The solar energy market is booming. Over 250,000 Americans work in the solar industry, and Energy research firm Wood McKenzie projects 37% annual growth this year. In the first half of 2020, solar made up over 35% of all U.S. new electricity generating capacity.
With this growth comes unprecedented demand for photovoltaic (PV) wire, a specialized product designed to meet almost all solar applications’ performance requirements.
PV wire is used to connect the panels of photovoltaic energy systems that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. These systems typically incorporate several solar panels, each comprised of individual solar cells. PV systems can range in size from small, residential roof-top solutions to large-scale utility installations capable of generating hundreds of megawatts of power.
PV wire is engineered to be resistant to UV radiation, moisture, chemicals, and saltwater. It must perform safely and consistently in a wide range of demanding outdoor applications, including:
Solar farms. Also known as photovoltaic power stations, these large solar arrays provide energy to the public power grid. Most solar farms are utility-owned and offer a clean, diversified alternative to traditional power generation. They can scale to massive sizes — a recently-completed solar plant in Abu Dhabi incorporates 3.2 million solar panels, produces 1.17 gigawatts of power, and reduces annual carbon emissions by 1,000,000 metric tons.
Smaller ‘community’ solar farms are a variation of traditional solar installations. Typically ground-mounted, they can provide power for sub-divisions or neighborhoods.
Residential solar. Installing solar roof panels can reduce annual energy costs and increase resale home values. The average homeowner can expect to save up to $143 per month in energy costs, with an estimated return on investment after 6-10 years.
Recreational applications. Solar systems are commonly used for ‘off-grid’ recreational properties to supplement or even replace generator power. Solar power is also used extensively for RVs, motorhomes, and sailboats.
Solar for business. There are many commercial and industrial applications for solar power. Buildings needing back-up power use solar to keep back-up battery arrays topped up. Truck fleet operators install solar panels to power lift-gates, reduce idle times, and extend battery life. In the energy industry, solar power systems are a popular choice for oil field drilling, pump station monitoring, and oil pipeline monitoring in remote locations with no access to traditional power sources.
Engineered for safety and durability, Kris-Tech’s PV wire is a single conductor wire with a cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) insulation. This insulation is rated at either 600V or 1,000/2,000V, and is FV-1 or VW-1 flame retardant, and sunlight, oil, and gasoline resistant (Cat II).
The conductor wire is made from annealed, hard uncoated copper or tinned copper. Tinning strengthens the copper by coating it with tin, enhancing its resistance to high temperatures and moisture.
Kris-tech’s PV wire is manufactured in solid or stranded versions. Solid PV wire is more compact than stranded while providing the same current throughput. Stranded PV wire, however, is more flexible.
Our PV wire is also available in a wide range of gauges (from #4/0 to #14), and in 7 or 19 strand versions — the latter providing the maximum flexibility.
Built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, Kris-Tech PV wire is rated for direct burial and a maximum continuous operating temperature between -40°C and 90°C in wet conditions (and up to 105°C in dry environments).
Kris-Tech PV wire meets all applicable industry standards and tests, including:
Kris-Tech makes it easy to source PV wire for almost any solar application. We stock all variations — copper, tinned copper, solid or stranded — in multiple gauges.
For customers who need something out of the ordinary, we can provide non-standard color options and striped PV wire. Common stocked clots are red, black, and green.
Other aspects of your order we can customize include:
Kris-Tech also offers industry-best lead times, backed by a customer service team committed to responding to your query in 30 minutes.
Do you have questions about our PV wire or other Kris-Tech products? Contact us online or by phone at 315-339-5268.
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