Supporting Ever-Growing Solar Energy Generation

SUPPORTING SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION FROM THE SUN’S RAYS TO OUR HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Solar energy use is on the rise. The International Energy Association reported that in 2021 solar energy was one of the fastest-growing renewable energy generation methods, second only to wind energy. Around the globe, individuals, companies and even countries are investing in this technology to offset greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable and electrified future. Solar installations by American companies have doubled since 2019.

While the high-level concept of solar energy seems simple enough—transform energy from the sun into electricity for us to use—the actual process of doing so requires a wide variety of electrical systems and nVent supports this process at several points along the way.

HOW DOES SOLAR ENERGY WORK

The first step in this process is also the most visible. Think "solar energy" and what comes to mind are fields of photovoltaic (PV) panels angled towards the sun or placed on the rooftop of homes and businesses. However, PV panels are just the beginning. In order to take energy from the sun and use it to power lightbulbs, computer chargers and electric vehicles, it must be manipulated and transformed to meet our needs.

In large solar installations, energy generated by different "strings" of PV panels needs to be combined and modified to flow out of the solar field in an electrical configuration that can be connected to the power grid at the proper voltage and current. Managing and consolidating this large quantity of energy requires combiners that take DC power from different strings and use power blocks to group it together. Within a combiner box, DC power is collected and combined into larger conductors.

But combining energy from many solar panels is only part of the puzzle. When PV panels generate power, they generate direct current electricity (DC). In DC, electricity remains at a constant voltage flowing in a single direction. However, our electrical grid uses alternating current (AC) power. In AC, electricity flows in both directions as voltages in the circuit switch back and forth between positive and negative polarity. To make electricity usable it has to be transformed from DC to AC.

After the energy from PV panels has been combined into a single stream of electricity using combiner boxes, it flows through an inverter which changes the electrical current from DC to AC. After this inversion, electricity may be safely and efficiently carried into the local power grid.

WHERE DOES NVENT COME IN?

One of the main ways nVent deploys our solutions in solar energy applications is in combiner boxes. nVent solutions play a critical role in both the process of combining multiple energy strings and protecting the entire operation from environmental threats.

nVent makes nonmetallic enclosures that are perfect for solar energy applications, including the exterior of combiner boxes. Nonmetallic materials can be more durable and corrosion resistant than metal enclosures which makes nonmetallic enclosures better suited for harsh environments where many solar fields are built. Additionally, they offer better insulation from the heat of the sun—an important consideration since equipment for solar energy is placed, understandably, in hot and sunny locations.

But solar field engineers can rely on nVent solutions for more than just protection of critical equipment. Our flexible busbar conductors can be used in conjunction with our power distribution blocks and surge protectors to build safe and reliable combiner boxes.

Large PV arrays are sprawling, extensive electrical systems that come under constant exposure to the environment and weather. nVent grounding and bonding solutions play a key role in keeping them safe and operational. These solutions can provide protection for solar operations from damage due to lightning and fault currents.

Our flexible busbars can also be bent and twisted in ways that traditional cable solutions cannot, allowing for increased design flexibility and enabling reduced footprint for combiner boxes. Many of our solutions can be customized before they are delivered, making them quick and easy to install for contractors. We also provide products like snap clips, metal pressure clips and J-Hooks, and a full range of wire basket trays, perforated cable trays and cable ladders that can help manage cables and keep systems well-organized and protected.

nVent also makes cooling solutions for inverters—equipment sitting under the harsh sun for hours every day needs to be protected from heat. Our cooling solutions keep this critical equipment safe and operational.

The growth of solar energy will only continue as we continue to build a more sustainable and electrified world. Using the sun as an energy source is a critical piece of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on nonrenewable resources like coal and fossil fuels. As countries, companies and individuals all work together to grow renewable energy infrastructure, nVent will have an important role to play in making sure energy from the sun can be safely and efficiently converted to useable electricity.