Can Both PV Wire And THHN Wire Be Used To Connect A Solar Power Station?

Commercial and industrial properties around the world are using more solar power than ever before. And with good reason. The purpose of the solar power station installed on the roof:

Converting sunlight into electricity through a higher energy state

Quiet operation, no moving parts, no environmental emissions

Recover manufacturing and installation energy within two years

Provide 95% net clean renewable energy within 30 years

Environmental experts see photovoltaic energy installations as a cleaner, cheaper source of electricity.

Solar systems require the use of high-performance wire and cables

With growing interest in solar installations, organizations such as the American National Standards Institute and the International Electrical Safety Foundation have adopted standards to help organizations in the U.S. install electrical wiring in solar systems more safely. These standards are recommended in the National Electrical Code, which is part of the National Fire Protection Code published by the National Fire Protection Association.

Only two stronger, more efficient and safest solar wiring options for commercial and industrial use are listed since 2008:

1. PV wire.

2. THHN wire.

Therefore, manufacturers such as XSD Wire and Cable are providing this improved PV wire technology to benefit solar system installations. THHN wire and wiring used in ungrounded solar installations must be designed for long-term protection from the elements, with excellent resistance to all environmental conditions including UV radiation, wind, weather, high temperature fluctuations and moisture. For example, PV wire typically has XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation, which is a thermoset, zero-halogen insulation that is also flame retardant. This wiring can be used for the entire life of the solar panel, which can last 25 to 30 years. Although standard DC (direct current) cables often have PVC (polyvinyl chloride) insulation, they only last five to eight years, even with rigorous maintenance. During the life of a solar panel, the standard DC wiring must be replaced several times.

Advantages of PV wires in solar applications

One of the newest options on the market, PV wire designed specifically for solar systems, has been around for about 15 years. Usually a double grade of THHN wire and has uses other than solar systems.

PV wire characteristics:

Resistant to sunlight, heat and humidity

There is XLPE insulation which can be directly buried without additional protection, although some PV wires are not suitable for direct burial

Passed UL 4703 PV wire standard

Which should you choose for your solar installation?

Before deciding on wiring for your solar project, make sure:

Whether the system is grounded or ungrounded

voltage requirements

temperature requirements

Then consider the differences between PV wire and THHN wire to help you decide which is best for your installation:

1. PV wires are specially made for photovoltaic systems and have no other purpose. PV wire is used in solar panels and can also be used in underground service entrances, utilities, direct burial and general wiring applications.

2. The cable ratings of PV wires include 600 V, 1000 V and 2000 V, and the rated voltage of THHN wires is only 600V.

3. PV wire can sometimes be rated to 150°C under wet and dry conditions and extreme temperature requirements. THHN wire is rated at 90°C and is not suitable for extreme temperature requirements.

4. PV wires remain flexible with stranded conductors, but not all THHN wires are flexible.

5. PV wires are used for ungrounded solar arrays. THHN wires are used in grounding systems.

6. PV wires can provide smaller specifications. THHN wire only starts at 14 AWG.

7. PV wire has better flame retardancy. THHN wire has better pressure resistance.

Summarize

These two types of wires have their own advantages, but for solar power stations that need to be exposed to a lot of sunlight all year round to play their basic functions, only PV wires are more suitable for use, regardless of the pressure resistance of THHN wires However, thhn wires always have their unique uses, but the reliable connection of solar power stations is still PV wires.