Seaward PV System - Manual (Page 2)

Page 2 of 4
Seaward Solar, 6304 Benjamin Road, Suit 506, Tampa, Florida 33634, USA.
Tel: (813) 886 2775 Email: [email protected] Web: www.seawardsolar.com
© 2012 Seaward Electronic Ltd.
All rights reserved
Rev 2: 15.02.2012
System data
Minimum system data requirements outlined in IEC 62446 include basic nameplate information and
details that you would expect to find on the cover page of a PV plan set or a system commissioning
package. Nameplate data requirements include rated system power and the manufacturers, models
and quantities of PV modules and inverters. Cover page data requirements include contact
information for the customer, system designer and system installer, plus relevant project dates.
Wiring diagram
According to IEC 62446, system documentation for a grid connected PV system shall include at
minimum a single-line wiring diagram. A list of subsections outlines the specific information that
needs to be included in the notes or tables associated with the wiring diagram.
Annotations to the single-line diagram must include general information about the quantity and type
of modules, as well as specific details about the source-circuit and subarray makeup. IEC 62446 also
requires information about the location and type of balance of system components. Details need to
be provided regarding conductor sizes and overcurrent protection device ratings.
In addition to equipment grounding details, in particular module frame grounding, any connection to
an existing lightning protection system needs to be identified, as do the locations, types and ratings
of ac or dc surge protection devices. IEC 62446 also details minimum information requirements
regarding the existing ac electrical system.
Datasheets
Per IEC 62446, module and inverter datasheets must be provided in the system documentation at a
minimum requirement. An informational note clarifies: “The provision of datasheets for other
significant system components should also be considered.”
Mechanical design
A datasheet for the array mounting system needs to be provided, at a minimum. Where applicable,
structural engineering documents, soil testing results and so forth can also be provided.
O&M information
Meeting the requirements found in subsection 4.6 of
IEC 62446 (see sidebar) is inherently more subjective
than other system documentation requirements.
Proper documentation of system O&M information
depends upon the audience and may involve a
significant investment in time and resources on the
project back end. While basic O&M templates can be
developed for residential and commercial clients,
templates for commercial projects invariably require
more customization. This is especially true when a
facility’s maintenance personnel are expected to take
on routine maintenance activities for the PV system.
Test results and commissioning data
IEC 62446 requires that copies of test results and commissioning data be included in the
documentation package. At a minimum, this must include the results of the verification tests
outlined in Clause 5 of the standard.
4.6 O&M Information
Operation and maintenance information shall be provided and shall
include, at a minimum, the following items:
a) Procedures for verifying correct system operation.
b) A checklist of what to do in case of a system failure.
c) Emergency shutdown and isolation procedures.
d) Maintenance and cleaning recommendations (if any).