A mid-sized solar installation company based in California, specializing in commercial rooftop and ground-mount systems, with an annual installation capacity of 50 MW. The company faced increasing competition and needed to improve project profitability without sacrificing quality. Their existing cable choice was leading to field failures and delays.
The installer used a generic PV cable that did not fully comply with IEC 62930 standards. Over six months, they experienced multiple insulation breaches during installation, in tight conduit bends. Connector terminations were inconsistent, causing arc faults and system downtime. On average, each project had two to three callbacks for cable-related issues. The rework cost an estimated $1,500 per incident, and warranty claims added another $5,000 per year. Installation crews spent extra time handling stiff cables that were difficult to route, adding 15% to the labor hours.
After assessing three suppliers, the company chosen the PV-CC/CQ cable from Singi Electric. Key factors included: strict compliance with IEC 62930 and EN 50618 standards, superior flexibility due to fine-stranded conductors and cross-linked insulation, and a robust jacket that resisted cuts and abrasion. The cable's -40°C to +120°C temperature range ensured performance in extreme conditions., Singi Electric provided free installation training and a 25-year warranty, matching the panel lifespan.
The implementation spanned two months across three pilot projects—one ground-mount and two rooftop arrays. The process involved: (1) replacing the existing cable inventory with PV-CC/CQ cable; (2) conducting a half-day training session for 12 installers on proper stripping and termination techniques; (3) installing the cable using the same routing but noting the easier handling; (4) performing continuity and insulation resistance tests as per IEC 62930; (5) monitoring performance over the first 90 days. A challenge was the initial resistance from veteran installers accustomed to the old cable. By demonstrating the reduced pulling force and fewer faults, the team switched.
"Switching to the Singi PV-CC/CQ cable was a straightforward decision once we saw the field results. The cable handled tight bends without damage, and our crew completed terminations faster. We have not had a single cable-related callback since deploying it. It is now our standard for all installations." – Project Manager, Solar Installer Company
This case illustrates that choosing the right photovoltaic cable—like the Singi Electric PV-CC/CQ— impacts installation efficiency and system reliability. For commercial solar projects, a cable that is flexible, durable, and standard-compliant is not a luxury but a necessity.
The PV-CC/CQ cable complies with EN 50618:2014 and IEC 62930:2017, the leading international standards for photovoltaic system cables. These standards specify requirements for DC cables rated up to 1.5 kV, including resistance to UV, ozone, heat, and mechanical stress, as well as halogen-free performance. (Sources: IEC 62930:2017, EN 50618:2014)
