Wiring for solar panels is a crucial element, yet it is rarely discussed. Since solar systems are often installed outside, any cable used for this kind of application must be resistant to ultraviolet radiation and suited for damp environments.
Do you need special wires for solar panels?
The cables used for solar tracking panels must be flexible because the panels will be moving in tandem with the sun. The wires utilised must, however, be able to survive high temperatures in addition to being water and UV resistant.
Type PV wires feature higher sunlight resistance, low-temperature flexibility, flame resistance, and thicker insulation for added element protection, in addition to having a wider temperature and voltage range.
For the interconnection wiring of grounded and ungrounded solar power systems, it covers single-conductor, insulated, integrally or partially jacketed, sunlight-resistant photovoltaic wire in a range of temperature and voltage ratings.
A tinned stranded conductor is used to construct Solar Cable, which is a single core wire. All components are halogen-free, flame- and fire-resistant. In the event of a fire, no corrosive gases will be discharged, and the smoke density is low. The insulation and jacket materials have a high level of resistance to abrasion, UV rays, and weathering. This cable can be used in extremely cold and hot temperatures (permanent installation), thanks to its wide temperature range. It also withstands acidic and alkaline solutions, as well as salt water.
The flexible cable is suitable for heavy mechanical loads. As a result, it can be used for both stationary installations and mobile applications that don’t involve tensile loads.
It is specifically made for outdoor use, which entails exposure to direct sunlight and high air humidity, but thanks to the halogen-free, cross-linked flame retardant jacket material, the cable may also be put indoors in both dry and humid environments. To demonstrate the lack of halogens in solar cables, a number of tests must be carried out.
Can you use normal cable for solar panels?
Global investment in solar projects is rising more quickly than ever before, and every project’s return on investment are still under the limelight. In certain cases, contractors specify generic pvc cables rather than ones specifically designed for solar PV in order to reduce costs. While initially saving money, doing this will significantly shorten the system’s lifespan.
What type of cable is used for solar panels?
Special insulating materials and cross-linked PE wrapping for cables are what give solar cables their unique properties. The molecular structure of the cable material changes after being exposed to radiation from an irradiation accelerator, and this results in specialised performance in hot environments.
These cables work well at high temperatures, but they also resist cold, oil, acid, and alkali, and they will give the solar system a long service life in general. Ordinary cables and solar cables both utilise the same conductors. Photovoltaic cables can be utilised in harsher situations and have greater insulation and jacket requirements.
Photovoltaic cables in solar power facilities are frequently subjected to challenging environmental factors including high temperatures and UV radiation. The temperature of the solar system can reach up to 100°C on sunny days in areas with good lighting. Due to the intense ultraviolet radiation brought on by this, regular cables cannot endure this environment for extended periods of time. Photovoltaic cables are necessary since regular cables cannot sustain such a high DC voltage for an extended period of time.
The bulk of issues with photovoltaic systems are caused by the wrong cable selection and poor crimping procedures. Photovoltaic system fires typically result from this, so careful consideration should be given to cable selection.
The matching of cables and DC connectors is a crucial component of solar system design. Correct matching guarantees more precise crimping, which results in better contact between wires and DC plugs. Inadequate crimping results in oxidation, which raises contact resistance and results in fire.
Ordinary cable wiring uses copper conductors that come in a wide range and have poor compatibility with DC connectors. After extensive use, oxidation will unavoidably take place, increasing contact resistance.
Most issues with solar systems are on the DC side, and more than 90% of these issues are caused by improper cable selection and crimping mistakes. Spending time and attention on compatible, high-quality PV cable at the design stage is essential for long-lasting, problem-free system operation.
Exclusively for connectivity in photovoltaic solar power systems, solar PV photovoltaic cables are created. They have only been in use for less than 15 years, making them one of the newest cables available. They are pliable, resistant to moisture, sunlight, and flame. In sweltering heat, these wires perform remarkably well. Solar PV photovoltaic cables are utilised throughout the solar panel’s full life, which is often 25 or 30 years, and the cable manufacturer will usually provide you with a warranty that lasts for the entire period. Due to the fact that solar PV photovoltaic cables are placed specifically with solar panels in mind, their design is constantly in line with the most recent developments in the solar sector. Copper or aluminium conductors are options for photovoltaic wire, which is available in various voltages.
Why is there a difference between PV cables and regular DC cables in my PV panel?
PV cables often have an XLPE insulation, which has high resilience to sun and weather as well as harsh temperatures, in contrast to ordinary DC cables, which have PVC insulation. Additionally, even with the finest maintenance, standard DC cables only last between five and eight years. For solar panels that are intended to endure a very long time, this is unacceptable. The only true choices you have are USE-2 cab and PV wire.
What is the difference between normal cable and solar cable?
The difference in construction between solar cables and ordinary wires would come first. The solar cables are constructed from a single conducting substance, hence their name. Even when a group of conductors is used, the several wires that are present inside the cable are constructed in a unique way.
The majority of solar energy systems operate outside, and the cables or wires that connect them do as well. Regular cables, meanwhile, are typically hidden inside buildings or buried beneath the surface of the earth. This means that while solar cables must withstand a lot of abuse, ordinary household or even commercial cables are subjected to much less wear and strain. Because of this, the solar wires have a distinct coating that is significantly more resistant to the environment and has a higher expected lifespan. The lifespan of normal cables is typically 8 to 10 years, whereas solar cables are predicted to run at peak levels for up to 25 years with only a 10% reduction in efficiency. The material that various solar Cable Manufacturer employ to reach this level of toughness in their cables and are graded in accordance with it varies.
The wire gauge, or more particularly AWG (American Wire Gauge), which essentially denotes the thickness of the wires inside the cable, is the final of the major differences between conventional cables and solar cables. Generally speaking, smaller wires have higher wire gauges than larger wires. Regular cables are available in a large range of gauges, from 2 to 20, though they can still go beyond this range. On the other hand, since solar cables must always transport a large amount of energy, the most popular gauge for the wires in these cables is 10.
All of these key differences between solar and ordinary cables account for why they cannot be used interchangeably and are constructed with their intended functioning in mind.
Znergy Cables are one of the most dependable and well-known Cable Suppliers in Australia to choose if you’re in the market for either sort of cable—regular or solar—for your specific household or business need. Given that high durability and effective conduction are two of the most crucial characteristics of cables, you could consider Znergy as one such brand because it is a well-known company with decades of scientific experience. Everybody may find what they need with Znergy’s extensive and varied selection of electrical products, which includes normal and solar cables. No matter whatever product catches your eye, all Znergy cables go through rigorous quality inspections and testing to assure that there is no possibility of failure or electrical hazard.
