Solar panels offer a renewable source of power for homeowners and business owners alike. Consisting of flat cells — typically silicon-based cells — they convert sunlight into electricity. Exposure to sunlight will release electrons from within the panels’ semiconductor material, thereby creating an electric current. When installing solar panels, however, you’ll need to use photovoltaic (PV) wire.
What Is PV Wire?
PV wire is a type of electrical wire that’s designed for solar panels. Like all types of electrical wire, it’s made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. Electricity can travel through these materials with minimal resistance. PV wire, though, is designed to connect solar panels to each other and adjacent solar equipment.
You can find PV wire in different gauge sizes, some of the most common being:
- 8 AWG
- 10 AWG
- 12 AWG
- 14 AWG
How PV Wire Is Used
PV wire is typically used in one of two configurations: in series or parallel. In series wiring involves connecting the positive terminal on the first solar panel to the negative terminal on the second solar panel, followed by repeating these steps with the next solar panels. Parallel wiring, on the other hand, involves connecting all of the panels’ positive terminals together and all of the panels’ negative terminals together.
Both in series and parallel wiring can create safe and reliable solar power systems. The difference lies primarily in output voltage and current. With in series wiring, the panels’ output voltage are added together but their voltage remains the same. With parallel wiring, the panels’ output voltage remains the same but their voltage is added together.
Common Features of PV Wire
While there are different types of PV wire, they typically share some common features. For starters, they are UV and weather resistant. Solar panels are installed outdoors — either on roofs or the ground. As a result, they must be able to withstand the sun’s UV rays and harsh weather conditions. PV wire features a durable sheath that protects its conductive interior from UV and harsh conditions.
PV wire is often made of flame-resistant materials. The sheath, for instance, may be made of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). XLPE is a type of specialized thermoset material that’s known for being highly resistant to fire. Not only does this provide insulation for PV wire; it also contributes to the PV wire’s fire-resistant properties.
PV wire is designed to last a very long time. The service life rating for PV wire typically ranged from 25 to 30 years. Factors that affect the lifespan of PV wire include material, certifications, maintenance and overall construction. Nonetheless, you can expect PV wire to last a long time.