Solar Cables

Tratos solar cables are specially designed cables intended for use with photovoltaic (PV) systems, which harness solar radiation to produce electricity. All solar power systems depend on these cables to connect solar panels to batteries, charge controllers, inverters, and the electrical grid. Expertly designed for solar installations, Tratos Solar cables are an essential part of renewable energy systems. These multipurpose cables work well for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be installed in conduits and ducts.

Using the photoelectric effect, photovoltaic solar energy converts sunlight into electrical power. It has substantial non-polluting advantages as a renewable, non-depleting energy source. There are several uses for photovoltaic technology, ranging from tiny self-consumption devices to massive photovoltaic plants or solar farms that produce significant amounts of electricity for larger communities.

In addition to producing power, photovoltaic systems play a critical role in worldwide efforts to reduce carbon emissions. They greatly contribute to the global aim of lowering carbon emissions and battling climate change, as well as minimising the ecological impact of typical fossil fuel energy generation.

Some key benefits of choosing Tratos solar cables are:

• Durability and Longevity: Even under the most extreme weather situations, Tratos Solar cables are built to last using premium materials and construction methods. These cables can withstand high temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, moisture, and mechanical stress with the correct installation and maintenance, ensuring dependable power transmission for many years to come. Withstanding harsh conditions ranging from -40°C to +120°C, these cables demonstrate an outstanding temperature range. (Rating in 20,000 hours) 
• Efficiency and Performance: The energy efficiency and power loss minimisation of Tratos Solar cables are designed to be optimised in solar power systems. Their excellent insulating properties and low-resistance conductors optimise electrical conductivity, lowering voltage loss and improving system performance. This maximises the return on investment for solar installations by ensuring that solar energy is efficiently absorbed and utilised.
• Tratos Solar cables exhibit versatility and adaptability, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of solar power applications and installations. These cables provide flexible installation options and compatibility across a range of system configurations, whether they are being used for off-grid installations, utility-scale solar farms, residential rooftops, or commercial structures. They offer dependable power connectivity wherever solar energy is used, and they are simple to retrofit into existing systems or include into brand-new ones.
• Tratos Solar cables adhere to industry certifications and standards for electrical performance and safety. They provide safe and dependable operation in solar power systems because they have been tested and approved to tolerate high voltages, currents, and environmental conditions.

Tratos Photovoltaic cables are designed specifically for use in photovoltaic (PV) systems, especially on the DC (direct current) side. They adhere to the strict specifications outlined in BS EN 50618. Cross-linked insulation and sheath make these flexible, low-smoke, halogen-free single-core power cables appropriate for a variety of fixed installations both indoors and outdoors.

Tratos Solar cables are designed to withstand the demanding installations that photovoltaic cables encounter. Longevity and durability are ensured by their resistance to mechanical abrasion, chemical cleaning agents, and corrosion. These cables have a wide temperature range of -40°C to +120°C (20,000h rating), which allows them to function at their best even in the most extreme installations. In the event of a fire, they also reduce the spread of flames and the release of harmful gases.

Reliability Tested

Tratos Solar cables have undergone comprehensive long-term testing, demonstrating their dependability and performance. Independent evaluations, such as the PV3 (3,000 hours) and PV20 (20,000 hours) tests, have verified that these cables are appropriate for extended use. They are also perfect for outdoor applications because to their superior resistance to ozone and UV radiation.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

Tratos Solar cables have successfully completed a wide range of Types, Samples, and Routine testing in accordance with Table A3 of BS EN 50618. To guarantee quality and performance, this involves stability assessments under DC operation, exposure to seawater, and prolonged use at high voltage.

Tratos offers a comprehensive range of solar cables tailored to meet the diverse needs of solar power installations. In addition to standard solar cables for connecting individual solar panels, Tratos also provides other cables used in the solar power system.

Multi-Core Cables

Tratos supplies multi-core cables designed specifically for connecting groups of solar panels together. These cables allow for the efficient interconnection of multiple panels within an array, streamlining installation and reducing overall wiring complexity. With durable construction and high-quality insulation, Tratos multi-core cables ensure reliable power transmission while minimising losses and maximizing system performance.

Armoured Cables: 

For installations where cables need to be buried underground or installed in harsh environments, Tratos offers armoured solar cables. These cables feature additional layers of protection, such as steel wire armour or steel tape armour, to safeguard against mechanical damage, moisture, and external hazards. 

Medium Voltage (MV) Cables

Tratos provides medium voltage cables specifically designed for the final connection from solar farms to the electrical grid. These MV cables are engineered to meet the rigorous requirements of utility-scale solar installations, offering high voltage ratings, robust insulation, and exceptional reliability. With Tratos MV cables, solar developers and operators can ensure safe and efficient grid interconnection, enabling seamless integration of solar power into the electrical infrastructure.

Custom Solutions: In addition to standard offerings, Tratos specialises in providing customised cable solutions tailored to the unique requirements of specific solar projects. Whether it’s designing cables with specific voltage ratings, conductor sizes, or insulation materials, Tratos works closely with customers to develop bespoke cable solutions that meet their exact specifications and performance criteria. With extensive experience and expertise in cable manufacturing, Tratos delivers innovative and reliable solutions for even the most challenging solar installations.

Standards

BS EN 50618:2014 – Electric cables for photovoltaic systems.

Low smoke, halogen-free, flexible single-core power cables with cross-linked insulation and sheath are covered by the European standard BS EN 50618. When using photovoltaic systems at their direct current (D.C.) side, a nominal D.C. voltage of 1.5 kV should be maintained between conductors and between conductors and the ground. Class II equipment can be utilised with the cables. 

The cables are designed to operate at a normal continuous maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C. The permissible period of use at a maximum conductor temperature of 120 °C is limited to 20,000 h.

IEC 62930 – Electric cables for photovoltaic systems with a voltage rating of 1,5 kV DC 

IEC 62930:2017(E) applies to single-core cross-linked insulated power cables with cross-linked sheath. These cables are for use at the direct current (DC) side of photovoltaic systems, with a rated DC voltage up to and including 1,5 kV between conductors and between conductor and earth. This document includes halogen-free, low-smoking cables and cables that can contain halogens.
The cables are suitable to be used with Class II equipment as defined in IEC 61140.
The cables are designed to operate at a normal continuous maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C. The permissible period of use at a maximum conductor temperature of 120 °C is limited to 20,000 h.