Photovoltaic Cable Jackets: A Comparison of Representative Products Using Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing

Research output: NRELPresentation

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) cables facilitate the distribution of electricity collected from modules to the energy grid. Durable cabling enables continuous operation of PV installations, whereas cables with a lifetime less than the modules must be replaced - reducing electricity generation and adding to the operating expense. This study primarily focusses on the aging of the key cable types using the combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) protocol. Representative cables for utility, building, and control/auxiliary applications were examined. Cable jacket materials examined include: polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide, poly(vinyl chloride), chlorinated polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer, and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. Specimen characterizations applied include: optical microscopy, mechanical profilometry, instrumented indentation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A variety of performance and durability characteristics were observed, depending on the base material, polymer formulation, and jacket color. The results from C-AST are analyzed and discussed relative to a recent industry survey on electronic balance of system components in addition to a recent study where similar cables were aged using steady state ultraviolet weathering (International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Specification 62788-7-2). Recommendations are made for the screening, industry qualification, and service life prediction of PV cable jackets.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages64
StatePublished - 2024

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/PR-5K00-91535

Keywords

  • cable
  • DSC
  • durability
  • EDS
  • FTIR
  • International PV Quality Assurance Task Force (PVQAT)
  • nanoindentation
  • reliability
  • SEM
  • TGA
  • UV weathering
  • wire harness

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