What is PV Cable?

Key Features of PV Cables
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Weather Resistance: Resistant to UV radiation, ozone, salt spray, and weak acid/alkali corrosion. Adaptable to extreme temperature changes. -
Electrical Performance: Low resistance and high current-carrying capacity minimize power transmission losses. DC-side voltage drop should be controlled within 2%. -
Safety and Environmental Friendliness: Made of low-smoke, halogen-free, flame-retardant materials to reduce toxic gas emissions during fires. Compliant with environmental standards. -
Mechanical Strength: Highly flexible, resistant to bending, stretching, and impact, suitable for complex wiring scenarios.
Typical Applications
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Inter-Component Connections: Used to connect PV panels in series or parallel, ensuring efficient energy transmission within the array. -
Combiner Box to Inverter Connections: Transmit DC power to inverters, serving as the core transmission line in PV power stations. -
Distribution Box and Equipment Connections: Include DC distribution boxes to inverters and inverters to grid (AC side) connections.
Common Mistakes in PV Cable Selection
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Incorrect Conductor Size or Voltage Rating: Cables must handle the load. Undersized cables can overheat, cause voltage drops, or exceed specifications, increasing costs unnecessarily. -
Improper Installation: Cables must be installed according to environmental conditions and specifications. Over-bending or compression can damage insulation, leading to short circuits. -
Ignoring Environmental Factors: Cables must suit the operating environment. Neglecting temperature, chemical exposure, or mechanical stress can cause premature aging or safety hazards. -
Using Low-Quality Cables: Cheap cables may save costs initially but lead to issues like wear, damage, short circuits, or failure. -
Overlooking Certifications: Ignoring UL, CE, or TUV certifications may result in non-compliance or safety risks.
How to Avoid These Pitfalls
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Evaluate environmental conditions, mechanical demands, and electrical requirements. -
Verify certification compliance and ensure cables meet project-specific parameters. By applying these criteria, engineers can prevent performance mismatches and ensure reliable long-term operation.