Photovoltaic wire, also known as PV wire, is a single-conductor wire used to connect the panels of a photovoltaic electric energy system. PV systems, or solar panels, are electric-power production systems that 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.
PV wire features
Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 4703 is the specification for PV wire. It lays out the design rules for the PV wire. PV wire, for instance, must be made of copper, copper-clad aluminum or aluminum. It must also have a temperature rating of 90 degrees Celsius when wet and 105 degrees Celsius when dry.
PV wire sizes for panels are commonly constructed of copper conductors in 12 AWG, 10 AWG and 8 AWG sizes. Feeders sizes are commonly 1/0 AWG and larger, contain aluminum conductors and are rated 2 kV. PV wire 1 kV and 2 kV constructions often contain the same insulation thickness. 2 kV PV wires are a standard construction for systems that require cables rated over 600 V.
Because it’s designed for use in solar panel installations, PV wire is resistant to sunlight. There are many different types of wires. When exposed to sunlight, some of them may degrade.
Sunlight can cause the jacket to dry out, thus making it brittle and prone to cracking. PV wire offers a high level of protection against sunlight. Even when directly exposed to sunlight, it will remain intact while preserving its enclosed conductor.
PV wire is also fire resistant. It doesn’t feature any combustible materials. PV wire consists of a metal conductor that’s wrapped in a thick plastic-like jacket or layer or insulation. As a result, it’s fire resistant. The fire-resistant properties of PV wire make it safe to use in residential solar panel installation.
PV wire has a thicker jacket or layer of insulation than that of other types of electrical wiring. The jacket or insulation wraps around the conductive core. And because it’s thick, it protects the conductive core from damage.
You may notice that PV wire is more flexible than other types of electrical wiring. You can easily bend it when installing solar panels. Bending PV wire won’t damage its conductive core. With its flexible properties, you can easily connect solar panels with PV wire.
PV wire is one of the few single-conductor wire types that can be rated over 600 V and be direct buried per the NEC without needing to be shielded.
In general, photovoltaic cables are a more modern and all-around acceptable cable for your PV system.While other types of wiring may work, there’s no substitution for PV wire.
PV wire manufacturer
There is an excellent PV wire manufacturer, Shenghua Cable Co., Ltd., which sells various types of high-quality cables. If you want to know more about cables, or are interested in our products, you can visit the website of Shenghua Cable Co., Ltd. to contact us.