Solar Installers - FAQ

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Are there any specific precautions I need to take when handling a panel?

Installation

Yes, specific requirements for the safe handling of the PV panel are contained within the Safety and Installation Instructions. Contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. We recommend you always consult the latest version before handling the PV panel.

Are there opportunities for partners to enhance their market reputation?

Tips

Warranty

Installation

Yes, SunPower's Partner Program features three tiers—Authorised, Premier, and Elite—allowing partners to distinguish themselves in the market. Achieving higher tiers signifies adherence to the highest standards, instilling greater customer confidence in your services and potentially leading to increased business opportunities.

Are there unique maintenance requirements for bifacial panels?

Maintenance

Solar Panels

No. The general maintenance requirements in the TCL | SunPower safety and installation manual apply to both monofacial and bifacial panels. We recommend visual inspection on a regular basis of all panels for safe electrical connections, sound mechanical connections, as well as to ensure panels are free from corrosion. This inspection should be performed by trained personnel on an annual basis. Periodic cleaning of panels is recommended, but not required. Periodic cleaning has resulted in improved performance levels, especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation (less than 46,3 cm). Customers should consult their installer or supplier about recommended cleaning schedules for their area.

Are there ways to increase albedo?

Solar Panels

In the market there are certain products that apply to the surface of the roof or ground that are intended to increase the reflectivity. This could be a white polymer coating or light-colored gravel for example. Pricing varies based on the material and labor costs. Customers should work with their installation partners to understand available options for increasing the surface albedo under their arrays.

Are yield advantages reflected in simulation tools such as PV Syst?

Tips

Yes, we have guidelines we can share to allow you to set PV Syst using our 3rd-party-validated PAN files. Third party validation from Dekra or SGS allow customers to have more confidence in what they are purchasing and better estimate of return on investment and LCOE (levelized cost of electricity).

Can bypass diodes activate as a result of rear side shading?

Solar Panels

We have been actively testing our bifacial panels to better understand the impact of rear side shading in high irradiance environments. When rear side diffuse light is at low irradiance due to shading, bypass diodes will not activate.

Can I leave panels on a pallet exposed to outdoor weather conditions?

Maintenance

Installation

During storage, panels need to be protected from rain or any kinds of liquids. Required storage temperature is between 10°C to 40°C in a dry environment (humidity between 30 to 80%). Do not store panels outdoor to avoid moisture and wet conditions. Specific requirements for safe storage of the PV panels are contained within the Safety and Installation Instructions. Contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. We recommend you always consult the latest version before handling the PV panel.

Can I start troubleshooting a problem in the field before talking to a TSE (Technical Support Engineer)?

Maintenance

Depending on the issue as well as the products supplied, we may be able to provide timesaving troubleshooting steps and advice before an onsite visit is planned. As such, we strongly advise contacting a TSE and providing us as many details as possible in advance of any visit.

Do bifacial panels provide additional advantages for floating PV systems?

Solar Panels

Possibly. The glass/glass framed construction of the bifacial panel provides additional resistance to water and salt ingress. However, careful analysis should be undertaken to evaluate variables such as panel tilt and elevation that may require stronger mounting BOS requirements to gain the full advantage of bifacial panels. It should be noted that floating PV is not currently covered under TCL | SunPower warranty. This should be approved on a project base.

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