American Wire Group provides photovoltaic wire, power cables, control cables, accessories, and hardware for the Solar market. Our cables are sturdy, weather-resistant, and can withstand mechanical stress from bending, stretching, or pressure. As a leader in the solar wire and cable market, we are well-equipped to offer the best solutions for every connectivity project.
American Wire Group’s solar power system solutions include:
- Photovoltaic cables
- Communication cables
- Grounding cables
- Medium voltage power cables
- Transmission wire & cable
- Hardware
- Equipment
Read on to learn more about our solar power systems solutions.
Photovoltaic (PV) Wire
PV wire is a single conductor, sunlight-resistant wire rated 90ºC wet or dry for interconnection wiring of grounded and ungrounded photovoltaic power systems
The National Electrical Code (NEC) rates the cables in the United States, while the Canadian Electric Code (CEC) rates them in Canada. PV wire conductors are made of copper or aluminum.
PV Standards
UL 4703 Photovoltaic Wire:
- Designed for use and installation in the USA
- First Edition: 30 September 2014
- Latest Edition: 11 August 2020
CSA C22.2 No. 271 Photovoltaic Cable:
- Designed for use and installation in Canada
- First Edition: May 2011
- Latest Edition: January 2020
Production tests:
- In-line spark testing
- Periodic testing of insulation resistance in water at 15 °C
Other standards:
- ICEA S-95-658 Power Cables Rated 2000 V or Less for the Distribution of Electrical Energy
- Field Testing:
- NETA MTS Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
- NETA ATS Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
Applications of PV Wire
Connecting Solar Panels to a Combiner Box
The most common application of PV wire is connecting solar panels. This involves running a 12 AWG to 8 AWG wire from the combiner box to the ground in a short run (less than 100 feet).
Open Air Installation
This involves tying the PV wire directly to a rack. It’s a fast and cost-effective way to install solar panels, as there is no need for a trench or foundation.
Connecting Combiner Boxes to the Inverter
PV wire can also connect combiner boxes to inverters. These wires are usually power-sized aluminum cables (4/0 AWG to 1000 kcmil) that extend for hundreds of feet.
Direct Burial (Trench) Installation
Direct burial or trench installation can accommodate many circuits in a single common trench. This cost-effective method allows for native backfill to support the foundation.
Solar Cables and Accessories
At American Wire Group, we specialize in cables, wires, and accessories for renewable energy applications and other utilities. Learn more about our products below.
Communication Cables
We offer fiber optic cables in single-mode and multimode varieties. These RS485 twisted copper wires are protected by a single jacket, double jacket, single armor/single jacket, double armor/double jacket, or fiber in duct option. It can be used as optical ground wire (OPGW), with OPGW hardware included.
Grounding Wires
Electrical wires ensure circuits run smoothly by safely discharging excess electricity. Our bare copper and copper-clad steel wires are designed to achieve this goal.
Medium Voltage Power Cables
Our medium voltage power cables range from 5 kV to 46 kV and come with an LLDPE or XLPE jacket. We offer copper tape, concentric neutral wires, or flat straps. Insulation options include:
- TR-XLPE insulation, MV-90 or MV-105
- EPR insulation, MV-90 or MV-105
Transmission & Distribtuion Wire & Cable
We provide overhead bare or covered transmission wires such as ACSR or AAAC.
Wire & Cable System Accessories
We offer the following wire and cable system accessories:
- Elbows
- Elbow arresters
- Sectionalizing cabinets
- Splices
- Terminations
Working With American Wire Group
American Wire Group’s full product line of cables, wires, and accessories are ideal for utility and renewable energy applications, such as solar, wind, battery storage and EV infrastructure. Our experts provide services like engineering and design, cable management, supply chain (logistics, procurement, transportation), and more. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and have over 200 years of combined experience in solar power cables and connectors.
Contact us today to learn more about our solar wire connector products and services.
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