How to protect PV cables from rodents and termites damage

Solar photovoltaic plants are growing in popularity. They provide a clean, renewable energy source.  PV plants are often located in remote areas. Here, electric cables can get damaged by rodents and termites. Ensuring the integrity of PV cables is crucial for maintaining the cable performance, avoiding costly repairs and downtime for the electric PV system.

RODENTS AND TERMITES MAY THREAT THE ELECTRIC CABLE SYSTEM ON THE PV PLANT

The remote locations of these PV plants, often nestled amidst rural landscapes, bring them face to face with the effects of harsh environmental factors such as UV rays, sand, heat, chemical erosion and mechanical stress, and the threat of rodents and termites that may damage the electric cabling system.

Rodents, with their insatiable desire to gnaw, pose a particular danger to PV cables. Their sharp teeth can chew through the protective insulation, exposing the delicate copper wires within. This can lead to short circuits, putting the whole PV plant at risk.

Termites, are silent saboteurs. They devour the insulation of PV cables, leaving behind a trail of exposed wires vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration.

Both mice and termites can lead to costly downtime and big financial losses on a PV plant. Electrical contractors, engineers, and installers must consider them when planning, designing, and specifying cables for PV plants.

HOW CAN I PROTECT PV CABLES FROM RODENTS AND TERMITES

We recommend regular inspections for find and fix termite or mice infestations before they cause significant damage.

H1Z2Z2-K solar cables are rubber-made. Unfortunately, this material is vulnerable to rodent and termite bites. Rodents can chew through the cable’s outer sheath and insulation, exposing the delicate tinned copper wires inside. Termites are particularly attracted to PV cables that are located in warm, moist environments, such as those found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Top Cable adds an extra layer of anti-termite or anti-rodent additive during the manufacturing process of the cable, to prevent termites or mice from damaging solar cables. This additive is non-toxic and eco-friendly and is only applied on the customer’s specific request if agreed prior to order.

Anti-termite / anti-rodent protection additive can be applied not just on PV cables but also to other cables, being TOPSOLAR® H1Z2Z2-K string cable and Medium Voltage’s X-VOLT® RHZ1 cable’s the most popular ones.

TOP CABLE, MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF SOLAR CABLES

Top Cable is a reliable solar cable manufacturer and supplier for all cables needed on PV installations: rooftop, floating and PV plants.

If you know that your solar cables will be installed in an environment that may be infested by pests, TOPSOLAR® anti-termite PV cables and anti-rodent PV cables will be the best cable choice. Ask our technical support team for advice on the most appropriate cable to suit your PV installation. Contact us today!