V. WIRING AND OVER CURRENT PROTECTION
(a) Wire Type: PV module interconnections should be 90 wet-rated conductors. An acceptable wire type is
USE-2, single conductor cable, for exposed applications.
The type of the cable is PV1-F and 1×4mm2, where the ambient temperature is -40℃ to +90℃.
(b) Conductor Amperage: Correct maximum current and amperage calculations should be provided for each
circuit. The amperage capacity of conductors must be sufficient for the application:
1. The maximum PV source circuit current is the sum of the parallel module rated short circuit currents,
multiplied by 125 percent.
2. The minimum source circuit conductor amperage is 125 percent of the maximum PV source circuit
current.
3. The minimum photovoltaic output circuit conductor amperage is the sum of the maximum current of the
parallel source circuits, times 1.25.
4. The minimum inverter output circuit conductor amperage must be equal or greater than the inverter
continuous output current rating, times 1.25.
(c) Over current Protection: Necessary fuses or circuit breakers must be properly sized and specified for each
circuit.
1. The source circuit over current protection must be sized so that both the PV module and the conductor
from the module to the over current device, are properly protected. PV modules must be protected so
that the maximum series fuse rating, printed on the listing label, is not exceeded. It is important to note
that even though the listing label states “fuse” rating, a more accurate term would be “the maximum
series over current protection rating” since either a fuse or a circuit breaker may be used to satisfy this
listing requirement. The module may be protected either by installing fuses or circuit breakers in a
series string of modules or by the design of the PV system.
2. Where batteries are used, the over current protection must be of a sufficient voltage and
ampere-interrupt rating (AIR) to withstand the operating conditions of the battery system.
3. The Inverter Output Circuit over current protection should be sized and protected according the
manufacturers directions. The circuit and corresponding over current protection should be sized at
125% of the maximum continuous output of the inverter. Please note that the inverter may also have a
maximum allowable over current requirement.
(d) In systems with more than two modules in series, high reverse current can flow through cells that are
shaded partially or outright when part of a module is shaded and the rest is exposed to the sun. These
currents can cause the affected cells to get very hot and could even damage the module.
To protect module from such high reverse currents, by-pass diodes are used in module. In the unlikely
event of diode failure, we recommend a qualified service technician be employed to determine if diodes
have failed and to make replacement.
VI. ARRAY MOUNTING WARNING
Before the PV array is mounted, the weight of the array (kilograms per square meter) including the weight of
the modules and all fixing hardware (e.g. modules, rails and associated hardware) must be calculated.
(a) If array is roof mounted:
1. If the weight distribution of the system is greater than 50kgs. per square meter, engineering calculations
are required.
POWERWAVE installation | 9