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REC Installation Manual - Module REC Alpha - IEC61215/IEC61730
Ref: PM-IM-23
REC Installation Manual - Module REC Alpha - IEC61215/IEC61730
Ref: PM-IM-23
Rev: . US
REC Installation Manual - Module REC Alpha - IEC/IEC
Ref: PM-IM-
Rev: . US
-
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
WARNING Safety is paramount when working on an electrical installation. Always follow the electrical requirements to avoid
the risk of sparking, fire hazards, burns and lethal electric shocks.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION CLASS
REC solar panels are rated for use in Electrical Application Class A, Protection Safety Class II; at hazardous levels of voltage (>V), cur-
rent(>A) and power (>W) where general contact access is anticipated (panels qualified for safety through UL - and -).
System Requirements
REC solar panels are only for use where they meet the specific technical requirements of the complete system. Ensure other components
will not cause mechanical or electrical damage to the panels. Only panels of the same type and power class should be connected.
STRING CONFIGURATION
When connecting panels in a string, plan and execute according to the inverter manufacturer’s instructions. The number of panels con-
nected to an inverter must not exceed the voltage limits and operating range permitted by the manufacturer, nor under any circumstance
exceed the maximum system voltage as stated in the technical specifications for the product at the rear of this manual. The maximum
system fuse rating (overcurrent protection rating) and the maximum reverse current for each panel can be found in the technical specifi-
cations for the product at the rear of this manual.
The maximum number of panels in a string can be calculated by dividing the maximum system voltage of the panel by its Voc accounting
for the lowest ambient temperature at site, e.g.: for a V system, if the lowest ambient temperature is °C, the panel has a V
OC
of .
V and a temperature coefficient of V
OC
of -./°C, the maximum panels per string is (∆T°C = ° - ° = °; ° x . = .; . +
. = .; V / . = ., so a total of panels or V). Qualified system designers can make exact calculations that account
for specific project requirements and site conditions.
STRING CONNECTION
If panels are connected in series, they must have the same ampere rating. If panels are connected in parallel, they must have the same
voltage rating. The maximum number of panels that can be connected in series or parallel depends upon system design, type of inverter and
environmental conditions. Panel and string configuration must correspond to the specifications of other system components e.g., inverter.
Refer to the reverse current rating of the panel as indicated in the technical characteristics section to the rear of this manual or on the panel
datasheet.
WIRING LAYOUT
Wiring installation shall be in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) (or CSA C., Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
Canadian Electrical Code, Part where applicable). To minimize voltage surges (e.g., indirect lightning strikes), cables of the same string
must be bundled together so loops are as small as possible. String configurations must be checked before commissioning. If open circuit
voltage (V
oc
) and short circuit current (I
SC
) deviate from specification, this may indicate a configuration fault. Correct DC polarity must be
observed at all times.
Electrical Ratings
Electrical ratings are within a specific tolerance of measured values at Standard Test Conditions (STC) as given in the technical characteris-
tics for each panel at the rear of this manual. Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic panel is likely to experience conditions that produce
more current and/or voltage than reported at STC. The requirements of the NEC in Article must be followed to address these increased
outputs. In installations not under the requirements of the NEC, the values of I
SC
and V
OC
marked on the panels must be multiplied by a factor
of . (or according to local regulations) when determining component voltage ratings, conductor ampacities, overcurrent device ratings
and size of controls connected to the PV output.
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