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Japan-based GBP claims its new cables meet various international standards. He claims the cables have an anti-theft function, as they should deter copper thieves from approaching a PV system.
Japanese technology provider GBP Co., Ltd. launched new aluminum cables for photovoltaic installations last week.
The company claims the new product offers the advantage of being an anti-theft solution, as aluminum costs significantly less than copper, and aluminum cables are less targeted by thieves than their copper counterparts.
GBP claims that the new aluminum cables are compliant with international standards 4mm² x 95mm², 4mm² x 120mm², 1mm² x 150mm², 1mm² x 185mm², 1mm² x 240mm² and 1mm² x 300mm².
“The conductivity of aluminum cables is approximately 60% of that of copper cables,” the manufacturer states. “But by selecting a suitable size, it is possible to achieve the same performance as with copper conductors. Furthermore, since aluminum cables are 30-50% lighter and more flexible than copper cables, they ensure an easier installation process, shorten the construction period and save labor costs.”
GBP claimed that the use of its new cable can reduce the cost of a PV project by up to 10%. “It complies with German regulations,” the supplier said. "Anti-theft measures, such as our aluminum cables, are also attracting attention abroad."
Aluminum is less expensive than copper, but it is susceptible to oxidation. Also, aluminum is more brittle even at normal temperatures and breaks more easily than copper.
In practice, aluminum cables are rarely used in small rooftop installations and are used above all in large-scale photovoltaic installations. These cables require a thicker cross section than copper cables for the same power and therefore also a little more space. |
