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Fit-for-purpose solar cables

Specialist cable manufacturer, Helukabel, has invested considerable resources in the development of a comprehensive range of cables and accessories exclusively for solar energy applications. Having supplied cabling solutions for some of South Africa’s main solar projects, the company has also cemented its status as a local solutions provider.

The list of local solar plants is an impressive one and includes the latest plants in Kalkbult, Droogfontein and De Aar, among others. The company is also gearing to supply several other new projects throughout southern Africa.

According to Helukabel South Africa sales manager, Hardus van Dyk, Helukabel’s foresight saw the company already developed appropriate solutions for photovoltaic applications in the early ‘90s with the development of its first photovoltaic (PV) cables which are still marketed under the Solarflex trademark. These carry global approvals from TÜV and VDE. In combination with its state-of-the-art PV-connectors, the company can offer users in the photovoltaic industry with pre-assembled PV-cables and wires for quick plug-and-play on-site installation.

Solar solutions

These pre-assembled solutions include chains, PV wiring fuse/diode, pre-assembled potential equalisation cables, adaptors and other fit-for-purpose photovoltaic cables. Components in the solar range include panel boxes, male and female connectors and branches with a host of accessories that include cable glands, protection tubes, shrink-on sleeves and cable ties.

“An example of the Solarflex solutions is Helukabel’s Solarflex-X PV1-F solution specifically for the solar industry which is able to withstand the harsh environments of solar plants exceeds TÜV, CE, RoHS and VDE quality certifications to ensure the longevity of installation where it is used – which generally has an anticipated life of 25 years’ service,” van Dyk says.

All Solarflex cables are ozone, UV and weather resistant and are highly resistant to chemical interference, as well as fire and abrasion.

In addition, the cables can be made in rodent resistant versions or to customers’ exact requirements for specific sites. The bare copper, tinned and finely stranded cable is double insulated with cross linked Polyolefin while the outer sheath comprises the same material in a black, red or blue. The nominal voltage of this particular cable is rated at 600/1000 V AC and 1800 V DC. Other requirements unique to solar energy applications have also been researched and Solarflex-X PV1-F cables have been developed to enhance the operational efficiency of these sites.

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