What’s the difference between photovoltaic(PV) cable and general cable?
What’s the difference between photovoltaic(PV) cable and general cable?
Introduction
What is PV wire? PV solar cable, a special photovoltaic system wire, applying in PV power stations, with high temperature resistance, cold resistance, oil resistance, acid and alkali resistance, ultraviolet protection, flame retardant environmental protection, long service life and other advantages. It mainly used in harsh climate conditions; PV cable Common models are PV1-F and H1Z2Z2-K.
Solar cables are often exposed to sunlight, and solar systems are often used in harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. In Europe, sunny days can cause on-site temperatures of up to 100℃ for solar systems.
Nowadays, we can use a variety of materials such as PVC, rubber, TPE and high-quality cross-link materials. However, the rubber cable with a rated temperature of 90℃, and even the PVC cable with a rated temperature of 70℃ are often used outdoors. At present, the national golden sun project is frequently launched, and many contractors do not choose special cables for solar energy systems to save budget. However, general PVC cables to replace Solar cables, which will harmfully affect the service life of the system.
The characteristics of PV wires are determined by their special insulating materials and sheath materials for cables, which we call cross-linked PE, and after irradiation by the irradiation accelerator, the molecular structure of the cable material will be changed, provide all aspects of its excellent performance.
The difference between solar cable and general cable
1. Solar cable:
Conductor: copper conductor or tinned copper conductor
Insulation: irradiated alternating polyolefin insulation(XLPE)
Sheathing: irradiated cross-linked polyolefin insulation(XLPE)
2. General cable:
Conductor: copper conductor or tinned copper conductor
Insulation: PVC or cross-linked polyethylene insulation
Sheath: PVC sheath
3.From the above, Both cable conductor are the same.
4.The insulation and sheath of general are the different between general cables and PV cables. Irradiated sheath and insulation make PV cable higher performance of UV resistance, high temperature resistance, oil resistance and acid resistance.
5. PV cable is placed and applied, the cable can be routed on the sharp edge of the roof layout, and must withstand pressure, bending, tension, interwoven tensile load and strong impact resistance are superior to general cables.
If general are used in same extreme climate and environment, the UV protection performance of the sheath is poor, which will not only lead to the aging of the outer protection of the cable, but also affect the service life of the cable, as well as lead to problems such as cable short circuit, fire alarm and personnel dangerous injury.
6. Price
PV Cables with additional radiation processes are more expensive than general cable.
7.Therefore general cables are only suitable for laying in ordinary environments, while PV cables more adaptable laying in extreme climate and environment.
