The solar balance of the system consists of all the components of a solar power system, including the solar panels. The parts of the solar power system include solar wires, cables, switches, mounting systems, chargers, solar inverters, junction boxes, power conditioners as well as the battery bank. When discussing the solar balance of systems, the first elements to consider have to be the solar wiring and cables. Solar cables and wires are used to transport electricity from the solar panels to the various electric components. In other words, solar cables are used to transfer electrical signals. Solar cables and wires are UV resistant and weather-resistant as well. This is mainly because they are meant to be used outdoors.
Solar cables consist of several solar wires that are enveloped together inside an insulating material to form a jacket. To understand the concept of solar cables, you need to understand the idea of solar wires. Solar wires are used as wiring for solar panels but also have been used in the past as underground entrances and service terminal connectors.
Types of solar wires
The primary difference between solar wires lies in the area of conductor material as well as insulation.
Aluminum and copper solar wires
Aluminum and copper are two of the most common conductor materials in the market. They are used for both residential and commercial solar installations. Between the two, copper is more conductive than aluminum. This means that copper can carry more current that the latter at a similar size. Aluminum is also more vulnerable than copper because it’s more prone to bending. This factor makes aluminum cheaper than its adversary, copper.
Solid and stranded solar wires
Stranded solar wires are those that constitute of several small wires that influence the flexibility of the wire. While solid wires are useful, stranded wires have more advantages because they are better conductors of electricity because they have more wire surface.
The role of insulation and color in solar cables
Solar cables have insulation coverings. The purpose of these covering is to protect the cable from such elements as heat, moisture, UV, and other chemicals. The different types of insulation are THHN, THW, THWN, TW, UF, USF, and PV. The different type of insulation is used in different situations. The insulation of electric wires usually is color-coded. This is depending on the function of the fence and for which purpose the wire is used.
Solar wires and Photovoltaic wires, what is the difference?
Solar wires are more resistant to crush and impacts as compared to photovoltaic wires, which have thicker jacketing and insulation. PV wires are also more resistant to sunlight, flames and are more flexible even at low temperatures.
Conclusion
Solar cables and their constituents continue to increase in popularity as more people turn to the use of solar energy. Solar energy is essential, mainly because it is very sustainable. The reason is that the sun is a viable source of energy, and it has no negative impacts on the environment.
