Description/ Specification of Solar Cable
Solar power industry is growing at a breakneck speed all over the world including India. It offers a source of clean and sustainable energy. A key component of a solar power system is a solar cable or a PV cable. This cables connect the solar panels to the other equipments of the system such as switching or control gear, inverter, batteries etc. The question that comes to the mind of many of us is that does a solar cable differ from an ordinary cable? In this article an answer has been sought to the question, and it also delves into the various aspects of a solar cable. Firstly, let us look at the attributes that are demanded of a solar cable. It ahs to be suitable for continuous outdoor duty that involves withering high temperature, rain, snow, sunlight, dampness UV Radiation, Ozone etc. It’s voltage level (>1000v) is also more than that of an ordinary DC Cable (300-700 volts). . Since solar cables need to offer a smaller payback period, they need to offer a longer service life, typically above 25years. Solar cables can be either Solar AC cables or Solar DC cables. While DC Solar cables transmit the power generated by solar panels to the inverter or charge controller , AC solar power cables transmit the AC power output of inverter to the distribution panel for local consumption, or to the battery for charging, or to the nearest grid connection point. To make solar power cost competitive, the solar cables need to have longer service life also. To meet the above objectives, the solar cables have the following constructional features. They are coated with materials like XLPE ( cross linked polyethylene) or EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) . XLPE and EPR has properties like UV resistance. Normal cable can also use cheaper alternatives like PVC insulation. However, XLPE also offers other advantages like durability, life span, higher electrical loading, more electrical efficiency(low dielectric loss), and temperature resistance (up to 90 degreeC). Solar wires are normally made of copper or aluminium with tinned coating as they have high current carrying capacity with low voltage drop. Several such strands of wires are bounded together to form a conductor. Conductors are insulated by applying a plastic material like PVC or XLPE as insulation coating. Normal cables are not designed to meet harsh operating conditions available outdoors, since they are designed for indoor applications and involves less cost. Solar cables also are having different colour codes. They are available in Black(negative) and Red(positive) colours. To differentiate them from other cables. So, it is clear that solar cables have distinctive features different from Non solar cables. Let us see the various criteria for selecting solar cables. Solar cables should match the system requirements for voltage and current as per system specifications. They are also suitable to meet the environmental conditions where they will be installed such as UV radiation, Temperature, Moisture, snow, rains, abrasion etc. The size and length of the cable to be chosen will determine the electrical resistance offered and hence the current carrying capacity, the amount of heat generated, and the voltage drop over the length of the cable. The type of insulation chosen should be based on the duty conditions like ambient temperature, humidity, UV radiation etc. Applicable IEC code for solar PV cables is IEC 62930. Solar cables are normally designed for 1500 Volts , 40-90 degreeC temperature.
Solar Cable
Solar power industry is growing at a breakneck speed all over the world including India. It offers a source of clean and sustainable energy. A key component of a solar power system is a solar cable or a PV cable. This cables connect the solar panels to the other equipments of the system such as switching or control gear, inverter, batteries etc. The question that comes to the mind of many of us is that does a solar cable differ from an ordinary cable? In this article an answer has been sought to the question, and it also delves into the various aspects of a solar cable. Firstly, let us look at the attributes that are demanded of a solar cable. It ahs to be suitable for continuous outdoor duty that involves withering high temperature, rain, snow, sunlight, dampness UV Radiation, Ozone etc. It’s voltage level (>1000v) is also more than that of an ordinary DC Cable (300-700 volts). . Since solar cables need to offer a smaller payback period, they need to offer a longer service life, typically above 25years. Solar cables can be either Solar AC cables or Solar DC cables. While DC Solar cables transmit the power generated by solar panels to the inverter or charge controller , AC solar power cables transmit the AC power output of inverter to the distribution panel for local consumption, or to the battery for charging, or to the nearest grid connection point. To make solar power cost competitive, the solar cables need to have longer service life also. To meet the above objectives, the solar cables have the following constructional features. They are coated with materials like XLPE ( cross linked polyethylene) or EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) . XLPE and EPR has properties like UV resistance. Normal cable can also use cheaper alternatives like PVC insulation. However, XLPE also offers other advantages like durability, life span, higher electrical loading, more electrical efficiency(low dielectric loss), and temperature resistance (up to 90 degreeC). Solar wires are normally made of copper or aluminium with tinned coating as they have high current carrying capacity with low voltage drop. Several such strands of wires are bounded together to form a conductor. Conductors are insulated by applying a plastic material like PVC or XLPE as insulation coating. Normal cables are not designed to meet harsh operating conditions available outdoors, since they are designed for indoor applications and involves less cost. Solar cables also are having different colour codes. They are available in Black(negative) and Red(positive) colours. To differentiate them from other cables. So, it is clear that solar cables have distinctive features different from Non solar cables. Let us see the various criteria for selecting solar cables. Solar cables should match the system requirements for voltage and current as per system specifications. They are also suitable to meet the environmental conditions where they will be installed such as UV radiation, Temperature, Moisture, snow, rains, abrasion etc. The size and length of the cable to be chosen will determine the electrical resistance offered and hence the current carrying capacity, the amount of heat generated, and the voltage drop over the length of the cable. The type of insulation chosen should be based on the duty conditions like ambient temperature, humidity, UV radiation etc. Applicable IEC code for solar PV cables is IEC 62930. Solar cables are normally designed for 1500 Volts , 40-90 degreeC temperature.
