Solar

Communication Cables

What Are Communication Cables for Utility Scale Solar?

A communication cable is any cable designed to transmit data, control signals, or voice between devices. In solar farms, communication cables carry information rather than power, allowing equipment to share real‑time data and commands so the plant can operate efficiently and safely.

 

Modern utility‑scale solar farms depend on robust communication networks as much as they rely on power cables. From string inverters and combiner boxes to weather stations and SCADA systems, every asset must be monitored, controlled, and coordinated in real time. Prysmian’s communication cables portfolio for solar installations is designed to deliver reliable, high‑bandwidth connectivity across large, exposed sites, ensuring maximum energy yield and uptime.

 

In the solar generation environment, communication cables must withstand UV, temperature extremes, moisture, rodent attack, and mechanical stress, while maintaining signal integrity over long distances. Prysmian offers two key types of communication cables tailored to these challenges:

  • UCFIBRE Outdoor Central Tube Cable – a rugged fiber optic cable for high‑speed backbone links across the solar farm.
  • UC900 SS23 CAT7 S/FTP PE – a high‑performance copper data cable for field‑level Ethernet and device connectivity.

How Do Communication Cables Work in Solar Farm Installations?

Communication cables work by carrying electrical or optical signals that represent data between devices. In copper communication cables, information is transmitted as controlled electrical signals along metallic conductors. In fiber optic communication cables, data travels as pulses of light through glass or plastic fibers. In both cases, the cable construction is engineered to protect these signals from loss and interference so that data arrives quickly and accurately at its destination.

In utility‑scale PV plants, communication cables connect all critical components into a single, intelligent system. Typical applications include:

  • Backbone links between inverter stations, central control rooms, and grid interconnection points.
  • SCADA and monitoring for real‑time performance data, alarms, and remote control.
  • Weather and irradiance sensors feeding data to forecasting and control algorithms.
  • Security systems such as CCTV, access control, and perimeter protection.
  • Auxiliary services including communication to substations and operations buildings.

Selecting and Installing Communication Cables for Solar Farms

Prysmian’s UCFIBRE Outdoor Central Tube Cable and UC900 SS23 CAT7 S/FTP PE communication cables are designed to meet these requirements, supporting:

  • Fast, reliable commissioning and integration with SCADA and monitoring platforms.
  • Reduced downtime through stable, interference‑resistant communication.
  • Long‑term performance that aligns with the 20–30 year design life of solar assets.

Correct installation is vital to achieve the expected performance and lifetime. This includes observing bending radii and pulling tensions for UCFIBRE fiber optic cables, ensuring proper shielding continuity and earthing for UC900 SS23 CAT7 S/FTP PE, and using appropriate glands, connectors, and protection systems.

When specifying communication cables for a solar project, it is essential to consider:

Backbone vs. field‑level links, redundancy, and topology (ring, star, daisy‑chain)

Long runs and high data volumes favour fibre (UCFIBRE), while shorter device links often use copper (UC900 SS23 CAT7)

UV exposure, temperature range, moisture, chemical exposure, and risk of rodent damage

Proximity to high‑power cables and equipment, where shielded solutions such as S/FTP are essential

Direct burial, duct, tray, or on structures such as tracker frames and cable ladders

Solar

Solar PV, Low and Medium Voltage Power Cables

Go to page
Solar

Cable Glands, Cleats and Accessories

Go to page
Solar

Communication Cables

Go to page
Sandy Rock

All Ground

Go to page

Contact Us