Photovoltaic cable

What is Photovoltaic cable ?

Before introducing photovoltaic cable, let’s have a look what is photovoltaic system(PV system).

A photovoltaic (PV) system is composed of one or more solar panels combined with an inverter and other electrical and mechanical hardware that use energy from the Sun to generate electricity. Each panel produces a relatively small amount of energy, but can be linked together with other panels to produce higher amounts of energy as a solar array.

Photovoltaic cable, also called solar cable or PV wire, is a single-core wire used to interconnect the solar panels of a photovoltaic system. PV systems, or solar panels capture sunlight in order to produce electricity through an energy conversion process. Electricity is produced at the panel and wiring is needed to convey the electrical energy back to a collection point or piece of equipment. Photovoltaic wire is a specific kind of wire created for PV applications.

Photovoltaic cable Features

What is UL Subject 4703?

UL 4703 products are photovoltaic wires used as wiring for solar panels as the interconnection wiring of grounded and ungrounded photovoltaic power systems. Rated for 90C, 105C, 125C, and 150C dry or 90C wet, 600V, 1000V, or 2000V.

Specific performance requirements for material used for wiring a solar panel installation are given in national and local electrical codes which regulate electrical installations in an area. General features required for solar cables are quick mounting, UV protection, lifelong reliability, outdoor longevity, mobility, and stripping capability are some of the features that make solar cables suitable for industrial applications.

The photovoltaic wire was originally intended to be a single conductor similar in construction to a Type UF (Underground Feeder) or Type USE-2 (Underground Service Entrance wire rated for 90°C wet applications). However, because some solar applications are massive, the amount of power they generate is considered utility scale. This large amount of power requires a large conductor, often called a collector cable, which is addressed by the increases in sizes now allowed for UL Listed Photovoltaic Wire under the UL Subject 4703 revisions.

The new voltage ratings permitted in UL Subject 4703 can now accommodate voltages greater than 1,000 volts. By connecting the direct-current generating panels together in series, the voltage in an entire array can be increased to fairly high levels, which accounts for the higher voltages.

Finally, in order to provide designers, installers and users more options to keep solar installations economical, aluminum conductors are now allowed under UL Subject 4703. The aluminum used is known as the 8000 series and is specifically designed to operate safely in photovoltaic applications. Aluminum conductors are generally less sensitive to variations in commodity prices, which sometimes results in significant savings on the project’s total cost.

Photovoltaic cable supplier/manufacturer

The photovoltaic wire from KMCable is resistant to harsh environment, low resistance, hence minimizing your energy loss during transmission. Contact one of our sales representatives, we will help you with our product purchase.