Solar contractors use five Polywater products most often: InstaGrout to seal pads and inverter bases, FST and AFT foams to seal conduit against rodents and water, Type HP to clean cable for splices and terminations, LZ to pull cable through conduit, and SPW to clean panels. Each one handles a different step of building or maintaining a solar field, so here is what each does and where it fits.

All five are in the Solar section of our online store.

Which Polywater product do I need for each solar job?

How do you seal the bases of inverters and equipment pads?

Open space around conduit at the bottom of an inverter, combiner or transformer lets rodents and water in, and a chewed cable can take a string offline. Polywater InstaGrout is a two-part urethane foam you pour into those openings. It flows, then expands to fill the gaps around the conduit, and cures to a closed-cell seal that does not absorb water.

A few reasons solar crews like it:

• No water, power or troweling needed
• Sticks to PVC, copper, aluminum, fiberglass and polymer concrete pads
• Can be drilled or sawn later to add a conduit or cable, then resealed
• Applies between 35 and 110 degrees F

Kits run from the PMT-1, which covers about 1 sq ft at a 3 inch depth, to the PMT-10 for about 10 sq ft.

How do you seal conduit and enclosures with FST and AFT?

Polywater FST and AFT are foams that seal around cable inside a conduit. They keep rodents out and stop water and gas from moving through, and both are easy ways to seal an odd cable layout or several cables in one conduit. Both can be cut back out if a cable needs replacing.

AFT comes in a spray can and suits low pressure seals, like conduit at ground level or in a combiner box. FST is a cartridge you inject over foam dams, and it is rated for 22 feet of water head, so it suits conduit that runs into a vault or sees real water pressure. We have a full AFT vs. FST comparison if you need help choosing.

What cleaner do you use before splicing or terminating cable?

Polywater Type HP is a multipurpose electrical cleaner degreaser for cable splice prep, terminations and electrical equipment. It evaporates fully and leaves less than 100 ppm of residue. It is non-corrosive to copper and other metals and passes IEEE 1493 compatibility tests with rubbers, plastics and insulation shields.

It comes as saturated wipes, an aerosol can, bottles from a pint up to 5 gallons and drums, plus cable prep kits that pair wipes with a sanding cloth.

What lubricant do you use for pulling cable?

Polywater LZ is a pulling lubricant that is suitable on all cable jackets. Polywater says it is the only pulling lubricant developed, tested and specified for LSZH and LSHF cable in conduit, and it is made for CPE, CSPE, fire rated and plenum jackets too. It contains no grease or wax, so it does not cement cable in the conduit, and it passes IEEE 1210 testing without stress cracking polyethylene.

That compatibility is handy when a job has more than one type of cable. There is also a winter grade, WLZ, that can be applied at temperatures as low as -20 degrees F. Sizes run from a 1 quart bottle to a 5 gallon pail and a 55 gallon drum.

How do you clean solar panels with SPW?

Polywater SPW is a highly concentrated, water-based, non-solvent cleaner for solar panels. Polywater says it removes contaminants that water alone does not, and it helps keep panels producing by clearing soiling. It says SPW does not harm panels, hardware or anti-reflective films, does not corrode metal rails, and is readily biodegradable by OECD guidelines. Polywater also says many of the largest PV panel manufacturers have approved it.

It comes in a 1 quart bottle with a hose sprayer or a flip top, a 1 gallon jug and a 5 gallon pail. Check the application instructions for dilution before you use it.

Frequently asked questions

What Polywater products do solar contractors use?

InstaGrout, FST and AFT foam, Type HP cleaner, LZ lubricant and SPW panel cleaner.

What seals the bottom of a solar inverter?

InstaGrout. It is poured around the conduit and expands to seal the opening against rodents and water.

Which foam is better for conduit, FST or AFT?

AFT for low pressure seals at ground level or in boxes. FST for vaults and higher water pressure.

Is SPW safe for solar panels?

Polywater says it does not degrade panels, hardware or anti-reflective films. Check the panel maker's cleaning guidance and the SPW application instructions before you start.

Can LZ be used on any cable jacket?

Polywater says LZ is suitable on all cable jackets, including LSZH, CPE and CSPE.

Do you sell Polywater solar products in New England and New York?

Yes. UPSC and Powertech Associates represent Polywater across New England and New York State.

Where can I buy Polywater solar products?

Shop the Solar section of our online store, or contact us for a quote, help sizing a job or a demo for your crew.

Email info@powertech-upsc.com or call (860) 678-8772.