Photovoltaic cables are specialized cables for solar power systems, with the model designation PV1-F. What are the differences between solar PV cables and regular cables? Why can't regular cables be used in solar photovoltaic power generation? Below, Zhuhai Wire and Cable provides an explanation.

We will compare the conductors, insulation, sheathing, and application scenarios to analyze the differences between the two.

[Conductor]

• PV Cable: Copper conductor or tinned copper conductor

• Regular Cable: Copper conductor or tinned copper conductor

[Insulation]

• PV Cable: Irradiated cross-linked polyolefin insulation

• Regular Cable: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation

[Sheath/Jacket]

• PV Cable: Irradiated cross-linked polyolefin sheath

• Regular Cable: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheath

From the above, we can see that PV cables and regular cables are consistent in their conductors. Their difference lies in the materials used for their insulation and sheathing.

[Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyolefin]

• Irradiated cross-linked polyolefin exhibits strong environmental adaptability, resistance to chemical corrosion, anti-creep properties, and high-temperature resistance, with a maximum rated temperature of 120°C.

[Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)]

• PVC offers advantages such as stable structure, high chemical resistance, good mechanical strength, and insulation properties. However, PVC has relatively poor stability against light and heat, with a maximum rated temperature of 55°C.

[Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)]

• XLPE has a networked structure, providing excellent heat resistance. Its insulation performance is also higher than that of PE material. Mechanical properties like hardness, stiffness, wear resistance, and impact resistance are improved. It possesses strong chemical resistance, including resistance to acids, alkalis, and oils. The maximum rated temperature is 90°C.

Due to the specific characteristics of photovoltaic power generation systems, PV cables require special properties. They need to be weather-resistant, heat-resistant, friction-resistant, UV-resistant, ozone-resistant, hydrolysis-resistant, acid-resistant, salt-resistant, etc. Irradiated cross-linked polyolefin meets these requirements. PVC or XLPE insulation is slightly inferior in heat resistance compared to irradiated cross-linked polyolefin insulation. Therefore, regular cables cannot be used in photovoltaic power generation systems.