What PV module documentation is needed for permitting in SolarAPP+?
This article summarizes the critical PV module information that is needed for design, SolarAPP+ permitting, and final inspection. Contractors should be prepared to provide this information to inspectors at the time of final inspection.
Contractors and inspectors are expected to verify that the PV module markings (labeling) includes all items noted in the Table below (in bold text), and that the information on the markings matches the contractor’s entries into SolarAPP+.
The contractor must make the PV module installation manual available to the inspector at the time of inspection, and the information in the manual must match the applicable information on the module’s markings and the contractor’s entries into SolarAPP+.
Important: Product datasheets can be helpful as a quick reference for contractors and inspectors but generally do not have all of the required information noted below and should not be relied upon for design, permitting, installation, or inspection purposes.
| Required information | Notes | Where located |
| PV module model # | A unique product identifier assigned by the manufacturer and referenced by the certifier. | • Module label • Module instruction manual • Certifier’s certificate • Certifier’s website |
| Safety Certifications | The standard(s) to which the product is certified. PV modules must be certified to UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2 or UL 1703. AC modules must additionally be listed to UL 1741. BIPV modules may additionally be listed to UL 7103. | • Module label • Certifier’s certificate • Certifier’s website |
| Certification agency | The agency that certified the module. | • Module label • Certifier’s certificate or website |
| Fire Type Classification | The PV module and mounting system assembly must have a system Fire Class Rating (A, B, or C) that complies with local regulations. However, most PV modules are assigned a numeric Fire Type (e.g. Fire Type 1, 2, 3, etc.)as part of the safety certification. This is not the same as an A, B, or C system Fire Class Rating. A system Fire Class Rating (A, B or C) is obtained by the mounting system manufacturer by testing the mounting system with a specific module Fire Type. See the help article on racking systems for more information. Some PV modules, primarily those used in building-integrated PV systems, may be certified with a system Fire Class Rating (A, B, or C), because they are tested as an assembly with a specific racking system. |
• Module label • Module instruction manual • Some certifier’s certificates • Some certifier’s websites |
| Temperature rating (maximum/minimum air temperature) | The PV module must have a temperature rating that is compatible for the conditions of use. UL 61730-1 requires that modules are rated for use in an ambient temperature range of at least -40°C +40°C. UL 1703 requires that modules are rated for at least +40°C and that the minimum temperature rating is specified in the Module instruction manual. Modules may be rated for conditions beyond the minimum requirements of the standards if specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. | • Module instruction manual |
| Connector model | PV safety standards require that the connector model is specified in the instruction manual as well as the specific make/models (if any) that the connector is compatible with.It is important to use the same make and model for mated connections unless instructions in the manual allow otherspecific connector manufacturer/modelsto be used. Generic statements such as "MC4 compatible" does not comply with this requirement. | • Module instruction manual |
| Maximum system voltage rating (V) | The PV module must be rated for a voltage equal to or greater than the calculated maximum voltage of a module or string of modules at the lowest expected ambient temperature, as determined in accordance with NEC 690.7(A). | • Module label • Module instruction manual • Some certifier’s certificates • Some certifier’s websites |
| Electrical ratings (monofacial modules) | Monofacial PV module power, voltage and current ratings at standard test conditions (STC, equal to 1000 W/m2and 25°C) are be required to verify compatibility with connected equipment. The maximum short-circuit current under high irradiance conditions must be calculated in accordance with NEC 690.8(A). The maximum PV voltage at the lowest expected ambient temperature must be calculated in accordance with NEC 690.7(A). | • Module label • Module instruction manual • Some certifier’s certificates • Some certifier’s websites |
| Electrical ratings (bifacial modules) | For bifacial modules, power and current levels increase depending on the amount of light that reaches the rear surface of the module and the modules bifaciality coefficients for power (φPmp) and current (φIsc). SolarAPP assumes power and current ratings for bifacial modules based on bifacial stress irradiance (BSI) in place of STC conditions. BSI assumes an exposure of 1000 W/m2on the front of the module and 300 W/m2on the rear side of the module. |
For most modules[1]: • Module label • Module instruction manual • Some certifier’s certificates • Some certifier’s websites |
| Power and voltage temperature coefficients | Temperature coefficients may be used to calculate the maximum expected voltage in accordance with NEC 690.7. | • Some module labels • Module instruction manual • Some certifier’s certificates • Some certifier’s websites |
| Mechanical load rating (up/down)1 | Important notes:the combined wind, snow and gravity loads for a specific project cannot exceed the module’s design load ratingspecified in the manual for the specific mounting configuration used. The design load rating should not include the 1.5 x multiplier that is applied in the UL 61730-2 loading test. Modules that are mounted in a manner not specified in the module manual must be tested with the racking system and have an appropriate design load rating when assembled with the racking system. |
• Module instruction manual • Some certifier’s certificates • Some certifier’s websites |
| Module area (m2), length (m), width (m), weight (kg) | The module area, length, width and weight are important parameters as they affect the structural design of the system. | • Module instruction manual |
| Equipment compatibility with AC Modules | A listed AC module assembly must be compatible with connected equipment, including rapid shutdown or PV hazard control. Note: a PV module that is field assembled with a microinverter is not considered an AC module, as it is not listed as an assembly to UL 1741. | • AC module instructions • Rapid shutdown or PV hazard control equipment instructions |
[1] A February, 2023 Certifications Requirement Decision (CRD) to UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2 requires that for bifacial module markings and documentation include bifaciality coefficients as well as power and current ratings at BSI. Module manufacturers may need to be contacted directly to determine bifaciality coefficients for modules evaluated prior to this date. Power and current at BSI can be derived from the ratings at STC and bifaciality coefficients for power and current according to the following equations:
Pmp (BSI) = Pmp (STC)*(1+0.3* φPmp)
Isc (BSI) = Isc (STC)*(1+0.3* φIsc)