Post by nowseore on May 12, 2023 11:10:22 GMT -5
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are those that convert the solar energy into usable electric current. The most common part of a photovoltaic system is the solar panel, which converts the sun's energy into electricity. Solar power systems do not just depend on solar panels. Several types of solar cables are used in solar power systems as power supply cables. PV wires, USE-2 wires, and THHN wires are the three main types. Different constructions make these three wires suitable for different applications.
What is PV wire?
PV Wire is one of the most popular solar power cables used to interconnect photovoltaic systems. It is insulated with XLPE and has either bare copper conductors or tinned copper conductors. PV Wire has XLPE insulation, which makes it resistant to ozone, UV, sunlight, and moisture. It is a highly durable cable designed to handle solar power applications' harsh environmental conditions.
In wet environments, it has a maximum temperature of +90°C, while in dry environments, it has a temperature of +150°C. PV wires are available with varying voltage ratings, with 600V, 1000V, or 2000V ratings. They are suitable for both grounded and ungrounded PV arrays as underground service entry wires. Due to their thick insulation, PV Wire is also suitable for direct burial applications. PV Wire meets UL Standard 4703.
What is USE 2 Wire?
Another type of solar cable is USE-2 Wire. USE-2 Wire is an Underground Service Wire, which means it's intended to be used in grounded solar panels. In addition to XLPE insulation, USE-2 Wire is available with bare copper, tinned copper, or aluminum conductors. It is also commonly referred to as dual-rated as RHW/RHH Wire. Its heat resistance is similar to RHH wire, and its water resistance is similar to RHW wire. The solar cable is crush-proof, oil-resistant, gas-resistant, and impact-resistant. This wire also has a voltage rating of 600V and a temperature rating of 90°C, making it ideal for more industrial applications.
While USE-2 solar cable is crush and impact-resistant, PV wire has thicker insulation and jacket. In addition to its superior sunlight and flame resistance, PV wire is also flexible at low temperatures. This makes it the ideal choice for PV arrays that are exposed to harsher weather conditions, such as ungrounded arrays.
What is THHN wire?
Also commonly used in solar applications is THHN wire. It is a building wire that is used to carry electrical currents in power applications. It has a voltage rating of 600V and a maximum temperature of +90oC in dry environments. Due to its limited temperature range, it should never be used in applications that require USE-2 or PV wire.
THHN wire cannot be used in any standard that specifically calls for PV or USE-2 wires due to their extra strength and resistance. While THHN wire serves virtually the same purpose as these wires, its construction does not account for the severe conditions of solar power applications. It may cause a system failure if used in these applications.