Title: A Few Questions and Answers Regarding Solar Panel Cable
1A Few Questions and Answers Regarding Solar Panel
Cable
2Some areas of the United States are better suited
to harvested solar energy than others, but
nonetheless, about 2.8 of the electricity
produced in the country is solar, and that number
is likely growing.
Recent advances in technology have made it
possible for homeowners to invest in their own
solar systems some companies will even install
systems with the promise of paying for the system
and maintenance with the stipulation that the
homeowner offers back any excess power produced.
For homeowners and electricians looking at the
prospect of establishing a solar system in a
residential or commercial setting, the success of
the system will hinge on some highly specialized
What Are the Components of a Solar Power
System? Even the most rudimentary solar systems
consist of at least two main components
? Solar panels These panels actually capture
solar energy ? Inverter The power inverter is
an electrical device that switches the direct
current captured by the panels to AC, or
alternating current, which is used to power
domestic appliances.
3Some systems, specifically off-grid systems, also
contain a battery bank and a charge controller.
If a system is not connected to the electrical
grid, which can absorb excess energy, it must be
stored in a series of batteries. The charge
controller helps protect the batteries against
overcharging.
Why Is It Called Solar Panel Cable? How Is It
Different from Regular Cables? Solar panel
cable, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cable or
wire, is a special type of conductor that is used
to connect the panels of a solar energy system,
and to connect them to the inverter.
Because these cables must be used outdoors, in
the elements, and must be necessarily be carrying
high voltage, they must be manufactured to a
specific par. Notably, PV cable is typically
created with UV-resistant insulation. They are
also often made with weatherproof,
moisture-proof, ozone-resistant insulation.
It is also vital to use the right size solar
panel cable in a solar array, in order to meet
code and protect against overheating and
potential loss of energy. The longer the array,
the larger the cables must be to protect against
these latter two factors.
4Does Solar Panel Cable Need to Be
Shielded? Shielding is a form of metallic
insulation that protects the signals carried by
wire and cable. AS solar panel cables primary
responsibility is carrying significant loads of
energy, but not sensitive signals associated with
data, the NEC allows solar PV cable to be
direct-buried without requiring it to be
shielded. However, every case is different and it
might be beneficial to purchase shielded cable or
provide a level of protection in another form,
such as through conduit.
Does Solar PV Cable Require the Protection of
Conduit? Due to the large lengths of wire and
cable typically used in solar panel arrays, cable
management can be a concern. As a result, PV
wires are typically protected by a conduit from
the course they run from the solar panels to the
inverter and from the inverter to the service
panel.
However, it can be impractical to run PV wires
through conduit between solar panel cables, in
which case cable trays (for which many PV wires
are rated) or even zip ties can be used for cable
management.
Where Can I Get High-Quality Solar Panel
Cable? If youre looking for high-quality solar
panel cable for the purpose of wiring solar
panels or you simply would like to learn more
about solar energy, visit EWCS Wire at
EWCSWire.com.
5They carry a wide range of highly specialized
electrical conductors, including marine-grade
battery wire, welding cable, armored cable,
submersible cable, instrumentation and alarm
cable, and general building wire in addition to
PV cable.
Check out their product line at the address above
and get in touch with them directly if you need
assistance at Sales_at_EWCSWire.com or at
800-262-1598.
6Contact Us
Electrical Wire Cable Specialists
Email sales_at_ewcswire.com
Website www.ewcswire.com
Phone 842-284-5512
Add 1511 SOUTH 47TH AVENUE SUITE 400 PHOENIX, AZ
85043