UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
España, Manila

Ranada, Christian L. PE4 2/28/20

5EEB

DC and solar cables

DC and solar cables

Solar cables and wires are the veins and arteries of any solar PV system since most PV solar
panel generated electricity is transmitted to another location. For globally installed goods, solar
photovoltaic is the third most important renewable energy source after hydro and wind power.
This results in an enormous market for solar cables. Solar cables are designed for use exclusively in
photovoltaic power systems. A solar cable connects the electric components of the solar panels
and other photovoltaic systems. These solar cables are engineered to be UV & Ozone, chemical
and oil resistant with excellent FR properties, disperse low-capacity smoke while burning with
external sources and contain nil or low halogen content

These cables can withstand extreme weather. It can be used within a wide range of
temperature, and is usually set outdoors. For dangerous areas, for areas where fires occur, in
industry and agriculture, these cables can be built indoors. Such cables are environmentally friendly
which fulfills the highest application standards in its diverse use. It is suitable for both fixed mount
and non-tensile load moving applications.

Photovoltaic Wires & Cables

The main difference between installing AC electrical and low voltage DC photovoltaic
equipment is the wide voltage spectrum and much higher currents at PV systems. The system's
careful design will take due account of proper wire fitting that enables efficient operation. The
most critical parameter is the wire section. Failure to measure the wire may cause excessive heating
and even fire

Difference between DC Cables and AC Cables

1. The power loss during transmission when using DC cables is low this is due to the loss of
the conductor's DC resistance, and the loss of insulation is small compared to the AC cables
since the proximity effect, skin effect and loss of insulation resistance accounts for a large
proportion caused by the condenser and inductor.
2. It uses different systems. In high frequency (domestic 50Hz) power system, AC cables are
often used while DC cables are used in the rectified DC transmission.
3. Compared to AC cables DC cables have high transmission efficiency and low line loss.
4. The cost of using the DC cable line is much lower than the AC cable because DC cables
have a simple structure which has positive and negative poles while AC cables have a
three-phase, four-phase or five-wire system which means that the specifications for
insulation protection are high, the structure is complicated and the cost of the cable is
three times that of a DC cable.

rwDC-and-solar-cables-1920T2_PE4 5EEB – RANADA, Christian

 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
España, Manila

There are two kinds of DC solar cables:

1. DC main cable
- Unique extension cables are used to link all cable terminals from the strings to the
generator connection box, depending on the power output of the modules, the
normally used PV cables have cross-sectional surfaces of 2,5mm2, 4mm2 and 6mm2.
- Double insulated single-wire cables have proved to be a practical solution and offer
high reliability
2. Module cables
- Often known as strong cables and these cables are typically integrated into PV solar
panels and are equipped with suitable connecting connectors.

Factors determining the solar wire size

- The solar panel system distance to the loads (the larger the scale, the greater the
distance)
- The solar panel's generating capacity (the greater the scale, the greater the current
generated)

Properties

- Flame retardant, fire retardant

- Duration up to 30 years, even under extreme outside conditions
- Fast & Easy installation with color identification. In accordance with new environmental
regulations
- Full protection against ultraviolet rays
- Low emission of smoke and low toxicity / corrosivity during fire
- Resists extreme temperatures (maximum of -40 ° C to 120 ° C at the core) and ozone
resistance

rwDC-and-solar-cables-1920T2_PE4 5EEB – RANADA, Christian

 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
España, Manila

Construction

To withstand mechanical and thermal loads solar cable must be insulated. As a result, that
use is being made of plastics cross-linked with the silicon and electron beam technologies. The
insulation and the double jacket fabrics are highly resistant to weathering, UV radiation and
abrasion. It also resists saltwater, acids, and alkaline solutions. It is suitable for both fixed
installation and moving applications with no tensile load.

References:

1. Pvresources. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pvresources.com/en/bos/wires.php

2. TEMPSENS. (2017, October 31). DC Solar Cable. Retrieved from
http://www.tempsens.com/blog/cable/dc-solar-cable
3. White Paper on Solar DC Cables. (2018, July 9). Retrieved from
https://renewablewatch.in/2018/07/09/white-paper-solar-dc-cables/
4. zmscable. (n.d.). .cls-1{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd;}logo. Retrieved from
https://m.zmscable.com/new/The-difference-between-DC-cable-and-AC-cable-in-power-
cable

rwDC-and-solar-cables-1920T2_PE4 5EEB – RANADA, Christian