Grenada Large-Scale Airport Solar PV Installation Project

In early 2025, our team partnered with the contractor of the Grenada Maurice Bishop International Airport 15.1 MWp Large-Scale Solar PV Installation Project, a landmark initiative in Grenada’s renewable energy transition. As a key wire exporter, we provided customized cable solutions to address the project’s critical needs, ensuring the smooth progress of this national priority project aimed at boosting renewable energy capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This case details how we overcame the client’s core challenges with our certified products, professional experience, and efficient service, delivering tangible value to the Grenada airport solar project and establishing a trusted partnership for future cooperation.​
1. Project Background: Grenada’s Renewable Ambition​
Grenada, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has set an ambitious goal to achieve 100% renewable energy for its electricity and transport sectors by 2030. The Maurice Bishop International Airport Solar PV Installation Project, launched in late 2024 and led by the country’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), is a key part of this strategy. With a total capacity of 15.1 MWp, the project consists of three separate solar plants that will be integrated into the national grid, enhancing energy resilience at the airport and reducing electricity generation costs.​
The project contractor, responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the PV infrastructure, faced significant challenges in sourcing high-quality wires that met international standards and project timelines. Their core pain points included three key areas: first, the need for wires certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) to comply with North American safety standards and pass local inspections, as the project follows UL 4703 guidelines for photovoltaic wiring. Second, the harsh outdoor environment of Grenada—high temperatures, strong UV radiation, and occasional humidity—required wires with exceptional durability and weather resistance to ensure long-term performance (25+ years) as required by the project’s 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Third, the project had a tight construction schedule, with the contractor needing timely delivery to avoid delays that would incur substantial penalties and hinder Grenada’s renewable energy targets.​
Additionally, the contractor struggled to find a supplier that could provide a full range of required wires with consistent quality, as the project demanded multiple wire types for different components: from PV panel interconnections to indoor control systems. After initial consultations with several suppliers that failed to meet either the certification requirements or delivery timelines, the contractor turned to us for a reliable solution.​
2. Customized Solution: Tailored Wires for Airport Solar Project Needs​
After a detailed assessment of the project’s specifications, we proposed a comprehensive wire solution centered on four core products: TC-ER Cable, THWN Wire, XHHW Wire, and THHN Wire. Each product was selected for its unique advantages, tailored to the specific needs of different parts of the solar PV system, and we ensured all products met UL certification standards and the project’s technical requirements.​
For the PV panel interconnections and outdoor wiring, we recommendedTC-ER Cable in sizes 12 AWG to 4/0 AWG. Unlike standard cables, TC-ER Cable is designed for tray cable applications with exposed run capabilities, making it ideal for the airport’s open solar fields. It features a sunlight-resistant jacket that withstands Grenada’s strong UV radiation and a durable construction that resists abrasion and moisture—critical for outdoor installations. Compared to regular tray cables, our TC-ER Cable has a higher temperature rating (90°C dry) and meets UL 44 standard, ensuring it can handle the high current loads of the solar system without overheating.​
For indoor control systems and wiring in damp areas of the airport’s power control room, we provided THWN Wire (14 AWG to 2 AWG) and THHN Wire (14 AWG to 4/0 AWG). THWN Wire is rated for wet locations (75°C wet) and features a water-resistant nylon jacket, making it suitable for areas prone to humidity. THHN Wire, on the other hand, is designed for dry locations (90°C dry) with a thermoplastic jacket that offers excellent electrical insulation and flexibility, ideal for tight spaces in control panels. The key difference between THWN and THHN wires lies in their environment ratings—we matched each wire to the specific location to ensure safety and longevity, avoiding the one-size-fits-all approach that other suppliers proposed, which would have increased the risk of wire failure.​
The centerpiece of our solution was the XHHW Wire, including the 500 kcmil XHHW electric cable XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) for the project’s main power distribution lines. This specific wire was chosen for its superior performance in large-scale solar projects: the XLPE insulation provides excellent heat resistance (90°C dry/wet), chemical resistance, and low smoke emission, making it safer and more durable than traditional PVC-insulated wires. The 500 kcmil size was selected to handle the high current capacity required for the 15.1 MWp system, ensuring minimal energy loss during power transmission. Unlike other suppliers that offered XHHW wires with lower-quality insulation, our XHHW Wire is UL-certified (UL 44) and meets RoHS standards, with a cold-bend temperature of -40°C, ensuring it can withstand Grenada’s occasional temperature fluctuations.​
3. Safety Assurance: UL Certification and Strict Quality Control​
Safety is the top priority for large-scale airport solar projects, as any wire failure could lead to power outages, equipment damage, or even fire hazards. Our core advantage in this project was our full range of UL-certified products, which played a decisive role in the client’s selection of our company. All our wires—TC-ER Cable, THWN Wire, XHHW Wire (including the 500 kcmil XHHW electric cable XLPE), and THHN Wire—are certified by UL, complying with UL 4703 standards for photovoltaic wiring and UL 1581 for electrical safety. This certification was non-negotiable for the client, as it was required to pass local inspections and meet the project’s compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70.​
Beyond certification, we implemented strict quality control measures throughout the production process to ensure consistency and reliability. We use high-purity copper conductors (meeting ASTM B3, B8, and B33 standards) for all wires, which offer lower resistance and better conductivity than the recycled copper used by some competitors. For the XHHW Wire’s XLPE insulation, we use premium cross-linked polyethylene materials that undergo rigorous testing for thermal aging, flame retardancy, and moisture resistance—our wires meet UL 1581 VW-1 flame retardant standards, ensuring they self-extinguish in case of fire, reducing the risk of fire spread.​
We also provided detailed test reports for each batch of wires, including voltage withstand tests (up to 5.0 kV for 500 kcmil XHHW Wire) and conductor resistance tests, giving the client full transparency and confidence in the product quality. Our quality control team conducts 100% inspection before shipment, ensuring no defective products reach the project site—a level of rigor that the client had not experienced with previous suppliers.​
4. Delivery Execution: Fast Turnaround and Seamless Logistics​
The client’s tight construction schedule was another critical pain point—any delay in wire delivery would have pushed back the project’s completion date, leading to penalties and missed renewable energy targets. To address this, we leveraged two key advantages: our large-scale production capacity and established international logistics network.​
Upon receiving the client’s order, we prioritized the project in our production schedule, allocating dedicated production lines to ensure fast turnaround. The total order included 50,000 meters ofTC-ER Cable, 30,000 meters of THWN Wire, 25,000 meters of XHHW Wire (including 8,000 meters of 500 kcmil XHHW electric cable XLPE), and 20,000 meters of THHN Wire. We completed production in just 18 days—far faster than the industry average of 25-30 days—thanks to our automated production equipment and experienced team.​
For logistics, we partnered with reliable international shipping companies specializing in hazardous goods (electrical wires) to ensure timely delivery to Grenada. We handled all customs clearance documents, including UL certification copies, product test reports, and export declarations, simplifying the process for the client. The entire shipment arrived at the Maurice Bishop International Airport project site in 7 days, well ahead of the client’s 25-day delivery deadline. We also provided real-time shipping tracking, allowing the client to monitor the shipment’s progress and plan construction accordingly.​
Additionally, we assigned a dedicated project manager to coordinate with the client throughout the delivery process, addressing any questions or concerns promptly. This personalized service ensured seamless communication and helped avoid any potential delays, further solidifying the client’s trust in our capabilities.​
5. Project Outcomes: Successful Implementation and Tangible Value​
Thanks to our tailored wire solution, strict quality control, and fast delivery, the Grenada Large-Scale Airport Solar PV Installation Project progressed smoothly, with the first phase of the solar plant becoming operational in June 2025—on schedule and within budget. Our wires have performed exceptionally well in the harsh Caribbean environment, with no issues reported during the initial 3 months of operation.​
The 500 kcmil XHHW electric cable XLPE has proven to be a critical component, ensuring efficient power transmission with minimal energy loss—tests show that energy loss is reduced by 3% compared to the client’s original wire specifications. The TC-ER Cable has withstood constant UV exposure without any signs of jacket degradation, and the THWN Wire andTHHN Wire have maintained stable performance in both damp and dry environments, respectively. This reliability has helped the project meet its initial energy generation targets, contributing to Grenada’s goal of increasing renewable energy capacity.​
From a cost perspective, our solution also delivered value: by providing high-quality, long-lasting wires, we helped the client reduce maintenance costs over the project’s 25-year lifespan. The UL certification also eliminated the risk of non-compliance penalties, saving the client potential additional expenses. Compared to other suppliers that offered lower-quality, non-certified wires at a slightly lower price, our solution proved to be more cost-effective in the long run.​

6. Cooperation Value and Client Feedback​
Our partnership with the project contractor went beyond just supplying wires—we provided a comprehensive solution that addressed their core challenges, from certification and quality to delivery and support. The client recognized our three key advantages: UL-certified products that ensure compliance and safety, extensive experience in large-scale solar projects (we have completed over 20 similar international solar projects in the past 5 years), and fast delivery with personalized service.​
The client was particularly impressed by our attention to detail and commitment to meeting their needs. They noted that our ability to provide a full range of UL-certified wires, tailored to the project’s specific requirements, eliminated the need to work with multiple suppliers—a common pain point in large-scale projects. Our fast delivery also allowed them to stay on schedule, avoiding costly delays. Overall, the client views our company as a reliable long-term partner and has expressed interest in collaborating on future solar projects in Grenada and other Caribbean nations.​
7. Choose Us for Your Next Wire Export Project​
If you are undertaking a large-scale solar project—whether in Grenada or any other country—and need high-quality, UL-certified wires with fast delivery and professional support, we are your ideal partner. We specialize in exporting TC-ER Cable, THWN Wire, XHHW Wire (including 500 kcmil XHHW electric cable XLPE), THHN Wire, and other customized electrical wires, with the expertise to tailor solutions to your project’s unique needs.​
Our advantages set us apart: UL certification for all products, extensive experience in large-scale solar and infrastructure projects, strict quality control, fast delivery (15-20 days for most orders), and personalized customer service. We understand the challenges of international wire exports and are committed to making the process seamless for our clients, from order placement to delivery and after-sales support.​
Don’t let wire quality, certification, or delivery delays hinder your project’s success. Contact us today to discuss your wire requirements and get a customized quote. We look forward to partnering with you to bring your renewable energy projects to life.​
Contact Information​
Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd.​
Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592​
Email: manager01@greaterwire.com