Photovoltaic applications capture electricity from sunlight. Photovoltaic (PV) systems – also known as solar power systems or social arrays – are designed to convert sunlight into usable electricity. These systems typically consist of PV panels or mirrors that either directly generate electricity or concentrate solar radiation to do so. The electricity produced can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.
The photovoltaic effect occurs when photons from light knock electrons into a higher energy state, enabling the flow of electricity. First observed by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in 1839, the PV effect has been the subject of scientific research for over a century. While we’ve studied solar energy for many years, it’s only in recent decades that we’ve begun to fully harness its potential-especially with the advancement of PV technology, including specialized photovoltaic wiring.
The Benefit of Photovoltaic Systems
We receive an immense amount of energy from the sun, but nearly all of it goes unused. The sun not only illuminates our world and sustains life, but it also radiates far more energy than we could ever use. The energy that reaches the earth’s surface in just one hour and a half, is enough to meet global energy needs for an entire year.
According to Energy.gov, solar power offers a significant environmental advantage over conventional energy sources. By generating electricity without burning fossil fuels, solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions, leading to cleaner air and fewer pollutants. This mitigates climate change and contributes to safer, healthier communities and cleaner waterways, as less pollution is released into the environment.
Through the use of PV wire and solar panels, we can capture solar energy and convert it into electricity to power systems. This shift away from fossil fuels is a key reason why the solar energy market has grown more than 30 times since 2010, as both individuals and businesses seek cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
Buying into Photovoltaic Systems
The adoption of solar power and photovoltaic (PV) systems is growing rapidly, both nationally and internationally, across industrial, commercial, and residential properties. Many consider PV systems – along with specialized PV wire – a cleaner and more cost-effective source of electricity. As a result, an increasing number of businesses and homeowners in the U.S. are investing in this renewable energy solution.
Why are so many buying into PV systems?
One key reason PV systems – and the use of photovoltaic (PV) wire – are gaining popularity is that solar rooftop systems can recoup the energy used for manufacturing and installation in as little as 0.7 to 2 years. Over a 30-year lifespan, these systems can generate 95% of their net clean, renewable energy.
In addition, photovoltaic systems operate silently and cleanly, with no environmental emissions and no moving parts. The rapidly decreasing cost of PV wire and materials is making solar power more affordable than ever. This is largely due to advancements in technology and the availability of higher-quality materials, such as the photovoltaic wire offered by Performance Wire & Cable. As the cost of solar wire systems continues to drop, and with rising demand for climate-friendly energy solutions, solar power adoption is growing quickly.
Another major factor driving this growth is the financial incentives available. The new 30% solar tax credit introduced in 2022 makes installing solar energy systems more attractive than ever. Residential solar power was already on the rise before this legislation, with solar installations increasing by 34% between 2020 and 2021. By the second quarter of 2022, the residential solar sector experienced five consecutive quarters of record growth. With the added benefit of the new tax credit demand for PC wire and solar installations is expected to continue rising.
Installing Photovoltaic Wire Systems
Solar cables must be designed to be resistant to all environmental factors. Photovoltaic wires can be used in both grounded and ungrounded systems due to their tolerance to high-temperature fluctuations and resistance to UV radiation and moisture.
Performance Wire and Cable offers superior quality RHW and USE-2 wires that are sunlight resistant, approved for direct burial, and good for high-temperature applications.
To discover how Performance Wire & Cable can help with all your photovoltaic wiring needs, request a quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar energy safe?
Of course! Solar panels—and the materials used to make them like PV wire—all have to meet international testing standards and must be installed by trained and qualified installers to meet local building, fire, and electrical codes. Moreover, each solar energy system goes through in-depth inspections after installation.
Are most homes suitable for solar energy panels?
Many are. Solar panels and photovoltaic wire are carefully engineered to work in all climates. Not all residential roofs are the perfect fit for solar panels (for example, if a roof is too old, too small, or too sloped, or there is too much shade from a nearby tree canopy), so rooftop panels may not always be the best option. In most cases, south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees perform best, but there are exceptions to every rule, and community solar energy systems may be a better fit for some situations.
Where can Photovoltaic (PV) Wire be used?
PV wire can be used for both grounded and ungrounded solar installations, to connect solar panels and photovoltaic arrays, and in solar power grids. Additionally, they can be used for underground entrances and service terminal connections.
What kind of Photovoltaic (PV) Wire is available?
Performance Wire & Cable is proud to supply high-quality RHW and USE-2 wires. These PV wires are sunlight resistant, inspected and approved for direct burial, and are even good for high-temperature applications.
Does extreme cold or heat compromise PV Wire?
No. Wiring used in photovoltaic and solar array installations is UV-rated. They aren’t affected much by the weather at all. While on its own some general wire becomes brittle in cold temperatures, PV wire comes covered in metal or UV-resistant plastic conduit to protect it from extreme temperatures.
Can I bury Photovoltaic (PV) Wire?
Yes. Both PV wire and USE-2 wire can be buried directly, on their own, without any additional protection.
What makes PV Wire different from other kinds of wire?
Solar or PV wire has been designed especially for the interconnections of PV-powered energy systems. They are engineered to be flexible, are very resistant to moisture, sun, and flame, and can withstand high temperatures. PV wire is also made to last the entire lifespan of a solar panel, as much as 30 years.
Ready to stock up on all your photovoltaic wiring needs?
Performance Wire & Cable is here for you! Get a quote today.
