Solar DC Cables
Solar DC Cables
Item Number:Solar DC Cables
- Model: DC Solar Cable
- Size: 2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm², 10mm² - 300mm
- Color: White/Blue/Black/Gray/Custom
- Insulation: XLPO, XLPE, PVC
- Shield: None
- Jacket: UV-resistant and halogen-free XLPE, PVC
- Packing: 305M(1000FT)/610M/1000M/Custom
- OD: 5.5mm–10mm (depends on wire size)
- Conductor Material: Bare Copper, tinned copper
- Drain wire: None
Environmental Specifications:
Environmental Space – Non-plenum
Flame Test Method – Complies with UL 1581, IEC 60332-1
Installation Temperature – 0 °C to +120 °C
Temperature Rating – -40°C to +90°C (short-term up to 120°C)
General Specifications:
Cable Type
Solar Cable
Conductor, quantity
bare copper or tinned copper
Cable Component Type
XLPE, PVC,
Conductor Gauge, singles
1.5mm2-300mm2
Conductor Type, singles
Stranded
Characteristics:
- High Voltage Rating Typically rated for 600V to 2000V DC, suitable for modern photovoltaic (PV) systems.
- UV and Weather Resistance Designed for outdoor use, with excellent UV protection and resistance to ozone, moisture, and extreme weather conditions.
- Wide Temperature Range Operating temperature: -40°C to +90°C (can handle up to 120°C for short durations).
- Low Electrical Resistance Made with tinned or bare copper conductors to ensure low resistance and high conductivity, minimizing power loss.
- Flame Retardant Compliant with international fire safety standards such as UL 1581 and IEC 60332-1, ensuring high flame resistance.
- XLPE Insulation Insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for enhanced durability, high dielectric strength, and excellent thermal performance.
- Flexible and Easy to Install Stranded copper conductor design provides high flexibility, making it easy to install even in complex PV system layouts.
- Halogen-Free Outer sheath is typically halogen-free, reducing toxic emissions in case of fire, making it environmentally safer.
In general, A solar cable is a specialized wire designed to connect and transfer energy in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Key attributes include UV resistance, weather durability, and high voltage tolerance, ensuring safe and efficient power transmission between solar panels, inverters, and batteries.
Categories
Solar Cable
Solar Cable Specifications | |
ITEM | Solar DC Cable |
Current Carrying Capacity | Varies by size (e.g., 4 mm²: 40A, 6 mm²: 55A, 10 mm²: 75A) |
dc Resistance, maximum | ≤ 5.09 Ω/km (for 4 mm² conductor) |
Weather Resistance | High (resistant to moisture, ozone, and extreme weather) |
Dielectric Strength | ≥ 20 kV/mm |
Bending Radius | ≥ 4x cable diameter (fixed installation) |
Operating Voltage | 600V to 2000V DC |
UV Resistance | Excellent (suitable for outdoor use) |
Flame Retardant | Complies with UL 1581, IEC 60332-1 |
Description
What is Solar DC Cable?
A solar DC cable is a specialized wire designed to carry direct current (DC) power generated by solar panels to other components of a photovoltaic (PV) system, such as inverters and batteries. These cables are built with UV-resistant insulation, excellent weather resistance, and high voltage tolerance to ensure reliable performance in outdoor environments. Key specifications include a high voltage rating (600V to 2000V DC), superior flexibility for ease of installation, and low electrical resistance to minimize power loss. Solar DC cables are commonly made of tinned copper conductors with XLPE insulation, offering durability and a long service life of up to 25 years.
What Size DC Cable for Solar Panels?
Selecting the right DC cable size for solar panels is essential to reduce voltage drop, ensure proper current capacity, and maintain the overall efficiency of the solar PV system. Based on popular Google search terms like solar DC cable size chart, solar cable voltage drop, and DC cable amp rating, the following factors are critical:
Recommended Solar DC Cable Sizes
- 4 mm² (12 AWG) solar cable: Suitable for up to 40A and shorter distances (<10 meters).
- 6 mm² (10 AWG) solar cable: Commonly used for systems handling up to 55A or medium distances (10-20 meters).
- 10 mm² (8 AWG) solar cable: Ideal for higher currents (up to 75A) or longer distances (>20 meters) to minimize voltage loss.
Factors Affecting Cable Size
- Current Rating (Ampacity): The cable must handle the maximum current output from the solar array. Oversizing the cable helps prevent overheating and ensures system longevity.
- Voltage Drop: Keeping the voltage drop below 3% is crucial for efficiency. This is one of the most searched concerns by users when selecting solar DC cables.
- Distance: Longer cable runs increase resistance, requiring thicker cables to reduce power loss. Many users search for solar cable voltage drop calculators to determine the appropriate size.
- Certifications: For safety and durability, use cables that meet standards like UL 4703, TÜV, or IEC 62930. These certified solar cables ensure excellent UV resistance, weatherproofing, and high-temperature performance.
By understanding the factors influencing solar DC cable selection, and using the appropriate size based on current and distance, you can optimize your PV system's performance.