Tin-plated CCA busbar has important applications in PV modules, mainly for series connection of PV cells (i.e., string bonding tape) and for electrical connections in PV junction boxes. It combines the advantages of copper and aluminum and offers a unique set of properties in PV applications. Below are the advantages and key characteristics of tinned CCA busbar for use in PV modules.
Features and benefits of tinned CCA busbar
Improved Conductivity and Reduced Losses
Tinned CCA busbar combines the good electrical conductivity of copper with the lightweight properties of aluminum to reduce power losses in PV modules. The low resistance of copper ensures good conductivity, while the low density of aluminum helps to reduce overall weight.
Corrosion resistance
The outer tin coating of tin-plated CCA busbar provides enhanced corrosion resistance, especially if the PV system is exposed to harsh weather conditions for long periods of time. The tin layer prevents copper and aluminum from being exposed to moisture, oxidation or corrosion, thus extending the life of electrical connections.
Improved solderability
The presence of the tin layer improves the solderability of CCA busbar. Compared to pure aluminum or CCA busbars without tin plating, tin-plated CCA busbars provide a more stable soldering process and easily form strong electrical connections. In photovoltaic modules, reliable welding is the key to ensuring stable operation and long life of the panels.
Lightweight and easy to install
Aluminum is much less dense than copper, so tinned CCA busbar is much lighter than pure copper tape. This reduces the overall weight of the PV module, easing the burden of transportation and installation and helping to lower system costs.
Cost Effectiveness
Tinned CCA busbar is typically less expensive to produce than pure copper tape, especially in large PV array systems, and the use of tinned CCA busbar can significantly reduce material costs. Although aluminum is less conductive, the combination of tin and copper cladding meets the electrical performance requirements of PV modules.
Application of tinned CCA busbar in PV modules
PV Cell String Welding Tape
Function: In photovoltaic modules, cells are connected to each other by busbars to form a series circuit. Tinned CCA busbars are widely used on these strips for current conduction and structural connection.
Advantage: Due to high welding reliability, good corrosion resistance and excellent electrical conductivity, tinned CCA busbar ensures efficient current conduction between cells, ensuring the efficiency and stability of the entire PV cell array.
Cable connections in the PV junction box
Function: The PV junction box is responsible for collecting and distributing the current transmitted from the PV cells. Tinned CCA busbar can be used as a conductor material in PV junction boxes for power transmission by connecting PV modules to inverters and other devices.
Advantage: Tin-plated CCA busbar not only ensures efficient current transmission in the junction box, but also protects against corrosion caused by environmental factors due to the tin layer, ensuring stable long-term operation.
Parallel connection in PV arrays
Function: In addition to series connections, parallel connections in photovoltaic arrays also utilize tin-plated CCA busbars to increase the efficiency of current transmission. Parallel connections allow several PV modules to operate simultaneously, increasing the power output of the array.
Advantage: The use of tinned CCA busbars in parallel connections not only reduces system weight, but also reduces electrical losses and improves system performance through the electrical conductivity of copper and the lightweight nature of aluminum.
Considerations for tinned CCA busbars in photovoltaic applications
Temperature Resistance
The temperature resistance of tinned CCA busbars is very important as PV systems need to operate stably even under extreme temperature conditions. When selecting materials, you need to ensure that they maintain good electrical conductivity and mechanical strength at both high and low temperatures.
Preventing the tin layer from falling off The tin layer of tin-plated CCA busbars may fall off during use, resulting in failure of the electrical connection. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the tin layer is uniform and firm during production and that it is not scratched or damaged during installation.
Environmental compatibility
Although the tin layer improves corrosion resistance, it is necessary to ensure that tin-plated CCA busbars are sufficiently corrosion-resistant in extreme environments (e.g., high salt and humid areas). In addition, a properly designed watertight sealing system is critical to ensure long-term stability.
Long-term stability
The long-term stability of tinned CCA busbars depends on the quality of the tin layer and the reliability of the electrical connections. Strict quality control, soldering process and precautions during installation will affect its performance and lifetime in the PV system.
To summarize
Tin-plated CCA busbar is an ideal connection material in PV modules due to its good electrical conductivity, lightweight properties, corrosion resistance and low cost. It not only effectively reduces power loss in PV modules, but also extends the service life of the system. In practical applications, a reasonable selection of tinned CCA busbar specifications, quality and welding process will further optimize the performance and economy of the PV system.