Photovoltaic panel copper wire connected to aluminum wire

What is a Photovoltaic Wire?

Photovoltaic, or PV wire, is the wire designed for photovoltaic systems and solar panels. It is one of the electrical products that are available both with copper and aluminum conductors. Read this blog to know which conductor to use and when.

What are aluminum & copper PV cables used for?

Both aluminum and copper PV cables are used in grounded and ungrounded photovoltaic power systems, particularly in their interconnection wiring. They are designed for power supply solar panel systems in industrial buildings and agricultural objects.

How to choose a solar PV cable?

The quality of the copper wire is crucial because unauthorized sellers may pose other alloys like copper. To make sure your copper wire is excellent, buy cables with copper conductors per ASTM B8, such as this Copper Building Solar Photovoltaic PV Wire 600V UL 4703. There are considerations about size when choosing aluminum for a PV cable.

Can I use copper core AC cables in a PV system?

In PV systems, it is recommended to use copper core AC cables. If you need to use aluminum wires, pay attention to the transition method when connecting aluminum cables to copper wires or equipment with copper terminals. If the method is incorrect, the cables could cause a catastrophic event.

Which solar panel wire carries more current?

Based on the type of material, the solar panel wires are categorized into copper and aluminum wires. The copper wire carries more current than aluminum, as it has better conductivity, flexibility, and heat resistance. That said, a thin copper wire can carry more current than an aluminum wire of the same size.

What type of cable should I use for a PV system?

In PV systems, it is recommended to use copper core AC cables. If you need to use aluminum wires, pay attention to the transition method when connecting aluminum cables to copper wires or equipment with copper terminals. Grid transmission cables are usually aluminum core.