Photovoltaic Wire and Solar Cable Enhances Reliability in Solar Applications

Alpha Wire’s new solar cables and photovoltaic wire are designed for the harsh environments of solar energy applications—the hot and cold of climate extremes, ozone and UV radiation, moisture, oil, and direct burial. The cables use a specially formulated PVC jacket to provide years of reliable service by withstanding the potential environments without failing or degrading. “Solar applications demand wire and cable with maximum reliability and flexibility,” said Konstantin Khitrik, Product Manager at Alpha Wire. “With downtime being unacceptable and the application environment being severely challenging, we now offer wire and cable specifically tailored to the solar market. The new PV wire and solar cable both complement and enhance an already strong portfolio of solar products.”

Available in a wire range from 14 AWG to 2 AWG, the photovoltaic wires come in two versions to meet either UL 4703 PV wire/TÜV 2 PFG 1169 requirements or UL 4703 PV wire requirements.  UL/TÜV photovoltaic wires are made with low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) materials which do not emit toxic gases when burned. The UL PV wire products use a cross-linked polyethylene insulation and PVC jacket.

Solar cables, in sizes from 18 AWG to 12 AWG and conductor counts from 3 to 9, are available shielded or unshielded.  The TC-ER and MTW-rated cables feature a tough and abrasion-resistant jacket to provide robust performance for years.

Both the PV wire and solar cable are designed specifically for solar environments—they are sunlight and oil resistant and withstand temperatures as low as -40°C and high as +90°C.  In addition, the solar cables meet requirements for direct burial without conduit.