With eco-friendly initiatives gaining more traction worldwide, solar energy is increasingly becoming adopted as a sustainable energy source capable of powering all sorts of processes, including connecting offshore wind turbines to the electrical grid using offshore power cables. To harness sunlight and convert it to electrical energy, one must first install solar panels and connect them to specialised solar cables and wires.
This type of wiring connects solar panels to other electrical equipment in a photovoltaic system, acting as a conduit for the flow of electricity. Without it, the electrical energy generated by the solar panels would not be usable by connected electrical units. Thus, while solar panels harness sunlight and convert it to electric energy, the solar wires and cables make them usable for connected electrical units. But despite serving the same function, solar wires and solar cables are not the same.
An Overview of Solar Wires
Solar wires consist of a single conductor that interconnects the various parts of a photovoltaic system, which include the batteries, charge controllers, inverter, and the solar panel. These come in several types, single or stranded, and choosing one with the right voltage is essential to ensure the photovoltaic system performs optimally.
Solar wires are predominantly constructed from copper or aluminium due to their flexibility, heat resistance, and versatility for indoor and outdoor applications. A major differentiator between solar wiring solutions is the insulation material, which could either be one of the following:
- TW
- THW
- THHN
- THWN
- THWN-2
- RHW-2
- USE
- UF
Choosing a higher amp rating whenever possible is recommended to reduce the risk of overheating, voltage drops, and fires during operation. The amp rating on a solar wire is also directly proportional to its AWG or American Wire Gauge. Thus, the same rule of thumb applies: go for solar wires with a higher AWG than your application requires.
An Overview of Solar Cables
Solar cables consist of many conductors wrapped in an insulation jacket to interconnect the various parts in a photovoltaic system. However, unlike solar wires, these flame retardant and fire-resistant cables are rated to withstand extreme weather conditions, UV exposure, and temperatures. Plus, its diameter is greater the more conductors it contains.
Solar cables are primarily available in a solar direct current (DC) version and a solar alternating current (AC) version. Solar DC cable comes in 3 size diameters measuring 2mm, 4mm, and 6mm and can have either string or module cables.
The same principle applies when choosing sizes for solar cables, that is, choosing one with a slightly higher and larger voltage than required. A solar cable’s quality is determined by its dielectric strength, heat capacity, malleability, ductility, resistance, and halogen-free rating.
The Main Difference Between Solar Wires and Solar Cables
Compared to solar wires, solar cables are a more robust wiring solution best suited for permanent and long-term outdoor use. They are designed to withstand harsh and variable climates thanks to their extreme resistance against weathering, abrasion, and high-UV radiation conditions. Despite being made for outdoor use, their cross-linked and halogen-free jacket material means they can also perform well in dry and humid indoor environments.
Solar cables are typically designed for fixed installations, but some can be used for moving applications, provided they are free of any tensile load. Moreover, some solar cable solutions have extra features like resistance against salt water, acids, and alkaline solutions, making them more sturdily built and reliable.
Conclusion
Solar wires and cables serve as the veins and arteries of a solar electrical power system. As such, selecting the right type and size of wiring is critical when connecting the system’s various components. Doing so ensures minimal energy loss within the system and little to no risk of overheating.
Cable Source is the premier supplier of high-quality cables in Singapore for industrial and marine applications. With years of experience and trusted connections with manufacturers, we provide industry-leading solar cables you can trust. As a one-stop cable distributor in Asia Pacific, we offer a wide range of cable solutions, including EN50618 photovoltaic (PV) power cables and neoprene cable 3 core, to meet your specific needs. You can explore our instrumentation cable catalogue to learn more about our diverse product range and find the right cable for your application.
