Determining the UV resistance of a photovoltaic cable can be achieved through a comprehensive evaluation of four aspects: material composition, certification standards, aging test data, and appearance characteristics.
1. Review Material and Structural Design
Insulation and Sheath Materials: Prioritize cables using irradiated cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO) or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). These materials form a three-dimensional network structure through electron beam cross-linking, significantly improving UV resistance.
Additive Formulation: High-quality photovoltaic cables contain carbon black (2%-3%), UV absorbers (such as benzotriazoles), and light stabilizers (such as hindered amines like HALS), effectively absorbing or reflecting UV rays and preventing polymer chain breakage.
Double Sheath Design: Some high-end products employ an outer layer of high-weather-resistant polyolefin and an inner layer of flame-retardant material, further enhancing UV resistance.
2. Verify International Certifications and Standards
Cables conforming to the following certifications have passed rigorous UV resistance testing:
TÜV 2Pfg 1169: Requires 1008 hours of UV irradiation at 340nm wavelength and 0.71W/m² intensity (simulating approximately 10 years of outdoor exposure) at 70℃, with no sheath cracks and a mechanical property retention rate ≥80%.
EN 50618 / UL 4703: Mainstream standards in the North American and European markets, both including accelerated UV aging test requirements.
IEC 62930: An international standard specifically for photovoltaic cables, clearly defining weather resistance indicators.
3. Refer to Accelerated Aging Test Results
Through professional equipment simulating long-term exposure, key data include:
Xenon Arc Lamp Aging Test: 2000 hours of continuous irradiation at 550W/m² intensity, tensile strength retention rate ≥85%, elongation at break ≥70%. Actual outdoor verification: After 10 years of use in high-UV environments such as the Sahara Desert, the sheath showed no cracks or powdering, and the insulation resistance remained above 95%.
Thermo-oxidative aging + UV synergistic test: After 135℃×168h of thermo-aging, UV irradiation was applied to evaluate the material's overall weather resistance.
