HELUKABEL’s Quality Connections for Photovoltaic Solar Energy
September 30, 2024
By Krystie Johnston
Quality cables and connections for photovoltaic (PV) systems are critical to ensure safe and long-lasting setups. HELUKABEL has provided cables, wires, and accessories for infrastructure and energy applications for more than 45 years. Their comprehensive portfolio of products is trusted by manufacturers, installers, and operators of PV systems worldwide to transmit the power generated by clean, sustainable, and renewable energy sources. In this article, Marcus White, Managing Director of HELUKABEL Canada, discusses their renewable energy portfolio and how they support clean energy projects across the country.
In Canada, environmental conditions can be harsh, so the cables used for PV systems need to be able to endure the elements over time. To stand up to these challenges, HELUKABEL recently expanded its portfolio of photovoltaic products by introducing two new variations of solar cables to the market. “Everything is moving more towards electrification,” says White. “We saw this emerging market and thought it was important to be a part of it and make an impact. We have made solar products for this energy sector for many years, and recently developed a Canadian-U.S. version that is relevant for our markets.”
HELUKABEL’s SOLARFLEX®-X brand of high-quality cables is certified to CSA, UL, and TÜV. With special jacketing and insulating materials, they are flame retardant, halogen-free, and resistant to ozone, ultraviolet radiation, acids, alkalis, hydrolysis, and ammonia. Rodent protection is also available to ensure longevity for cables that are buried underground. Moreover, with halogen-free according to IEC 60754-1 and smoke density according to IEC 61034-1+2 approvals, they are suitable for universal applications, which helps to optimize warehouse capacity as only one cable needs to be kept in stock to satisfy multiple applications.
White says that the company’s goal is to provide a complete system solution when it comes to renewable energy projects like solar. “Solar solutions involve many components one of which is cable – which is great, because we can help with this. But in addition to that, we want to channel that power, and that involves connections, connectors, and tools,” he says. “We even go as far as assembling, kitting, and labelling. As a solution provider, we support the market by supplying more than just products.”
Because PV solar projects can be time-consuming and expensive, it is ideal to have a partner who can support the project from start to finish. For example, White has seen large solar installations across the country – driven by geographical advantages such as sun coverage, government funding and support, and societal preferences for green energy. He has also seen a surge of solar projects in all sectors – residential, commercial, and industrial. No matter their application or location, HELUKABEL is there to support them.
“These can be very long-term projects that require design work, coordination of different power components, and unique site and specification challenges that HELUKABEL is very familiar working with. Our goal is to provide a seamless process and product when it comes to power requirements. HEULKABEL’s cables are designed to last 40 or more years once installed,” says White.
In addition to providing quality connections, HELUKABEL’s customer-centric approach ensures success for every project. “We take the approach of starting with asking, ‘What are you looking to accomplish and how can we support that?’” White says. “Often, it depends on the layout of the project, how much cabling they will be running from the panels to the main line, and back to the grid. Where is the site: Is it remote? And what really sets us apart is that we help customers achieve those goals. We look back at past successes and carry that knowledge and experience to the next project.”
White sees each successful clean energy project as a drop in the ocean, capable of making a big wave over time. HELUKABEL’s renewable energy solutions are making an impact on the transition to clean energy in Canada. With goals to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, designing new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings to be green will help to reach this goal1. “The design of the cable network to support the power generation requirements of a solar project, whether a large standalone or rooftop on a residential or commercial structure, is ultimately the same. They are sometimes larger in scale, sometimes smaller in scale, but we would be able to support any of that,” White says.
Looking into the future for solar projects in Canada, White says he sees a lot of potential. “I think that you are going to see more creative renewable energy site developments, for example commercial buildings often have empty rooftops with nothing on them – this would be a great target for a solar project. As this technology becomes more affordable, more readily available, more accessible, we expect to see a lot of the residential changes as well. And our solutions will work for all of them.”
As Canadian citizens, governments, and institutions prioritize clean energy and a greener footprint, the future of renewable energy looks bright. As the technologies improve and become more affordable and accessible, it seems natural that clean energy systems like HELUKABEL’s PV solutions will play a role in the energy transition and make a lasting impact.
Are you interested in learning more about how HELUKABEL can help with your renewable energy application? Visit their website today or reach out to them to discuss your project.
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HELUKABEL Places New Variations of Their HELUPOWER® Solar Cables on The Market
New to the program is the HELUPOWER® SOLARFLEX®-X H1Z2Z2-K UL. With this product, HELUKABEL claims to be the first manufacturer to offer a solar cable constructed according to UL 4703, which is an important criterion for system manufacturers focused on exporting products to foreign markets, such as the USA. This solar cable is also suitable for worldwide export thanks to its DIN EN 50618 and IEC 62930 approvals. This helps optimize warehouse capacity and simplify procurement processes since only one cable needs to be kept in stock, instead of multiple variations.
Additionally, the HELUPOWER® SOLARFLEX®-X PREMIUM is being added to the product portfolio. This design is certified according to the TÜV 2 PfG 2750 and is suitable for use in floating photovoltaic systems, or floating solar farms. This solar cable has an especially long lifespan and is suitable for international use thanks to its DIN EN 50618 and IEC 62930 approvals. With this, HELUKABEL is incorporating another solution into their product range – one that is specifically designed for the booming floating photovoltaics market.
