and maintenance of these solar modules.
Function Description:
The First Solar Series 7 FT1 Module is a photovoltaic (PV) module designed to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. These modules are intended for use in solar energy systems, contributing to a long operating life and high energy yield when installed, operated, and serviced according to the instructions in this guide. The modules are designed to be interconnected in series and/or parallel to form a larger PV array, which then feeds into an inverter to convert DC electricity to alternating current (AC) for grid or off-grid use.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Type: FS-7XXXA-FT1, where "XXX" denotes the module power rating (e.g., FS-7550A-FT1 has a Rated Power of 550W).
- System Voltage: Designed for 1500 VDC systems at altitudes up to 3000 m (9842 ft) per IEC 61730, and 1000 V systems at altitudes up to 5000 m (16404 ft) per IEC 61730. Maximum system voltage is 1500 VDC.
- Overcurrent Protection: Maximum overcurrent protection rating of 5.0 A (IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730-2).
- Rated Power (PMAX): Ranges from 465.0 W to 540.0 W (at STC, -0/+5% tolerance).
- Voltage at PMAX (VMAX): Ranges from 175.1 V to 188.7 V (at STC).
- Current at PMAX (IMAX): Ranges from 2.66 A to 2.86 A (at STC).
- Open Circuit Voltage (VOC): Ranges from 219.4 V to 227.7 V (at STC).
- Short Circuit Current (ISC): Ranges from 2.95 A to 3.06 A (at STC).
- Module Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C.
- Temperature Coefficients:
- TK (PMAX): -0.32%/°C (Temperature Range: 25°C to 75°C)
- Tk (VOC): -0.28%/°C
- Tk (ISC): +0.04%/°C
- Mechanical Dimensions:
- Module Weight: 36.8 kg ± 3.5 kg (81.1 lbs ± 7.7 lbs)
- Height: 34.75 mm (1.37 in)
- Length: 2300 mm ± 2.5 mm (90.5 in ± 0.08 in)
- Width: 1216 mm ± 2.5 mm (49.0 in ± 0.08 in)
- Total Area: 2.80 m² (30.0 ft²)
- Junction Box Lead Wire: 2.5 mm² (14 AWG), 500 mm (25.59 in) (+) & Bulkhead (-).
- Connectors: TE Connectivity PV4-S connectors (PV4-S1F/PV4-S1M), UV and weather resistant, rated for 1500 VDC.
- Load Ratings: Symmetrical Four-point Mount Location at 1300mm:
- Design Load: ± 1600 Pa (± 33.4 lb/ft²)
- Test Load: ± 2400 Pa (± 50.1 lb/ft²)
- Certifications: Tested and certified per IEC 61730-1/IEC 61730-2 (Class II requirements), and IEC 61215-1/IEC 61215-1-2/IEC 61215-2.
Usage Features:
- Installation: Modules are designed for mounting with 20mm long M8X1.25 bolts using symmetric under-mount Rivet nuts on the module back rail. Maximum torque should not exceed 24Nm.
- Mounting Orientation: Portrait orientation is recommended for applications with potential row-to-row shading. Landscape orientation is permitted only in flat mount applications where the module long edge is not completely shaded and complies with shading considerations.
- Shading Considerations: Specific shading patterns can cause damage. Shading from objects within ~2m (~6.6ft) above operating modules, especially if oriented parallel to cells or covering the long dimension of cells, should be avoided. Row-to-row shading in landscape orientation and "stair-stepped" trackers on northerly/southerly slopes are high-risk shading instances.
- Electrical Interconnection: Modules use industry-standard "touch proof" connectors. Module-to-module and module-to-harness interconnections must use the same manufacturer and type of connectors. Field wiring must be rated for 90°C.
- Inverter Compatibility: Compatible with a range of string, central, transformer, and transformerless inverters. System design must ensure the array MPP voltage remains within the inverter's MPP window.
- Grounding: First Solar recommends use in negative-grounded systems. Modules must not be subjected to negative voltage bias conditions. Positive-grounded systems are not permitted. Grounding of module rails must comply with applicable codes and standards.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Inspection: Annually, inspect modules for damage, broken glass, and ensure they are free from debris, particulates, or large volumes of snow.
- Wiring Inspection: Periodically inspect wiring and wire management, ensuring electrical connections are tight and corrosion-free.
- Snow Removal: Clear snow from modules to maintain performance and prevent excessive loads from snowdrifts. Dry cloths or mops, or approved blowers, can be used. Clearing snow from bottom modules first is critical.
- Cleaning: Modules generally do not require cleaning in most climates; periodic rainfall is often sufficient. For heavy soiling, cleaning can improve energy yields.
- Safety Precautions: Only properly trained personnel should clean modules, wearing appropriate electrically insulating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Modules should only be cleaned when in open circuit (disconnected from load or inverter off) during dusk to dawn to minimize electrical shock risk.
- Cleaning Agents: Soft mops or cloths are recommended for dry cleaning. For wet cleaning, RO water is best; tap water with low mineral content (<75 mg/L total hardness) or deionized water may be used. Mild, non-abrasive, non-caustic detergents (pH 6.5-8.5 at 25°C) are acceptable. Avoid abrasive cleaners, degreasers, hydrochloric acid, D-Limonene, ammonia, or sodium hydroxide.
- Water Application: Water temperature must be < 20°C from module temperature, applied with pressure < 35 bar (500 psi) at the nozzle. Water must be free of floating oil, debris, turbidity, and objectionable odors. Chlorides should not exceed 250 mg/L, and water conductivity should be < 250 mS/cm.
- Spot Cleaning: Localized soiled spots (e.g., bird droppings) can be spot-cleaned with a soft cloth or mop and water.
- Avoid Direct Pressure: Do not direct pressurized water at sealed interfaces (junction box, edge seal, connectors) or clean the backside of modules to prevent stress to lead wire or junction box.
- Robotic Cleaning: Minimize vibration. Module edges are not recommended for supporting robotic cleaning mechanisms or as a drive surface. If used as guides, the guiding mechanism must have a Shore D hardness value < 100.
- Module Disposal: Modules can be recycled or disposed of in accordance with applicable local requirements. Further details are available on the First Solar website.
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