FAQ

Modules:

Power Station:

After-Sale Consultation:

Q:Does SHINEFAR offer customized modules?

A: Customized module are available to meet the special demands of customers, and are in compliance with the relevant industrial standards and test conditions. During the sales process, our salespersons will inform customers of the basic information of the ordered modules, including mode of installation, conditions of use, and the difference between conventional and customized modules. Similarly, agents will also inform their downstream customers of the details about the customized modules.

Q: How are the energy yield and installed capacity of modules calculated?

A: The energy yield of module depends on three factors: solar radiation (H--peak hours), module nameplate power rating (watts) and system efficiency of system (Pr) (generally taken at about 80%), where the overall energy yield is the product of these three factors; energy yield = H x W x Pr. The installed capacity is caculated by multiplying the nameplate power rating of a single module by the total number of modules in the system. For example, for 10 285 W modules installed, the installed capacity is 285 x 10 = 2,850 W.

Q: How much energy yield improvement can be achieved by bifacial PV modules?

A: Energy yield improvement achieved by bifacial PV modules compared to conventional modules depends on ground reflectance, or albedo; the height and azimuth of the tracker or other racking installed; and the ratio of direct light to scattered light in the region (blue or gray days). Given these factors, the amount of improvement should be assessed based on the actual conditions of the PV power plant. Bifacial energy yield improvements range from 5--20%.

Q: Are there transparent modules from SHINEFAR?

A: Because of the issue of light leakage in the gaps between he solar cells in double-glass modules, SHINEFAR generally uses glazed semi-tempered glass for the backside panel of the double-glass module, with a glazed layer formed into grids where the cells are placed. Because the requirement for accuracy and shading of the glazed layer on the back panel of the cell should be reduced, a certain amount of light leakage is allowed in the industry, without any effect on the quality and energy yield of the product. The inconsistency in light transmittance on the back panel of the single-glass module is caused by differences in light transmittance caused by variations in each model of the back panel of the module. However, when the quality of the back panel meets the certification criteria, there will be no effect on energy yield. Agents will preferentially load the same batch of modules and ship them to the downstream customers.

Q: Is there any difference between a black or silver module frame?

A: We offer black or silver frames of modules to meet customers' requests and the application of the modules. We recommend attractive black-frame modules for rooftops and building curtain walls. Neither black nor silver frames affect the energy yield of the module.

Q: How do you deal with fractures, scratches, hot spots, self-shattering and bubbles in certain parts of the modules?

A: Various abnormal conditions may be found throughout the life cycle of modules, including those arising from manufacture, transportation, installation, O&M and use. However, such abnormal conditions can be controlled effectively as long as Grade A products of SHINEFAR are purchased from official suppliers and products are installed, operated and maintained according to the instructions provided by SHINEFAR, so that any adverse effect on the reliability and energy yield of PV power plant can be prevented.

Q: Will the energy yield be influenced by installation via perforation and welding?

A: Perforation and welding are not recommended as they may damage the overall structure of the module, to further result in a degradation in mechanical loading capacity during the subsequent services, which may lead to invisible cracks in modules and therefore affect the energy yield.

Q: Can the quality of modules be guaranteed under extreme weather conditions?

A: SHINEFAR modules have been rigorously tested and are able to withstand typhoon wind speeds up to Grade 12. The modules also have a waterproof grade of IP68, and can effectively withstand hail of at least 25 mm in size.

Q: How long is the warranty period of SHINEFAR modules? How many years can efficient power generation be guaranteed?

A: SHINEFAR modules have a general warranty of 15 years. Monofacial modules have a 25-year warranty for efficient power generation, while bifacial module performance is guaranteed for 30 years.

Q: How does SHINEFAR ensure module product quality?

A: SHINEFAR's intelligent production network can guarantee the traceability of each module, and our highly automated production lines feature end-to-end inspection and analysis processes to ensure that each module meets the highest quality standards. We select module materials according to the highest standards, with the requirement that all new materials be subject to extended qualification and reliability tests before being incorporated into our products.

Q: What type of module is better for my application, monofacial or bifacial?

A: Bifacial modules are slightly more expensive than monofacial modules, but can generate more power under the right conditions. When the rear side of the module is not blocked, the light received by the rear side of the bifacial module can significantly improve energy yield. In addition, the glass-glass encapsulation structure of the bifacial module has better resistance to environmental erosion by water vapor, salt-air fog, etc. Monofacial modules are more suitable for installations in mountainous regions and distributed generation rooftop applications.

Q: Does the photovoltaic power generation system still work in cloudy or snowy weather?

A: Sunlight is very important for photovoltaic modules; however,the modules will still work even in cloudy weather. Modules do not require a completely sunny day for power generation. Although the power generation of the module will not reach 100%, it will still generate high power in less than ideal weather conditions. If a sufficient amount of snow has accumulated on the surface of the modules,the module will not generate electricity. However, snow can easily slide off the surface of modules. Additionally, if the installation position of the modules is well illuminated, the snow on the surface of the modules will quickly melt and the modules can restore the power generation.

Q: What are the reasons why fluctuation occurs in current and voltage of PV power plants? Will this kind of fluctuation affect the energy yield of the plant?

A: The current and voltage of PV power plants are affected by temperature, light and other conditions. There are always fluctuations in voltage and current since variations in temperature and light are constant: the higher the temperature is, the lower the voltage is and the higher the current is, and the higher the intensity of light is, the higher the voltage and current are. The modules can operate across a temperature range of -40°C--85°C so the energy yield of the PV power plant will note be affected.

Q: Will the efficiency of PV power generation be influenced by differences in color?

A: Modules appear blue on the whole because of an anti-reflective film coating on the surfaces of the cells. However, there are certain differences in the color of the modules due to a certain difference in thickness of such films. We have a set of different standard colors, including shallow blue, light blue, medium blue, dark blue and deep blue for modules. Furthermore, the efficiency of PV power generation is associated with the power of modules, and is not influenced by any differences in color.

Q: How can energy yield be increased while keeping the PV power plant clean?

A: To keep the plant energy yield optimized, check the cleanliness of the module surfaces monthly and regularly wash them with clean water. Attention should be paid to fully cleaning the surfaces of modules to prevent formation of hotspots on modules caused by residual dirt and soiling, and the cleaning work should be carried out in the morning or at night. Also, don't allow any vegetation, trees and structures that are taller than the modules on the eastern, southeastern, southern, southwestern and western sides of the array. Timely pruning of any trees and vegetation taller than the modules is recommended to prevent shading and possible impact on the energy yield of the modules (for details, refer to cleaning manual).

Q: What are some of the reasons why energy yield can be much lower on some systems than others?

A: The energy yield of a PV power plant depends on many things, including the site weather conditions and all the various components in the system. Under normal service conditions, the energy yield depends mainly on the solar radiation and conditions of installation, which are subject to a greater difference between regions and seasons. In addition, we recommend paying more attention to calculating the annual energy yield of the system rather than focusing on daily yield data.

Q: Mountain = Hillside? Big slope = Complicated?

A: The so-called complex mountain site features staggered gullies, multiple transitions toward slopes, and complex geological and hydrological conditions. At the beginning of design, the design team must fully consider any possible changes in topography. If not, modules could be obscured from direct sunlight, leading to possible issues during layout and construction.

Q: How does one plan for general mountainous terrain?

A: Mountain PV power generation has certain requirements for terrain and orientation. Generally speaking, it is best to select a flat plot with a south slope (when the slope is less than 35 degrees). If the land has a slope greater than 35 degrees in the south, entailing difficult construction but high energy yield and small array spacing and land area, it may good to reconsider the site selection . The second examples are those sites with southeast slope, southwest slope, east slope, and west slope (where the slope is less than 20 degrees). This orientation has slightly large array spacing and large land area, and it can be considered as long as the slope is not too steep. The last examples are the sites with a shady north slope. This orientation receives limited insolation, small energy yield and large array spacing. Such plots should be used as little as possible. If such plots must be used, it is best to choose sites with a slope of less than 10 degrees.

Q: How does one select the racking structure for a mountain PV power plant?

A: Mountainous terrain features slopes with different orientations and significant slope variations, and even deep gullies or hills in some areas. Therefore, the support system should be designed as flexibly as possible to improve the adaptability to complex terrain: o Change tall racking to shorter racking. o Use a racking structure which is more adaptable to terrain: single-row pile support with an adjustable column height difference, single-pile fixed support, or tracking support with adjustable elevation angle. o Use long-span pre-stressed cable support, which can help overcome the unevenness between columns.

Q: How can an eco-friendly PV power plant be environmentally friendly?

A: We offer detailed design and site surveys in the early development stages to reduce the amount of land used.

Q: How to confirm the load performance corresponding to the installation method?

A: There are detailed installation instructions in SHINEFAR's user manual which contains graphic descriptions for different types of products, such as bolt or clamp installation, installation spacing, installation parts, etc. With the user manual you can compare the load requirements that works best for your installation method .
The PV modules must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions specified in SHINEFAR's user manual to comply with the IEC certification. Before installing, please read this section carefully to familiarize yourself with the complete installation processes. If you wish to use a different installation method, please consult SHINEFAR Solar customer service or technical support team. If in such cases that an alternative mounting method is used but not approved by SHINEFAR Solar, the module may get damaged and the warranty would be invalid.

Q: How many modules can be installed in each string?

A: The number of modules that can be connected shall be determined by a qualified institution or person in accordance with the design specifications of the photovoltaic system and the local electrical design specifications. The calculation formula recommended by SHINEFAR Solar shall be for reference only: Max System Voltage≥N*Voc*[1+TCvoc*(Tmin-25)]
where
N            Number of modules in series
Voc𝑜𝑐     Open circuit voltage (refer to product label or data sheet)
TCvoc     Thermal coefficient of open circuit voltage (refer to data sheet)
Tmin       The lowest expected operating temperature

Q: Does the photovoltaic power generation system still work in cloudy or snowy weather?

A: Sunlight is very important for photovoltaic modules; however,the modules will still work even in cloudy weather. Modules do not require a completely sunny day for power generation. Although the power generation of the module will not reach 100%, it will still generate high power in less than ideal weather conditions. If a sufficient amount of snow has accumulated on the surface of the modules,the module will not generate electricity. However, snow can easily slide off the surface of modules. Additionally, if the installation position of the modules is well illuminated, the snow on the surface of the modules will quickly melt and the modules can restore the power generation.

Q: Bifacial module layout

A: Frame 2. Front panel glass 3. EVA/POE 4. Solar cell 5. Back panel glass 6. Sealant 7. Terminal junction box 8. Nameplate 9. Mounting hole 10. Grounding hole 11. Drain hole 12. Barcode The specific layout corresponding to each specific module type is shown in the relevant product manuals.

Q: What is the effect of shading on energy yield?

A: It is not clear whether hotspots will be formed due to the effect of shading above the modules. Of course, there will inevitably be an effect of shading on the energy yield.

Q: How does one apply for warranty in case of damage to a module, a power generation failure and other issues?

A:For any products directly purchased from SHINEFAR, please contact our salespersons. For the products directly purchased from our distributors, place directly contact their representatives who will provide after-sales services. If the relevant problems still cannot be solved satisfactorily through the two ways above, please send us the contracts used to purchase the modules, warranty documents and specific details about the problems with the modules, and we will direct your information to the relevant departments.