Cable Management in Solar Farms & Renewable Energy
As a leading distributor to the construction industry, we specialise in designing, manufacturing, and supplying high-quality support products to organisations of all sizes and niches. The solar power and renewable energy market has exploded in recent years, and we now work with numerous solar farms that partner with us for mounting feet, cable management, supports, and framing.
Cable management is an essential part of many commercial and industrial settings, as with the use of innovative technology comes miles and miles of cabling. Trenching or burying cables has been the port of call for many solar farms, but as the amount of ground-mounted equipment grows, this process can come with a range of disadvantages. Protecting other cabling can also present several issues for solar energy companies.
The problem with solar cabling
The mess associated with the trenching method is the most obvious disadvantage to solar farms, especially energy organisations wishing to launch, grow or manage large-scale operations. As the farm expands, the muddy mess and drainage problems that go hand-in-hand with burying large cables can be challenging. The expense of burying cables is also a cause for concern. The process of trenching is costly, but the need to de-rate the cables’ capacity for health and safety purposes can prove unproductive and pricey.
It’s not just the cables that run from solar installation to solar installation or the grid that need management. On a smaller scale, wires situated locally and inter-row cable routing require management, too. Whatever type of cabling you are looking to manage, the support products you choose can make all the difference in unlocking the advantages of convenient, cost-efficient, and effective cable management.
Why is cable care critical?
Cables and connectors are essential to solar photovoltaic (PV) products, so ensuring you exercise excellent management and care should form an integral part of your business. Without cable management, productivity will be affected, and the systems you have invested in function poorly. Poor cable management can cause system shortages and ultimately shorten the lifespan of solar equipment, whilst loose cabling can be pulled out or tripped over, presenting several health and safety hazards.
Harsh weather conditions can also lead to an array of issues with poorly managed cabling. Temperature fluctuations, direct exposure to UV light, water contact, and even snow cover have the potential to damage unprotected wiring.
Unistrut is a fast and effective way of building panels' frames. It is a tried-and-tested method that is now being used on solar farms nationwide. Unistrut solutions are available in a range of finishes to suit conditions, such as stainless steel, HDG, etc.
Finding a solution to suit you
Solar hangers and utility-grade snake trays are vital for managing wires that would have otherwise been trenched or buried; cables running from panel to panel or internally can be organised effectively using specialist support products and systems. We have made our mission to supply.
At DP Building Systems, we stock a selection of high-quality cable management products so you can discover a solution that caters to your exact requirements. Our bespoke design and cutting services are also second to none. To learn more about the cable management products we deliver, please browse our website or contact our team directly.
