Solar DC Wire With Complete Details
A solar DC wire is the connecting wire that is used in a DC solar circuit to transfer current. In a solar system, the electricity produced by the solar panels is in the form of direct current. Hence, to transfer this form of energy to other gadgets like solar inverters and solar batteries, a solar DC wire is required.
For best output and constant generation, there are specially designed DC wires called PV wire that connect various components of a solar PV system. There are two single core cables. One is the current-carrying, usually a live red wire, and another is a negative black wire. Both are typically surrounded by an insulation layer.
The DC solar wires are double PVC coated and are loaded with a plethora of quality features including high tensile strength, low resistance and resistance from UV, water, oil etc.
4 MM Solar DC Wire
The 4 sq. mm DC wire is a combination of two double PVC cables, red and black. The wire is available in various lengths including 10m, 20m and 30m which can carry up to 20 AMP, 18 AMP and 15 AMP DC respectively.
The cables have high mechanical strength and low conductor resistance. Suitable for every type of solar panel, the cables are great to be used even in extreme weather conditions.
6 MM Solar DC Wire
The 6 square meter solar DC cable is one of the most suitable connecting wires for solar panels in different kinds of solar systems including on-grid and off- grid. Furthermore, it is available in several lengths from 5m to 30 m.
Designed for the complete installation of the solar system, the cables are made from pure copper (99.99%). UV protection ensures the durability of the wire and the high mechanical strength makes it suitable for varying environmental conditions.
10 MM Solar DC Wire
The 10 square metre DC wire is a tin-coated, XPLE UV protected connecting wire designed with high-grade pure copper. It is a 20m long wire divided between a red and a black cable each of length 10m.
The 10 sq metre wire has a current-carrying capacity of up to 50 AMP. Besides, the wire is highly durable, heat resistant and protected from UltraViolet radiations.
Choose Correct Size Wire
Solar wires are a very important part of any solar power system that we often ignore. To ensure the optimal performance of a solar system, solar cables should be of the proper size.
The gauge or thickness and length of the wire will determine how much current can be safely carried. The longer and skinnier the wire is the more resistance it will have to conduct current. And if the resistance gets too high that will lead to a lot of energy lost or worse. The correct size’s solar DC wire ensures that there is practically no overheating.
How to choose best size solar wire
The size of a solar DC wire depends upon the power output of solar panel that you are going to install. PV cables with cross-sectional areas of 4mm², 6mm², and 10mm² are mostly used. However, the best size solar DC wires according to your solar system is mentioned below.
- Up to 300-watt solar panel: 4mm² solar wire.
- 300-800 watts of solar panel: 6mm² solar
- 800-1000 watts: 8mm² to 10mm² solar wire.
Types of Solar Wire
Various types of solar DC wires differ in conductor material, insulation and flexibility. Some wires work better in high temperatures, high moisture, high UV exposure, or when exposed to fire.
Let’s have a look over these types of solar wires so that you can make an educated purchase decision for your own solar power system.
Copper Solar DC Wires
Copper is the most popularly used metal as a conductor in solar wires. The pure form of copper has surprisingly high conductivity, even greater than aluminium which makes it the most suitable material for conduction in solar installations.
Aluminium Solar DC Wires
Aluminium is commonly used in solar wires as it comes with the advantage of being less expensive. However, compared to copper, the conductivity is less and the energy loss is more. Hence, they are not recommended to be used for interior home wiring.
Solid Core Construction Wire
Solid wires have a more compact diameter for the same current-carrying ability as stranded wires. It can come in various types of insulation that vary in their protective properties. Solid wires are cheaper than stranded solar wires.
Stranded Core Construction Wire
Stranded wires consist of many small wires that allow the wire to be flexible. Since current tends to flow on the outside of a conductor, stranded wire offers more surface area for flow and thus delivers better conductivity than solid.
Features Of DC Solar Wire
The DC solar wires are loaded with many amazing features that make the cables the most popular in the market. All these features are listed below.
- Heavy-Duty Solar Cables: The DC solar wires available with best characteristics like good tensile strength and resistance to water, oil, solvents
- Double PVC Insulated: The wires are protected with a double layer of PVC coating that reduces the risk of getting an electric shock. Also, this feature makes the wire UV resistant, increasing its life to decades.
- 99% Pure Copper: The wires are designed with pure copper material that is a great conductor of electricity. As a result, the wires have a high current carrying capacity.
- Low Conductor Resistance: Low conductor resistance means the wire will allow most of the current to flow through it offering negligible resistance. Hence the energy loss is minimum.
- High Mechanical Strength: A high mechanical strength ensures that the wire is capable of withstanding a considerable amount of stress compelled by physical forces.
- Flameproof and Weatherproof: The wire is designed considering several protecting measures that make it flameproof and weatherproof. Hence, you can use the cables even in the harshest climates.
- Available in different sizes and length: The DC solar wires provide you with several length options to choose from. Besides, there are certain combinations of solar connectors equipped with cables.