Panasonic VBHN330SA16 And 16B VBHN325SA16 And 16B Installation Manual

							 
 
1 
 
General Installation Manual 
Photovoltaic Module HIT® 
 
VBHNxxxSA16 series 
 
 
 
Thank you for choosing Panasonic HIT®. Please 
read  this  manual  completely  before  installation 
or use of Panasonic PV(photovoltaic) modules. 
With  proper  operation  and  maintenance, 
Panasonic HIT® will  provide  you  with  clean, 
renewable  solar  electricity  for  many  years.  This 
manual  contains  important  installation, 
maintenance  and  safety  information.  The  word 
“module” as used in this manual refers to one 
or  more  PV  modules.    Retain  this  manual  for 
future  reference. The  module  is  considered  to 
be  in  compliance  with  UL  1703  only  when  the 
module  is  mounted  in  the  manner  specified  by 
the mounting instructions below. 
 
SANYO  is  part  of  the  Panasonic  Group  and  is 
in  charge  of  the  manufacturing  process  for 
Panasonic HIT®. 
 
 
 
Model No. 
 VBHN330SA16 and 16B 
 VBHN325SA16 and 16B 
 
Contents 
 
Please read before installation 
Safety Precautions 
 General Information  :3 
 Warning   :3 
 Cautions   :3 
 General Safety   :3 
 UL Listing Information  :3 
 
Installation 
 General   :3 
 Notes on Installation  :3 
 Operating Conditions  :5 
 Special Conditions  :5 
 
Specifications 
 Note on Specifications  :5 
 Mechanical Loading  :5 
 
Unpacking and handling         :5 
 
Wiring 
 General   :5 
 Module Wiring   :5 
 Array Wiring   :5 
 Earth Ground Wiring  :5 
 Grounding Locations  :6 
 Grounding Methods  :6 
 Module Terminations  :7 
 Junction Box and Terminals :7 
 Conduit   :7 
 
Diodes    :7 
 
Maintenance   :7 
 
Disclaimer of Liability  :8 
 
Customer Services    :8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“HIT” is  a  registered  trademark  of  Panasonic 
Group. 
 
Other  product  and  service  names  listed  in  this 
manual  are  trademarks  or  registered  trademarks 
of their respective companies. 
 
 
 
                                    VBHNxxxSA16 series  
						

							 
 
2 
 
Edition Revision Date Revised Item Revised Content 
New Edition 2016.2.10   
2nd Edition 2016.3.17 Name change ・Change from connection box to connection devices 
3rd Edition 2016.4.20 Changing installation condition ・Change from ambient to operating 
・Clearance between the roof surface and the module 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
     
						

							 
 
3 
 
Safety Precautions 
General Information  
The  installation  of  solar  modules  requires  a 
great  degree  of  skill  and  should  only  be 
performed  by  qualified  licensed  professionals, 
including,  without  limitation,  licensed  contractors 
and electricians.  
 
  WARNING 
 All  instructions  should be  read  and 
understood before attempting to install, wire, 
operate, and maintain a photovoltaic module.  
 Contact  with  electrically  active  parts  of  the 
module  such  as  terminals  can  result  in 
burns, sparks, and lethal shock whether the 
module is connected or disconnected. 
 The  installer  assumes  the  risk  of  all  injury 
that might occur during installation, including, 
without limitation, the risk of electric shock. 
 The modules  generate  DC  (direct  current) 
electrical  energy  when  exposed  to  sunlight 
or  other  light sources.  Even  a  single 
module  produces  enough  voltage  and 
current,  to  cause  shocks  and  burns  if 
safety precautions are not followed. 
 The shock hazard increases as modules are 
connected  in  parallel,  producing  higher 
current,  and  as  modules  are  connected  in 
series, producing higher voltages. 
 Do  not  hit  the  back  sheet  of  a module  by 
the connector or other things. 
 To  avoid  the  hazard  of  electric  sparks, 
shock, fire, burns, damage and injury: 
 Work  only  in  dry  conditions,  with  dry 
modules and dry tools. 
 In  order to  avoid  submerging  cables  and 
connectors  in  the  water, cables  must  be 
fixed  either  to  the  module  frame  using 
cable  fixing  holes  or  to  the  mounting 
structure. 
 Do  not  stand  or  step  on  modules. Do  not 
puncture,  cut,  scratch or damage  the 
backsheet  of  a  module. Backsheet  damage 
will  void  a  module’s  Limited  Warranty  and 
may  cause  fire.  Never  use  modules  with  a 
damaged back sheet. 
 Do  not  allow  children  and  unauthorized 
persons  near  the  installation  or  storage  site 
of modules. 
 Completely ground all modules. 
 Do not  disassemble a module, attempt  any 
repair,  open  the  junction  box  cover, nor 
remove  any  parts  installed  by Panasonic. 
There  are  no  user  serviceable  parts  within 
the module or junction box. 
 Unauthorized  persons - except  the  qualified 
licensed  professional - should  not    perform 
any electrical work, including wiring, 
 Wear  suitable  clothing,  guards,  eye 
protection  and  gloves  to  prevent  you  from 
direct contact with 30 VDC or greater. 
 Wear non-slip gloves and carry modules by 
the  frame  using  both  hands.  Do  not 
attempt to carry a module by yourself. 
 Do  not  carry  a  module  by  its  wires  or 
junction box. 
 Do  not  drop  anything  on  the  surface  of  a 
module. 
 Ensure  all  system  components  are 
compatible,  and  they  do  not  subject  the 
module to mechanical or electrical hazards. 
 Sparks  may  occur;  do  not  install  modules 
where  flammable  gases  or  vapors  are 
present. 
 Never  rest  or  leave  a  module  unsupported 
or unsecured. 
 Do not drop modules. 
 Do not use or install broken modules. 
 Do  not  artificially  concentrate  sunlight  on  a 
module. 
 Do not touch the junction box terminals. 
 Do not change the wiring of bypass diodes. 
 Do  not  touch  a  module  unnecessarily.  The 
glass  surface  and  frames  get  hot.  There  is 
a risk of burn. 
 
  CAUTIONS 
 Use a module for its intended purpose only. 
 Do  not  treat  the  back  sheet,  frame,  or 
front  surface  with  paint  or  adhesives,  to 
avoid  reducing  its’  functionality,  damage, 
and  causing  inoperable  conditions,  and 
other unknown troubles. 
 Do  not  insert  PV  cable  between  back  side 
and mounting structure rail. 
 
GENERAL SAFETY  
 Follow  all  permissions,  installation  and 
inspection requirements.  
 Before  installing  modules,  contact  the 
appropriate  authorities  having  jurisdiction  to 
determine  permissions,  installation  and 
inspection  requirements,  which  should  be 
followed.  
 Electrically  ground  modules  for  all  systems 
of any voltage. If not otherwise specified, it 
is  recommended  that  requirements  of  the 
latest  National  Electrical  Code  (USA)  or 
Canadian  Electric  Code  (Canada)  or  other 
national  or  international  electrical  standards 
be followed.  Refer  to  “Earth  Ground 
Wiring” section for more information. 
 Be sure that the building or structure (roof, 
façade, etc.) where the modules are being 
installed has enough strength to support the 
load of the modules.  
 For  modules  mounted  on  roofs, special 
structures  may  be  required  to  help  provide 
proper installation support.   
 The  fire  rating  of  this  module  is  valid  only 
when  mounted  in  the  manner  specified  in 
the mechanical mounting instructions.  
 Both,  roof  construction  and  module 
installation  design  have  an  effect  on  the 
fire  resistance  of  a  building.  Improper 
installation may contribute to fire hazards.  
 The  models  in  this  instructions  are  suitable 
to maintain the System Fire Class Rating A 
when  used  with  a  Listed  mounting  system 
and  a  roof  covering  that  have  been  rated 
as  a  Class A System  when  installed  on  a 
steep  slope  roof  and/or  a  low  slope  roof 
with Type 2 modules.  
 Additional  devices  such  as  ground  fault, 
fuses, and disconnects may be required. 
 Do  not  use  modules  of  different 
specifications in the same system.  
 Follow  all  safety  precautions  of  other 
system components which are used. 
 
UL Listing Information 
To  satisfy  UL  requirements,  when  installing  the 
modules, be sure to:  
1) Use  only  stranded  or  solid  copper  single–
conductor  sunlight-resistant  cable  rated  for 
outdoor  use  (e.g.  type  UF  or  USE) ,  for 
all wiring that is exposed to weather. 
2) Observe  the  requirements  described  in 
sections  labeled INSTALLATION and 
SPECIFICATIONS. 
 
 
INSTALLATION 
General 
Please  read  this  guide  completely  before 
installing  or  using  your Panasonic PV  modules. 
This  section  contains  important  electrical and 
mechanical specifications. 
 Modules  should  be  firmly  fixed  in  place  in 
a  manner  suitable  to  withstand  all  expected 
loads, including wind and snow loads.  
 Metals  used  in  locations  that  are  exposed 
to moisture shall not be employed alone  or 
in  combinations  that  could  result  in 
deterioration or corrosion. 
 Install  modules  where  they  are  not  shaded 
by  obstacles  like  buildings  and  trees.    Pay 
special  attention  to  avoid partially  shading 
the modules by objects during the daytime.  
 If  needed,  contact  an  Authorized 
Representative  with  questions  regarding 
mounting profiles for Panasonic HIT®. 
 
 Notes on Installation   
						

							 
 
4 
 
 Clearance  between  the  roof  surface  and 
module  frame  is  required  to  allow  cooling 
air  to  circulate  around  the  back  of  the 
module.  This  also  allows  any  condensation 
or  moisture  to  dissipate. The  required 
clearance  between  the  roof  surface  and  the 
module is more than 4 inch. 
 Panasonic recommends  the  installation 
method  and  mounting  profile  shown  in 
Figure 1  
 A  module  should  be  attached  on  a  mount 
or  support structure  rail  by  corrosive-
resistant metal clamps. 
 The  clamps  should  be  made  of  aluminum 
alloy  or  other  material  that  will  reasonably 
protect  against  a  risk  of  electrolytic 
corrosion.   
 The  module  was tested  using  Unirac or 
IronRidge clamps  with  the  specifications  see 
figure 1 and below;  
1) Unirac clamps: 
 Provider: Unirac, Inc. 
 Product Line: SolarMount  
 Clamps  type:  Top  Mounting    Clamps 
(Mid clamp and End clamp) 
 Unirac  Part  No. 302022C,  302022D, 
302027C, 302027D 
 Width:  Mid  clamp;  1.5”(38  mm),  End 
clamp; 1.9”(48 mm) 
 Thickness: Mid  clamp; Nominal 
thickness 0.075”(1.9mm),  End  clamp; 
Nominal thickness 0.125”(3.17mm) 
 Torque: 13.6 N.m(10 ft-lbs). 
 Material:  Mid  clamp;  300  Stainless 
steel,  End  clamp;  6000  Aluminum 
alloys 
 Note:  Please  refer  to  Unirac  manual, 
for installation method. 
2) IronRidge clamps: 
 Provider: IronRidge Inc. 
 Product Line: RoofMount   
 Clamps  type:  Top  Mounting    Clamps 
(Grounding mid clamp and End clamp) 
 IronRidge  Part  No. RS-GD-MCL-225, 
RS-GD-MCL-225B,  29-7000-224, 
29-7000-224B  
 Width:  Grounding  mid  clamp; 
1.16”(29.5 mm), End clamp; 1.5”(38 
mm)  
 Thickness: Grounding  mid  clamp; 
Nominal thickness 0.11”(2.85mm), End 
clamp; Nominal thickness 
0.125”(3.17mm) 
 Torque: 9.5 N.m (85 in-lbs). 
 Material:  Grounding  mid  clamp;  304 
Stainless  steel,  End  clamp;  5000  & 
6000 Aluminum alloys 
 Note: Please refer to IronRidge manual, 
for installation method. 
  
  
Installation (reference) 
Solar Module 
Mid Clamp 
(2 places) 
End Clamp 
(2 places) 
Mounting 
Structure Rail 
Mid Clamp Solar Module End Clamp 
Mounting Structure Rail 
Figure 1.  Installation 
 
Mid clamp End clamp 
Grounding Mid clamp End clamp 
  
						

							 
 
5 
 
 Panasonic does  not  provide  a  warranty  for 
clamps.  The  module  warranty Panasonic 
provides  shall  be  voided  if  clamps  selected 
by  the  customer  are  of  an  improper 
material or size 
 
Operating Conditions 
Panasonic requires  that  modules  are  operated 
within the following Operating Conditions: 
1) Terrestrial  applications  only-no  outer  space 
or Special Conditions (see below). 
2) The operating  temperature  must  be  within  
–40°C (-40 °F) to 85°C (185 °F). 
3) The  wind  pressure  load  of  the  installation 
site  should  be  less  than 2,400N/m2 
(50PSF)  
4) Some  environmental  conditions  could  apply. 
Please  refer  to Panasonic’s  warranty 
exclusions. 
 
Special Conditions 
1) The operating temperature  and  installation 
place  are  different  from  the  recommended 
Operating Conditions. 
2) Salt  damage  is  severe  at  the  installation 
place. 
3) Hail and snow damage is excessive at the 
installation place. 
4) Sand  and  dust  damage  is  excessive  at 
the installation place. 
1) Air pollution, chemically active vapors, acid 
rain,  and/or  soot,  etc.  are  excessive  at 
the installation place.   
 
 
SPECIFICATIONS 
Notes on Specifications 
1) Rated  electrical  characteristics  are  within –
5%  to  +10%  of  the  values  measured  at 
Standard  Test  Conditions  (STC).  STC 
conditions  are;  Irradiance  of  1000W/m2, 
25°C cell  temperature,  and  solar  spectral 
irradiance  per  IEC  60904-3.  Note: At  the 
time  of  shipment, Panasonic guarantees  the 
output level of its modules to be -0/+10% 
against  Rated  Power  in  SPECIFICATIONS 
based  on  factory  inspection  at  STC 
conditions.  
2) Under real conditions, a photovoltaic module 
may  experience  conditions  that  produce 
more  current      and/or  voltage  than 
reported  at  Standard  Test  Conditions. 
Therefore,  the  Isc  value  of  modules  should 
be  multiplied  by  a  factor  of  1.25  to 
determine  ampacity.  An  additional  factor  of 
1.25 may be required for sizing conductors, 
fuses,  disconnects,  etc.  Please  refer  to 
section 690.8 of the National Electric Code 
(NEC)  for  guidelines.  The  Voc  must  be 
factored  according  to  the  lowest  recorded 
operating temperature  recorded  for  the 
location where the modules will be installed. 
Please refer  to  section  690.7  of  the  NEC 
for  more  information  regarding  voltage 
temperature factors. 
3) The  current  output  for  the  modules  shown 
in  the  SPECIFICATIONS  section  is 
measured  at  Standard  Test  Conditions. 
These  conditions  may  not  be  frequently 
observed in actual practice. 
 
Mechanical Loading 
 The  modules  should  be  mounted  at  the 
four  (4)  quarter  points  by  the  means 
shown in Figure 2.   
 This  method  offers  a  maximum  load  of 
2,400 N/m2  (50PSF)  in  a  static  state 
on the module surface. 
 Note:  This  mechanical  loading  value  was 
tested  using  the  mounting  device  specified 
in section “Notes on Installation”. 
 
 
UNPACKING AND HANDLING 
 Do  not  hit  the  back  sheet  of  a module  by 
the connector when unpacking and handling. 
 To  avoid  the  damage  of  the  back  sheet 
by  connector,  fix  the  cables  to  the  frame 
with tape after unpacking. (see below) 
 After  fixing  the  cable  to  the  frame,  do  not 
stack  modules  to  avoid  the  damage  of  the 
cable. 
 Do  not  handle  modules  by  their  cables  or 
junction  box.  Handle  them  by  the  frame 
with both hands in any situation. 
 
  
 
WIRING 
General 
 All  wiring  should  be  done  in  accordance 
with applicable electrical codes. 
 Wiring  methods  should  be  in  accordance 
with the NEC in USA or CEC in Canada. 
 A  qualified,  licensed  professional  should  do 
all wiring. 
 Wiring  should  be  protected  to  help  ensure 
personal safety and to prevent damage.  
 All  modules  connected  in  series  should  be 
of the same model number and/or type.  
 Do  not  connect  modules  in  parallel  without 
using connection devices that  connect to 
appropriate  FUSE  for  each  series  string  or 
each module. 
 Do  not  disconnect  terminals  while  modules 
generate  electricity  and  connect  electrical 
load to avoid the hazard of electrical shock. 
 To  avoid  the  hazard  of  electric  shock  and 
sparks,  please  connect  each  cable  after 
confirming the polarity of them is correct. 
 Cable  conduits  should  be  used  in  locations 
where  the  wiring  is  inaccessible  to  children 
or small animals. 
 
Module Wiring 
 The  number  of  modules  that  can  be  wired 
in  series  is  recommended  to  be seven 
(7)  or  fewer.  If  connecting  eight (8) 
modules  in  series,  check  local  temperature 
conditions  and  follow  the  National  Electric 
Code  (690.7)  to  ensure  compliance  with 
maximum voltage limitations. 
 Modules  are  not  designed  for  “off-grid”  or 
battery  charging  systems,  because  of  their 
operating  voltage.  Therefore,  it  is  not 
recommended  to  use  them  for  charging 
batteries. 
 These  modules  contain  factory  installed 
bypass  diodes.  If  these  modules  are 
incorrectly  connected  to  each  other, the 
bypass  diodes,  cable,  or  junction  box  may 
be damaged. 
 
Array Wiring  
 The  term  “array”  is  used  to  describe  the 
assembly  of  several  modules  on  a  support 
structure with associated wiring.  
 Use copper wire which insulation  is sunlight 
resistant  and  can withstand  the  maximum 
possible system open circuit voltage. 
 Interconnection  of  modules  must  be 
performed  in  a  professional  fashion.  Wires 
should  be  secured  and  only  reasonable 
slack should be allowed. 
 Check local codes for requirements. 
 
Earth Ground Wiring 
 A  module  with  exposed  conductive  parts  is 
considered  to  be  in  compliance  with  UL 
1703  only  when  it  is  electrically  grounded 
in accordance with the instructions presented 
below  and  the  requirements  of  the  National 
Electrical Code. 
 All modules  should  be  grounded.  All 
structures  or  metallic  components  in  direct 
contact  with  the  modules  or  electric  wires 
should  be  properly  grounded  too.  To  avoid 
the  hazards  of  electric  shock  or  fire, 
modules  should  be  grounded  by  the  frame    
						

							 
 
6 
 
Figure 3.1 
Module Ground Position 
Junction Box Label 
Backside 
The ground holes are on the backside of  the module frame. 
Ground Location  
(larger holes for bolt and nut) 
only at the locations marked in this manual 
(see grounding methods below). 
 The  array  frame  shall  be  grounded  in 
accordance  with  NEC  Article  250  (USA) 
or the CEC in Canada. 
 Bonding  shall  be  by  a  positive  means, 
such  as  clamping,  riveting,  bolted  or 
screwed connectors, or welding, soldering or 
brazing.  If  the  bonding  means  depends 
upon  screw  threads  two  or  more  screws  or 
two  full  threads  of  a  single  screw  must 
engage the metal 
 Great  care  should  be  exercised  to  ensure 
that  corrosion  caused  by  the  grounding 
means be avoided. 
 Corrosion can increase the resistance of the 
grounding connection on the module, or can 
even cause the  grounding connection to fail 
entirely.  Corrosion  can  be  caused  by  the 
effects of weather, humidity, dirt and so on. 
It  can  also  be  caused  when  two  dissimilar 
metals are in contact (galvanic reaction).  
 The  module  frame  material  is 
aluminum/magnesium alloy. 
 All  fasteners  (nuts,  bolts,  washers,  
screws,  etc.)  must  be  stainless  steel 
unless otherwise specified. 
 Length  of bolt  should  not  be  more  than 
0.78’’  (20  mm)  in  order  to  avoid 
contacting the back-sheet of the module. 
 Acceptable  grounding  wire  is  following. 
Ilsco  Corp.  GBL-4DBT  10-14AWG-Solid, 
4-6,  8,  10-14AWG-Strand 
Burndy L L C CL501TN 14AWG-Solid, 14-
4AWG-Strand 
Tyco  Electronics  Corp.  1954381-
1/1954381-2 10-12AWG Solid 
 Each  ledge  on  the  module  frame  has two 
larger  holes  for  bolts  (0.205’‘diameter 
(5.2  mm)). These  ground  holes  are 
marked  with  a  “G” or  ground  mark  
adjacent  to  their  location  on  the  frame  rail 
(see Figure 3.1). 
 Ground  wires  must  be  connected  to  the 
module’s  metal  frame  at  one  of  these 
locations. 
 Lay-in lugs or grounding clips can be used 
to  ground Panasonic PV modules. Both 
methods  are  explained  below,  please 
choose one. 
 
Grounding Locations (or grounding holes) 
Using bolt and nut (see Figures 3.3 and 3.5) 
 If using this method, use one of the larger 
holes with diameter of 0.205’‘ (5.2 mm)  
 The  bolt  and  nut  size  should  be  No.8 
(0.164’‘diameter  (4.16  mm)),  or 
No.10  (0.190’‘diameter  (4.83  mm)) 
or M5 (0.197’‘diameter (5.0 mm)). 
 Star  washers  must  be  used  to  make 
contact  through  the  anodization  of  the 
module frame.  
 In  this  case,  the  screw  threads  are  not 
providing the electrical ground contact. 
 Recommended  torque  value in  tightening 
bolt and nut is 2.3 N.m (20in-lb). 
 
Grounding Methods 
 Where  common  grounding  hardware  (nuts, 
bolts,  star  washers,  spilt-ring  lock  washers, 
flat  washers  and  the  like)  is  used  to 
attach  a  listed  grounding/bonding  device, 
the  attachment  must  be  made  in 
conformance  with  the  grounding  device 
manufacturers instructions. 
 Common  hardware  items  such  as  nuts, 
bolts,  star  washers,  lock  washers  and  the 
like  have  not  been  evaluated  for  electrical 
conductivity or for use as grounding devices 
and  should  be  used  only  for  maintaining 
mechanical connections and holding electrical 
grounding  devices  in  the  proper  position  for 
electrical  conductivity.  Such  devices,  where 
supplied  with  the  module  and  evaluated 
through  the  requirements  in  UL  1703,  may 
be  used  for  grounding  connections  in 
accordance  with  the  instructions  provided 
with the module. 
 
Wire  connection  using  cup  washers (see Figures 
3.2) 
 The use of cup washers is to prevent wire 
from  slipping  out  from  under  the  screw 
head (and/or the flat washer). 
 Make  sure  that  the  cup  washer  is  placed 
between the wire and the module frame. 
 Choose  an  adequate  size  for  the  cup 
washer  and  the  flat  washer  so  that  the 
wire is fully clamped between them. 
 Note:  Cup  washers  are  also  called  terminal 
cup washers.   
 The  cup  washers  should  be stainless  steel, 
or  a cup  washer  made  of  brass  may  be 
used  only  if  a  large  flat  washer  made  of 
stainless  steel  is  inserted  between  the 
module frame and the cup washer. 
 Choose the adequate size for the large flat 
washer  (between  the  module  frame  and 
the  cup  washer)  so  that  the cup  washer 
doesn’t  contact  the  module  frame  and  is 
fixed stably to the module frame. 
 
Method- Use  a  bolt and  nut  (see Figures  3.1 and 
3.2) 
 If using this method, use one of the larger 
holes with diameter of 0.205’‘ (5.2 mm)  
 The  bolt  and  nut  size  should  be  No.8 
(0.164’‘  diameter  (4.16  mm)),  or  No.10  
(0.190’‘  diameter  (4.83  mm))  or  M5  
(0.197’‘ diameter (5.0 mm)). 
 Star  washers  must  be  used  to  make 
contact  through  the  anodization  of  the 
module for this method.  
 In  this  case,  the  screw  threads  are  not 
providing the electrical ground contact. 
 
Using a lay-in lug with bolt and nut 
 If  using  this  method,  please  follow 
instructions  in  previous  section  regarding   
						

							 
 
7 
 
using  bolts  and  nuts  with  larger  grounding 
holes.  
 Use  a  grounding  tin  plated  solid  copper 
lay-in  lug  rated  for  direct  burial  and 
outdoor  use.  Lug  must  be  used  ILSCO 
GBL-4DBT, BurndyCL501TN. 
 Attach grounding lug to module frame using 
a  stainless  steel  bolt  and  lock-nut  as 
shown in Figure 3.3. 
 Tighten  stainless  steel  set  screw  at  the 
torque  specified  by  lug  manufacturer  to 
secure copper wire. 
 The specified torque is following 
 Ilsco  Corp.  GBL-4DBT  
10-14AWG-Solid ->  20  in-lbs,  
4-6AWG-Strand ->  35  in-lbs, 
8AWG-Strand ->  25  in-lbs,  10-
14AWG-Strand -> 20 in-lbs 
 Burndy  L  L  C CL501TN 14AWG-
Solid ->  35  in-lbs,  
14AWG-Strand ->  35  in-lbs, 
4AWG-Strand -> 45 in-lbs 
 Recommended  torque  value in  tightening 
bolt and nut is 2.3 N.m (20in-lb). 
 
Using a Grounding Clip with bolt and nut 
 Use Tyco  Electronics  1954381-2  as 
grounding clip. 
 As  shown  in Figure 3.4,  place  the 
grounding clip onto the module frame. 
 Thread  the  hex  nut  onto  the  end  of  the 
screw,  then  using  a  3/8-in.  wrench, 
tighten  the  nut. 
Recommended  torque value  in  tightening 
bolt and nut is between 1.7 and 2.2 Nm. 
 Insert  the  wire  into  the  wire  slot.  Press 
down on both ends of the wire.  
 Manually, or using channel lock pliers, push 
the  slider  over  the  base  until  it  covers  the 
base. This will terminate the wire. 
 For  more  information,  please  refer  to 
Instruction sheet issued by Tyco Electronics. 
 
Module Terminations 
 A  junction  box  as  a  terminal  enclosure  is 
equipped  for  electrical  connections. 
VBHNxxxSA16 and  VBHNxxxSA16B 
Modules  are  equipped  with MCTM  plugs 
as  a  terminal  enclosure.  Use  these MCTM  
plugs for electrical connections (see Figure 
4.1).  
 Connectors  between  modules  must be 
inserted until they click. 
  
Junction Box and Terminals 
 Modules are equipped with one junction box 
containing  terminals  for  both,  positive  and 
negative polarity, and bypass diodes. 
 Each  terminal  is  dedicated  to  one    polarity 
with  the  polarity  symbols  engraved  onto  the 
body of the junction box (see Figure 4.2). 
 Each  terminal  is  provided  with  factory 
installed  lead  cables  and  a  latching 
connector  for  series  and  string  connections. 
Always  use  these  connectors  and  do  not 
detach them from cables. 
 Latching  connectors  are  type IV  and  made 
by  Multi-Contact.  Supplied  connectors  listed 
by UL. 
 In  order  to  comply  with  NEC  2008,  a 
locking  sleeve  needs  to  be  used  with  all 
connectors that are exposed. 
 The  locking  sleeve  (PV-SSH4)  is  made 
by  Multi-Contact  and  can  only  be  released 
with  a special  tool  also  made  by 
Multicontact (PV-MS).  Locking  sleeves  are 
not  supplied  with  modules  and  must  be 
purchased separately. 
Conduit 
 In  applications  where  wire  raceways  or 
conduit  are  used,  follow  the  applicable 
codes for outdoor installations..  
 Verify  that  all  fittings  are  properly  installed 
to  protect  wires  against  damage  and 
prevent moisture intrusion.  
 
 
DIODES 
Bypass Diodes 
 When modules in series strings are partially 
shaded,  it  may  cause  reverse  voltage 
across  cells  or  modules,  because  the 
current  from  other  cells  in  the  same  series 
is  forced  to  flow  through  the  shaded  area. 
This  may  cause  undesirable  heating  to 
occur.  
 The  use  of  a  diode  to  bypass  the  shaded 
area  can  minimize  both  heating  and  array 
current reduction. 
 Modules  are  equipped  with  factory  installed 
bypass  diodes.  The  factory-installed  diodes 
provide  proper  circuit  protection  for  the 
systems within the specified system voltage, 
so  that  you  do  not  need  any  other 
additional bypass diodes.  
 
 
MAINTENANCE 
 Some  maintenance  is  recommended  to 
maintain  optimal  output  performance  of  the 
solar modules.  
 It  is  also  recommended  to  inspect  the 
electrical  and  mechanical  connections 
annually. 
 If  you  need  electrical  or  mechanical 
inspection or maintenance, it is 
recommended  to  have  a  licensed  authorized 
professional  carry  out  the  inspection  or 
maintenance to avoid the hazards of electric 
shock or injury. 
 The  return  of  any  modules  will  not  be 
accepted  by Panasonic unless  prior  written 
authorization has been given by Panasonic. 
 As  part  of  our  policy  of  continuous 
improvement Panasonic reserves the right to 
change  product  specifications  at  any  time 
without prior notice.  
 
Figure 4.2  Junction Box  
Cable Positive ( + ) Negative ( - ) 
Figure 4.1 Connectors 
Option:  Safety lock clip 
Connector MC TM Plug 
Cable 
Negative ( - ) Positive ( + )    
						

							 
 
8 
 
Disclaimer of Liability 
 Panasonic does  not  assume  responsibility 
and  expressly  disclaims  liability for  loss, 
damage,  or  expense  arising  out  of,  or  in 
any  way  connected  with  installation, 
operation,  use,  or  maintenance  by  using 
this manual.   
 Panasonic assumes no responsibility for any 
infringement  of  patents  or  other  rights  of 
third  parties,  which  may  result  from  use  of 
modules.  
 No  license  is  granted  by  implication  or 
under  any  patent  or  patent  rights.  The 
information in this manual is believed to be 
reliable,  but  does  not  constitute  an 
expressed and/or implied warranty.  
 The  return  of  any  modules  will  not  be 
accepted  by Panasonic unless  prior  written 
authorization has been given by Panasonic. 
 As  part  of Panasonic’s  policy  of  continuous 
improvement, Panasonic reserves  the  right 
to change product specifications at any time 
without prior notice.  
 
 
Contact Information 
Panasonic Eco Solutions of North America 
Two  Riverfront  Plaza.  5th  Floor,  Newark,  NJ 
07102 
[email protected] 
business.panasonic.com/solarpanels 
						

							 
 
9 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 3.3 
Grounding method  
Using bolt and nut 
Note:  Use  the lground  holes  illustrated 
in Figure 3.1. 
 
 Select a grounding the following lug. 
 ILSCO GBL-4DBT,  
 Burndy CL501TN 
 
Glass 
Backsheet 
Frame (Longer side) 
Grounding hole 
(0.205” diameter (5.2mm)) 
Flat washer (Stainless steel) 
Thickness:  
not  less  than  0.037”  (0.94 
mm) 
DiameterW 
   not  less  than  0.75” 
(19.05 mm) 
Grounding Lug 
Bolt (Stainless steel) 
 #8, #10, MR 
Nut (Stainless steel) 
Copper wire 
Set screw (Stainless screw) 
Star washer (Stainless steel) 
Length  
(not less than 0.63’‘(16 mm)  
 not more than 0.78’‘(20 mm))  
 
*If  using  a  brass  cup  washer,  a  flat 
washer  must  be  inserted  between  the 
cup washer and module frame, and the 
flat  washer  diameter  must  be  greater 
than the cup washer diameter. 
Cup washer (Terminal cup) 
(Stainless steel or *brass) 
Star washer (Stainless steel) 
Flat washer (Stainless steel) 
Flat washer (Stainless steel) 
Spring washer (Stainless steel) 
Bolt (Stainless steel) 
  #8, #10, MR 
Grounding hole 
 0.205’‘ diameter 
  (5.2 mm)) 
Length  
(not less than 0.63’‘(16 mm)  
 not more tha” 0.78’‘(20 mm))  
Frame (Longer side) 
Nut (Stainless steel) 
Figure 3.2 (Method N) 
Grounding method  
using bolt and nut  
 
Note:  Use  the ground  holes  illustrated 
in Figure 3.1. 
Ground wire (#12AWG) 
(wound around the bolt) 
Glass 
Backsheet 
 *Flat washer (Stainless steel)  
						

							 
 
10 
 
 
Figure 3.4 
Grounding method  
Using Grounding Clip with bolt and nut  
 
Note: Use the ground holes illustrated in 
Figure 3.1. 
Grounding  Clip  Assemblies:  Tyco 
Electronics 1954381-2 
Glass 
Backsheet 
Frame (Longer side) 
Grounding hole 
(0.205” diameter (5.2mm)) 
Grounding Clip 
8-32 Screw (Stainless steel) 
Nut (Stainless steel) 
Copper wire 
Length  
(not less than 0.63’‘(16 mm)  
 not more than 0.78’‘(20 mm))