Interconnection


Fit-for-purpose solar cables

19 April 2017 Interconnection

Specialist cable manufacturer, Helukabel, has invested considerable resources in the development of a comprehensive range of cables and accessories exclusively for solar energy applications. This has positioned it as a world leader in the supply of cabling solutions for many of the world’s most advanced solar plants, as well as cemented its status as a local solutions provider for some of South Africa’s main solar projects. Most recently this list includes the latest plants in Kalkbult, Droogfontein and De Aar, among others. The company is also gearing up to supply several other new-build projects throughout southern Africa.

According to Helukabel South Africa sales manager, Hardus van Dyk, Helukabel’s foresight saw the company already develop appropriate solutions for photovoltaic applications in the early ‘90s with the development of its first photovoltaic (PV) cables which are still marketed under the well-known 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 pre-assembled PV cables and wires for quick plug-and-play, on-site installation.

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 black, red or blue. The nominal voltage of this particular cable is rated at 600/1000 V a.c. and 1800 V d.c.

While most projects awarded thus far are for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, the company also has access to dedicated cabling solutions for wind farms in addition to its range of standard cables.

“We are confident that we can supply every requirement of the local renewable energy market with quality certified cables that are tailor-made to each individual energy sector’s requirements. Our offering thus far is unique in that we offer local consortiums responsible for building our renewable energy plants with a complete solution for all cabling requirements, and where necessary are able to call on technical expertise of our international parent company to assist with any special requirement,” adds van Dyk.

For more information contact Doug Gunnewegh, Helukabel, +27 (0)11 462 8752, [email protected], www.helukabel.co.za



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