PolyOne has introduced what it says is a ground-breaking new technology for photovoltaic (PV) wire and cable called Syncure™ Solar. Available globally, this UV-resistant, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) system provides high-performance, UL 4703 and VW 1-compliance in one material, eliminating the need to use two separate insulation and jacketing formulations. It also provides customers a new option for improving efficiency, complying with RoHS requirements, and meeting sustainability goals.
Syncure Solar provides multiple environmental benefits. First, it promotes the use of alternative energy by simplifying the wiring of PV systems. Because Syncure Solar complies with the stringent UL 4703 standard for PV wire as well as the UL 44 standard for interior wiring, it can be used seamlessly from the outside to the inside of a building in USE-2 (Underground Service Entrance) applications, thereby streamlining installation. This eliminates the need to create a junction between interior and exterior wiring or cabling.
Second, Syncure Solar, as a one-material solution, requires only one pass through the extruder (versus the industry norm of two) for simplified logistics, reduced cycle time, and overall systems cost reduction. Combining insulation and jacketing also allows for a thinner coating (60 mil versus the typical 75 mil).
According to Rick Noller, marketing director, Engineered Materials North America, “Syncure Solar demonstrates PolyOne’s strong commitment to helping our customers succeed in the growing alternative energy sector. It also supports demand growth for sustainable solutions by helping to reduce resource requirements and energy usage providing wire and cable manufacturers with efficiency and system cost benefits. We believe Syncure Solar will play an important part in fostering adoption of solar technologies.”
An added benefit is the availability of Syncure Solar in two colors, natural and black, with comparable performance. Color concentrates from PolyOne can also provide a range of color options, allowing for easy, visual differentiation of wire and cable.
Syncure Solar supplements PolyOne’s growing portfolio of solutions to the solar industry. Existing wire and cable offerings include Geon™ PVC formulations and ECCOH™ low smoke and fume, non-halogen materials. PolyOne also helps increase the efficiency of solar panels through application of Smartbatch™ color and additive concentrates in backsheet films, and improves the reliability of connectors with non-halogenated Edgetek™solutions.
PolyOne
www.polyone.com
