Full Title: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cable Management: Best Practices to Support DC-String Cables
Author(s): Building Technologies and Urban Systems Division
Publisher(s): Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date: August 5, 2024
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Use of standard grades of plastic wire ties is by far the most common method used by installers to support and secure direct current (DC) string wiring in an array. At least some of these standard grades of ties fail well before the useful life of the solar PV system. The implications of failed wire supports can be seen in Figure 1 where significant fire-life-safety and performance issues could result from electrical faults. Complicating the specification and procurement decisions is the lack of industry consensus test standards that reflect the degradation forces stemming from the complex combination elements of heat, ultraviolet (UV), chemical reactivity, corrosiveness, and moisture. This content is meant to help agency managers specify wire ties that are more likely to safely and economically secure DC cabling for 25 years.