Electrical design and installation of solar pumps

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF QUOTATION REQUESTS
Labels on solar panels show a lot of information, mainly used to control the performance of panels 
over time and during maintenance operations. When purchasing solar panels and checking them 
upon delivery, only 5 specifications are used:
• PANEL TYPE
Specify «monocrystalline and polycrystalline are accepted».
• PEAK POWER
We do not specify power on the request for quotation (leaving the 
calculation of required power to the supplier), but we will verify upon 
delivery that the power of solar panels corresponds to the proposed 
power.
• CONNECTOR TYPE
Specify «MC4» which is the standard connector type.
• LIFE TIME 
Specify a “product guarantee period of 10 years / performance
guarantee period of 25 years at 80% of production”.
• STANDARD
Specify «in accordance with standards EN 61730 and/or UL1703».
MC4 connector 
Male (up) and 
Female (down)

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14
SOLAR PUMPING
Guidelines - Electrical design and installation of solar pumps
2
 
SOLAR PANELS STANDS
Solar array configurations are very different from one site to another (on the ground, on roof, on water tank, with optional 
solar tracking system – see 
❽
, number and position of the panels ...). Therefore, stands of solar panels are tailored to each 
system and made by the supplier. On a quotation request, only indicate the following elements:
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF QUOTATION REQUESTS
• ORIENTATION/TILT
Specify « south oriented » (or north depending on the hemisphere of 
installation), ideal tilt according to the latitude of the installation site.
• FIXING
Specify that the stand must be designed, and have sufficient anchorage, 
to withstand wind.
• PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION
Specify that the stand must be protected from corrosion.
• FIXING THE PANELS ON THE SUPPORT
Specify that panels must be fixed to prevent any theft of the panels.
• EARTHING / GROUNDING SYSTEM
Specify that the panels and their stands must be grounded with the 
appropriate cable thickness (see chapter earthing/grounding system).
With these indications, the supplier can design and quote the stand. Table 4 below lists the design options available to 
suppliers, and can help you perform checks on the supplier’s panel stand.