Solar PV installations are typically subjected to a variety of hazards due to their external locations, with interconnected cabling typically subjected to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Throughout the life of the installation, UV radiation will degrade any plastic materials unless consideration has been given to the selected products and materials used during the design and specification. Failure could result in materials cracking, an increase in brittleness, less flexibility and lower impact strength. The levels of UV radiation exposure of the materials, which varies throughout the world, will determine the extent and severity of the potentially damaging effects. Furthermore, UV damage can change the material properties, making them more vulnerable to other environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, impact, crushing, corrosion, abrasions, dust and water ingress, and attack from grazing animals and vermin.
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