Wire Management Solutions for PV Solar Mounting Systems

Wire management solutions help speed up the installation for ground mount solar and roof mount solar projects and cut down the labor costs. Managing the source circuit conductors is a necessity in all PV Installations. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates proper PV source circuit wire management.

PV source circuits are defined in 690.2; generally these circuits are from the series strings of modules to the PV combiner box (es). The applicable sections in the NEC regarding PV source circuit wire management include 690.31, 338.10, 334.30, and 110.12.

Although PV modules generally come with loose conductor pigtails for serial interconnection, these conductors still must be supported as well as be protected from potential damage. These PV source circuit conductors are generally have insulation classifications of USE-2 / RHW-2 and PV Wire, and as such have to be supported at least every 4.5 feet (1.4m) and within 1 foot (30cm) of an enclosure.

Depending on the application, clips, straps, ties, trays, and channels are typically used to support the conductors to meet the requirements of the code. When the PV source circuit conductors are not within the area of the PV array, standard wiring methods for outdoor circuits under the conditions of use must be utilized. This generally means that when PV source circuit wiring must leave the area of the array, a transition box is used to allow for the conductors to be run in appropriate raceways.

Every wire management solution for solar mounting systems has its own pros and cons. Some solar racking manufactures also offer wire management solutions for ground mount solar and roof mount solar installations. One should consider safety, ease of installation and economics while choosing the right wire management solution for solar Installations . An integrated wire management solution with the solar mounting system adds to the performance, aesthetics and durability.