Safety and Installation Instructions for Off‐Spec (NPE) Maxeon Solar Module
United States and CanadaThis document applies to Performance modules
listed in Table 1.

This document includes references to Performance Series modules. These
modules do not have grounding restrictions and all are compatible with high‐efficiency transformerless inverters.

Contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

For the latest version please refer to www.maxeon.com/us/offspecinstallguideMaxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.
www.maxeon.com/us

Document 550735 Rev.A

Safety and Installation Instructions ‐ Document 550735 Rev.A

Safety and Installation Instructions(United States and Canada)

1.0 Introduction
These instructions provide safety and installation instructions forMaxeon photovoltaic (PV) modules that have the off spec description
on the product label.
IMPORTANT! Please read these instructions in their entirety before
installing, wiring, or using this product in any way.

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Do not disconnect any modules when its inverter is feeding in to the grid.
Switch off the inverter before disconnecting, reinstalling or making any action
with the modules.
For connectors, which are accessible to untrained people, it is imperative to
use the locking connectors and safety clips, if applicable, in order to defend
against untrained personnel disconnecting the modules once they have been
installed.
Cover all modules in the PV array with an opaque cloth or material before
making or breaking electrical connections.
As the modules bend under the load, do not mount sharp objects (e.g. screws)
near the module backside.
Do not mount rails under the junction boxes
Do not attach or adhere items at the backsheet of the modules.
Contact Maxeon if maintenance is necessary.
Save these instructions!

1.1 Disclaimer of Liability
The installation techniques, handling, and use of this product are beyond
company control. Therefore, Maxeon assumes no responsibility for loss, damage
or expense resulting from improper installation, handling, or use.

1.2 Warranty
Off spec module does not carry power and product warranty.

3.0 Electrical Characteristics
Electrical characteristics of the modules are described in Table 1 below. Each
module contains three bypass diodes. The maximum series fuse rating is 25A.
Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module may experience conditions that
produce more current and/or voltage than reported at Standard Test Conditions.

Table 1: Electrical Characteristics1

2.0 Safety Precautions
Before installing this product, read all safety instructions in this document.

DANGER! Module interconnection cables pass direct current (dc) andare sources of voltage when the module is under load and when it is
exposed to light. Direct current can arc across gaps and may cause
injury or death if improper connection or disconnection is made; orif contact is made with module leads that are frayed or torn. Do notconnect or disconnect modules when a current source is energizing
the conductors. Modules may contain high voltage wheninterconnected with other modules.
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1

All installations must be performed in compliance with the National Electrical
Code (NEC) and any applicable local codes.
There are no user‐serviceable parts within the module. Do not attempt to
repair any part of the module.
Installation should be performed only by qualified personnel.
Do not stand on, drop, scratch, or allow objects to fall on modules as doing so
may damage them and void the warranty.
Do not place anything on the modules, even for a moment because resulting
residue may damage or stain the glass surface.
If the front glass is broken, or the backsheet is torn, contact with any modulesurface or module frame can cause electric shock. Damaged modules shouldbe immediately disconnected from the electric system. The module should be
removed from array as soon as possible and contact the supplier for disposal
instructions.
Broken J‐boxes or connectors are electrical hazards as well as laceration
hazards. Installers should remove any such module from the array andcontact Maxeon for disposal instructions.
Do not install or handle the modules when they are wet or during periods ofhigh wind.
Do not block drain holes or allow water to pool in or near module frames.
Maxeon recommends a conservative minimum cable bend radius of equal toor greater than 40 mm (1.5”).
Unconnected connectors must always be protected from pollution (e.g dust,
humidity, foreign particles, etc), prior to installation. Do not leave
unconnected (unprotected) connectors exposed to the environment. A clean
assembly environment is therefore essential to avoid performancedegradation.
Do not allow the connectors to come in contact with chemicals such as greases,
oils and organic solvents which may cause stress cracking.

For models not shown here, please contact Maxeon technical support or visit
www.maxeon.com/us. Electrical parameters are measured at Standard Test Conditions (STC).
The series fuse must have an interrupting rating that is equal to or greater than the

ModuleRated Power
(W)

Voltage at
Rated Power
Vmpp (V)Current at
Rated Power,
Impp (A)Open Circuit
Voltage Voc(V)

Maximum
Short Circuit
System Voltage
Current, Isc (A)UL Vmax (V)SPR‐P6‐555‐UPP

555

40.0

13.89

47.3

14.73

1500

SPR‐P6‐550‐UPP

550

39.7

12.85

47.1

14.68

1500

SPR‐P6‐545‐UPP

545

39.5

13.80

46.9

14.64

1500

SPR‐P6‐540‐UPP

540

39.3

13.76

46.7

14.59

1500

SPR‐P6‐535‐UPP

535

39.0

13.71

46.5

14.54

1500

SPR‐P6‐530‐UPP

530

38.8

13.67

46.3

14.49

1500

SPR‐P6‐525‐UPP

525

38.5

13.62

46.1

14.44

1500

SPR‐P6‐520‐UPP

520

38.3

13.58

46.1

14.42

1500

SPR‐P6‐515‐UPP

515

38.1

13.52

46.0

14.41

1500

SPR‐P5‐545‐UPP

545

39.5

13.81

47.8

14.83

1500

SPR‐P5‐540‐UPP

540

39.2

13.78

47.6

14.80

1500

SPR‐P5‐535‐UPP

535

38.9

13.76

47.4

14.79

1500

SPR‐P5‐530‐UPP

530

38.6

13.73

47.1

14.78

1500

SPR‐P5‐525‐UPP

525

38.3

13.71

46.8

14.77

1500

SPR‐P5‐520‐UPP

520

38.0

13.69

46.6

14.76

1500

SPR‐P5‐515‐UPP

515

37.7

13.66

46.3

14.75

1500

SPR‐P5‐510‐UPP

510

37.4

13.64

46.1

14.74

1500

SPR‐P5‐505‐UPP

505

37.3

13.55

46.1

14.68

1500

SPR‐P5‐500‐UPP

500

37.1

13.48

46.1

14.62

1500

SPR‐P5‐495‐UPP

495

36.9

13.42

46.0

14.55

1500

4.0 Electrical Connections and System Monitoring
Modules may be connected in series and/or parallel to achieve the desired
electrical output as long as optimum design parameters are achieved certain
conditions are met. Please use only the same type of modules in a combined
source circuit. Do not mix the modules with different nameplates withoutauthorization by Maxeon.
Even if allowed by local regulation, Plug and Socket connectors mated together in
a PV system must be of the same type (model, rating) from the same
manufacturer i.e. a plug connector from one manufacturer and a socket
connector from another manufacturer, or vice versa, shall not be used to make aconnection.
Maxeon recommends a conservative minimum bending radius (R) 5x cablediameter must be maintained and must not be bent on the direct exit of theconnector or junction box. Avoid exposure of electrical connections to direct
sunlight and do not place the connector in a location where water could easily
accumulate. Installers must refer to connector manufacturer’s instruction forfurther installation and connection requirements.
maximum fault current that the fuse is required to interrupt, including contributions from allconnected sources of energy.

© 2023 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in these instructions are subject to change without notice.

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Safety and Installation Instructions ‐ Document 550735 Rev.A

Connectors are factory assembled with intentional gaps between the cable nut
and the body of the connector. Do not retighten module connector nuts as thismay lead to stress cracking of the connector assembly and will void the warranty.

When mounting modules in snow prone or high wind environments, special careshould be taken to mount the modules in a manner that provides sufficientdesign strength while meeting local code requirements.

4.1 Equipment Grounding
To reduce the possibility of electrical shock, ground the frame of the module orarray per NEC before wiring the circuit. Maxeon recommends to refer to theapplicable regional and local codes and requirements on grounding PV arrays andmounting frames in conjunction with your racking supplier.
In addition, to avoid corrosion due to the use of dissimilar metals Maxeon
recommends stainless steel between copper and aluminum.

Excluded Operating Environments
Modules are designed for a maximum altitude of 2000 m.
No Maxeon module should be mounted at a site where it may be subject todirect contact with salt water, or other aggressive environment.
Modules should not be installed near flammable liquids, gases, or locations withhazardous materials; or moving vehicles of any type.

4.2 System Grounding

5.2 Mounting Configurations

Review Table 2 below for the proper grounding techniques for the installation ofyour particular Maxeon modules.

Modules integrated into or mounted over a roofing system must be mounted
over a fire‐resistant roof covering rated for the application. Modules may be
mounted at any angle, from horizontal to vertical. To reduce soiling, modules
should be mounted at a minimum of 5 degrees.

4.3 Series Connection
The modules may be wired in series to produce the desired voltage output. Do
not exceed the maximum system voltage shown in module datasheets andproduct label.

4.4 Parallel Connection
The modules may be combined in parallel to produce the desired current output.
Each series string or module may be required to be fused prior to combining withother strings if the resulting maximum fuse size allowed (number of modules
which can be connected in parallel and protected by one fuse) exceeds the fuserating as shown in the module datasheet and product label. Please refer to the
NEC Article 690 for additional fusing requirements.

Table 2: Module Grounding Key
Module Model Grounding Key
Maxeon P‐Series modules have no grounding restrictions:
All model numbers starting with SPR‐Py‐xxx‐UPP
IMPORTANT! P‐Series can be grounded with either polarity. Failure tocomply with this requirement will reduce system performance andinvalidate Maxeon’s Limited Power Warranty for PV Modules.

5.0 Module Mounting
The Maxeon Limited Warranty for PV Modules is contingent upon modules being
mounted in accordance with the requirements described in this section.

5.1 Site Considerations
Maxeon modules should only be mounted in locations that meet the following
requirements:
Operating Temperature: All Maxeon modules must only be mounted inenvironments that ensure they will operate within the following temperatures:
Operating Temperature range (ambient)‐40°C to +85 °C‐40°F to +185 °F

Adequate ventilation should be provided behind or underneath the modules,
especially in hot environments.
Shading: Modules should be installed so that permanent shading of cells is
avoided and partial shading that may occur during certain times of the day or
year is minimized. Permanent shading is defined as shade that is cast over thesame position (of constant area) of the solar module throughout the generation
hours of the day.
Shading may induce in certain cases strong energy production reduction, even incase of small shading and should be avoid as much as possible, especially at mid‐
day when the production is maximum.
Design Strength: Maxeon modules are designed to meet a positive (downward)
and/or negative (upward) withstanding test pressure when mounted as per theguidelines in Section 5.2 and configurations in Appendix. Test loads are for
information purposes only; design loads should be considered for the project
design.

Specific information on module dimensions and the location of mounting andgrounding holes is provided in Appendix. The system installer is responsible forthe determination of location‐specific load requirements.
It should be noted that watertightness is not ensured by Maxeon, therefore, ifwater management is required, the mounting system should be designed
accordingly.
Do not remove or alter the module frame, and do not create additional mounting
holes because doing so may compromise the integrity of the frame.
Modules may be mounted using the following methods only:
1) Frame Holes: Secure the module to the structure using the factory
mounting holes. Four 1/4″ stainless steel bolts, with nuts, washers, and lockwashers are recommended per module; tightened to a min. torque of 10 in‐
lb. For frame hole mounting, modules must be secured using the holes
shown in Appendix.
2)
Clamps: Mount the module with the opposite clamps on the longer and/or
shorter sides of the module. Installers
Force must not deform
should ensure the clamps are of
top frame flange or
glass may breaksufficient strength to allow for theForce canmaximum design pressure of thebe applied
module. Clamps are not provided byin line with
Maxeon. Clamps that secure to the top
frame wallof the frame must not deform the top
flange. Clamps must apply force collinearwith the ‘wall’ of the module frame andFigure 1a: Clamp Force Locations
not only to the top flange. Clamps or
installation procedures that put excessive force on the top flange will
deform the frame, void the module warranty and risk glass breakage. Figure
1a illustrates locations for top frame clamp force. When clamping to themodule frame, torque should never exceed 132 in‐lbs (15 Nm) to reducechances of frame deformation and/or glass breakage. If the clamp
manufacturer recommends a specific torque value which is lower than 132
in‐lbs (15 Nm), the installer should use the clamp manufacturer’s torquevalue. If the clamp manufacturer recommends a specific torque value
which is higher than 132 in‐lbs (15 Nm), the installer should contact theclamp manufacturer for acceptance of the 132 in‐lbs (15 Nm) maximum
torque value or to find alternative clamps. A calibrated torque wrench must
be used. Mounting systems should be evaluated for compatibility before
installing specially when the system is not using Clamps.
Minimum clamp width allowance is ≥35mm, and for corner clamping theminimum clamp width is: ≥50mm. Clamps should not be in contact with thefront glass and clamps should not deform the frame.
Maxeon does not recommend nor endorse the application on the modulesof clamps which, as part of their grounding or earthing function, have teethor claw features (see Figure 2) which may, individually or cumulatively,
cause the module breakage due to (and without limitation):© 2023 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in these instructions are subject to change without notice.

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Safety and Installation Instructions ‐ Document 550735 Rev.A

i. the grounding features touching the front glass which is incorporated into
the module due to the position of such grounding feature,ii. the shape, the position or the number of the grounding features deforming
the module top frame, oriii. the clamp being over‐torqued during the installation.
Maxeon shall not be liable for any damages or losses whatsoever arising from theuse by the Installer of any such clamps on its modules, and disclaims all
warranties, express or implied, applicable to those modules should they bedamaged in any way by such clamps. Therefore, the use of the above mentioned
clamps by the Installer is at the Installer's sole risks.

5.3 Ground Mount Applications for Bifacial modules
Various environmental and installation parameters affect bifacial gain. Albedo is ameasure of the amount of light reflected from the ground surface. A higher
albedo factor will increase irradiance on the backside and result in higher bifacial
gain of the module. The surface conditions, month of the year, time of day, GHI
and DNI both influence the amount of incident rearside irradiance.
Maxeon recommends to check with solar module mounting hardware supplier inorder to determine the Structure Shading factor of your particular installation.
The Structure Shading Factor varies with racking system design, irradiance,
albedo and height of module installation above ground and has an overall impact
on the rear side irradiance mismatch.
The Rearside mismatch losses are proportional to the albedo, height of themodules above ground and structure shading factor. The irradiance non‐uniformity on the rearside results in mismatch generally as the albedo increases
and installation height of the modules are lower to the ground.

5.4 Rooftop Applications for Bifacial modules
Bifacial modules use direct, reflected or diffuse sunlight at the rearside to
generate additional power. Therefore, it is recommended to use bifacial modules
installed on flat roof applications.
In order to maximize the bifacial gain at the rooftop applications the following
parameters listed below should be considered:Surface Albedo
Roof IntegrityModule Tilt Angle
Module Elevation
Structural Backside Shading

Modules that feature antireflective coatedglass are prone to visible finger print marks if
touched on the front glass surface. Maxeon
recommends handing modules with anti‐
reflective glass with gloves (no leather gloves)or limiting touching of the front surface. Any
finger print marks resulting from installation
will naturally disappear over time or can be
Figure 2
reduced by following the washing guidelines
in Section 6.0 below. Any module coverage(colored plastic tarps or similar) during installation can lead to permanent front
glass discoloration and is not recommended. The use of vacuum lifting pads cancause permanent marks on the front glass. Never lift or move the module using
the cables or the junction box under any‐circumstances.
System energization and shutdown procedures need to be followed based on
respective National guidelines and local regulations. Safe site operational
practices must be adhered before energizing the PV system (e.g. electricalcontinuity, avoiding direct contact with electrical/framing equipment, wearing
safety PPE, etc.). System should be electrically disconnected during maintenance,
upgrades, and modification works which can affect the operation of PV system.

6.0

Maintenance and Cleaning

Trained Maxeon dealer or trained Maxeon support personnel should inspect all
modules annually for safe electrical connections, sound mechanical connections,and freedom from corrosion.
Periodic cleaning of module glass has resulted in improved performance levels,
especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation; therefore Maxeon
recommends periodic cleaning of the modules.
To clean a module, wash its glass surface with potable, non‐heated water.
Normal water pressure is more than adequate when cleaning the AR glass.
Maxeon recommends using a large hosepipe and not to perform cleaning at highoutside temperatures. Some fingerprints, stains, or accumulations of dirt on theglass may be removed with over‐the‐counter glass cleaners (such as Windex® orequivalent), or with a 3% soap‐and‐water solution. For smaller systems, wet themodule glass with the solution, let it stand for five minutes, and then wet themagain and use a soft sponge or seamless cloth to wipe the glass surface in acircular motion. For large systems, wet the modules with the cleaning solution,
let them stand for five minutes, and then rinse them with high‐pressure water ora soft sponge. Do not use harsh industrial‐strength cleaning materials such as
scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades, or other sharp instruments toclean the module glass. Use of such materials will void the product warranty.

The bifacial modules can be mounted both landscape or portrait orientation asshown in Appendix section.
When installing a bifacial module on a roof, ensure that the roof construction andthe structural load calculations of the building are suitable.
Bifacial gain tends to be most effective with a higher tilt angle.
As the tilt angle and the module elevation from the underlying surface increases,
more reflected light and diffuse light can be captured by the module.
The mounting rails shall be designed to limit the rear side shading as much as
possible.

5.5 Bifacial Electrical Considerations
The overall electrical bifacial gain is determined by the combination of surface
albedo, irradiance, module tilt angle, shading losses from the rearside, rearside
mismatch and module elevation above ground. Please refer to the Maxeon
datasheet for the electrical outputs with respect to the overall bifacial gain.
Please utilize a suitable performance software package to simulate the overall
bifacial gain

5.6 Handling of Modules during Installation
Do not place modules face forward in direct contact with abrasive surfaces likeroofs, driveways, wooden pallets, railings, stucco walls, etc…
The module front surface glass is sensitive to oils and abrasive surfaces, which
may lead to scratches and irregular soiling.
During storage, modules 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 modules outdoor to avoid moisture
and wet conditions.

© 2023 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in these instructions are subject to change without notice.

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Safety and Installation Instructions ‐ Document 550735 Rev.A

Recommended Cable Management
Performance Product Line:
Portrait Stringing

Leapfrog Stringing (Portrait)

Landscape Stringing*The images are solely for illustration purposes only.

© 2023 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in these instructions are subject to change without notice.

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Safety and Installation Instructions ‐ Document 550735 Rev.A

Appendix: Mounting Loads and Configurations

SunPower Performance 5/6 Bifacial Solar Panel(SPR-P5-XXX-UPP, SPR-P6-XXX-UPP)001232.77 [48.53in]

1088.77 [42.86in]

1042[41.02]1042[41.02]646 546[25.43] [21.49]

323[12.72]1043 mm [41.06]

323[12.72]1092 mm [42.99in]

0546 646[21.49] [25.43]

B

A

0

C

400 mm[15.74in]

1100 mm [43.31in]
1400 mm [55.12in]

2384 mm [93.86in]
Measurement Tolerances are +/-3 mm for the Length and Width of the Module.
A - SLOT Holes (8X 14mm (L) x 9mm (W), R3.5mm)
B - Mounng Holes (4X 10mm (L) x 7mm (W), R6.8mm)
C - Ground Holes (4X Ø 4.2mm)

TOP CLAMPSFront View

Long Side Mounng,
Rails Perpedincular toMounng Frame

Back View

Mounng Zone
Locaons

Test LoadDesign Load

in mm)

Downward/Upward Downward/Upward
(Pa)
(Pa)

(distance from corner

50 - 546+2400/-1200+1600/-800

546 - 646

+5400/-2400+3600/-1600

646 - 1042

+2400/-2000+1600/-1333

50 - 100+1800/-1800+1200/-1200

546 - 646

+3000/-2400+2000/-1600

50 - 546+5400/-1200+3600/-800

546 - 646

+5400/-2400+3600/-1600

0 - 323+1400/-1400+933/-933

GEN 4.3 FRAME PROFILE
SIDE FRAME PROFILELong Side Mounng,
Point SupportedLong Side Mounng,
Rails Parallel toMounng Frame

Short Side Mounng,
Point Supported(End Mount)

BOLTS
Mounng
Conﬁguraon
Descripon

Short Side Mounng,
Rails Parallel toMounng Frame(End Mount)

0 - 323

0 - 223+3600/-2400+1400/-1400+2400/-1600

Mounng Conﬁguraon Diagram
Front View

Long Side Mounng,
Rails Perpedincular toMounng Frame+2400/-1200

Back View

Mounng Zone
Locaons(distance from cornerin mm)

Test LoadDesign Load

Downward/Upward Downward/Upward
(Pa)
(Pa)

+3600/-1600

1400mm Holes+5400/-2400

1100mm Holes+5400/-2400+3600/-1600

400mm Holes+2400/-2000+1600/-1333

400mm Holes+1800/-1800+1200/-1200+933/-933
Center Mounng(1x Portrait Tracker)

223 - 323

16 mm
[0.630]35mm [1.38]



Short Side Mounng,
Point Supportedwith Rail(End Mount)

END FRAME PROFILE
35 mm [1.38]

Mounng Conﬁguraon Diagram

35mm [1.38]

Mounng
Conﬁguraon
Descripon+1600/-800

1 In the cases where hybrid mounng is necessary (combinaon of long and short side mounng), the lowest
design values should be considered as allowable design load.
2 Test loads are for informaon purposes only, design loads should be considered for the project design.
3 Design Load considers 1.5 Factor of Safety, Test load = Design load x 1.5. Product Warranty covers only design
load values. The design loads listed in this table supersede all other loads that may be deﬁned by otherpares, unless there is a formal authorizaon by Maxeon.

4 Rails must not be under the juncon box.
5 Boom ﬂange mounng.
6 Range indicates posioning of the clamp and not the rails.
7 Minimum of 24mm in diameter washer size is required.

© 2023 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications included in these instructions are subject to change without notice.

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