What Is an Edge Clip?
An edge clip (also called a cable clip or wire clip) is a snap-on fastener used to route and secure cables along the edges of metal profiles, sheet metal panels, and structural frames — without drilling, screws, or adhesives.
In photovoltaic (PV) installations, edge clips are the standard solution for managing DC cables along the aluminium frames of solar panels. They clip directly onto the frame profile and hold cables firmly in place, even under the mechanical stress of wind loads and thermal expansion over decades of outdoor exposure.
How it works: Inside the plastic body sits an integrated metal U-clip — a precision-formed spring element in stainless steel or galvanised steel. It snaps onto the panel frame profile edge (1.0–3.0 mm thick) in under a second, with no tools required. The clip locks mechanically and does not loosen from vibration.
Why Proper Cable Management Matters in PV Systems
Poorly routed cables are one of the leading causes of PV system failures and fire risk. Cables dragging on rooftop surfaces suffer abrasion damage from UV exposure and wind movement. Unsecured bundles can work loose in high winds and cause arcing or insulation damage.
Proper cable management with the right clips:
- Prevents cable chafing against panel frames and mounting rails
- Reduces mechanical stress on MC4 connectors and cable junctions
- Ensures compliance with IEC 62548 and IEC 60364-7-712 wiring standards
- Protects cables from UV degradation and water pooling
- Speeds up installation — one snap per clip, no tools, no drilling
Types of Edge Clips for Solar Installations
Clipberg manufactures six edge clip models suited to PV cable management, covering single cables, cable bundles, twin-cable routing, and compact mounting geometries. Below is a breakdown of each type.
Single-Cable Compact Clip — CB0081
The CB0081 is the workhorse of PV cable management. It is designed for individual DC cables with a diameter of Ø 4–6 mm — which covers the most common PV cable cross-sections (4 mm² and 6 mm²). Its compact body keeps the cable close to the panel frame with minimal protrusion.
Compact snap-on clip for individual PV cables. Metal U-clip mounts tool-free to panel frame profiles 1.0–3.0 mm thick. UV-resistant PA6, rated −40°C to +125°C.
Cable Bundle Clip with Integrated Strap — CB0080
The CB0080 is the heavy-duty option for securing multiple cables or large DC wire bundles running along panel frames or mounting rails. It combines an edge clip body with an integrated 200 × 5 mm strap that wraps around the cable bundle — eliminating the need for separate cable ties.
With a maximum bundle diameter of Ø 45 mm and a rated tensile load of 220 N, the CB0080 handles even the most demanding cable runs in large-scale ground-mount PV systems.
Integrated 200 mm strap with metal U-clip for securing cable bundles. Max bundle Ø 45 mm, tensile load 220 N. PA6.6 UV-resistant, RoHS compliant.
Twin-Loop Clip — CB0012
The CB0012 routes two cables simultaneously through a dual-loop body. In a standard PV string, DC cables always run in pairs (positive and negative conductor). The CB0012 secures both in a single clip, halving the number of fasteners per linear metre and reducing installation time significantly on large rooftop arrays.
Routes two cables side-by-side in a single clip. Ideal for PV string cabling where positive and negative conductors run in parallel. PA6 UV-resistant, metal U-clip.
Standard Single-Loop Clip — CB0011
The CB0011 is the standard single-loop edge clip with a wide loop body for comfortable cable insertion. It is the go-to choice for general-purpose PV cable routing where there is no space constraint and cable diameter varies within a standard range.
Wide single-loop body for single-cable routing. Suitable for a wide range of PV cable diameters. Metal U-clip snap-on, UV-resistant PA6.
Ultra-Compact Block Clip — CB0010
The CB0010 is a block-style clip with a minimal footprint — the smallest overall envelope in the Clipberg range. It is ideal for tight installation geometries where standard clip bodies would interfere with adjacent components, panel mounting hardware, or inverter wiring.
Minimal footprint block-style clip for space-critical mounting points. Maximum grip in the smallest possible envelope. Metal U-clip, UV-resistant PA6.
UV-Resistant Cable Tie — CB0082
The CB0082 is a self-locking PA6.6 cable tie (200 × 5 mm) used alongside edge clips or independently for additional cable bundling. In PV installations, cable ties are often used at inverter connection points, junction boxes, and cable entry points where edge clip mounting is not possible.
Self-locking PA6.6 cable tie for PV installations and outdoor industrial wiring. UV-stabilised black, rated −40°C to +125°C. RoHS compliant.
Selection Guide: Which Clip for Which Application?
Use this table to quickly identify the right clip for your PV project based on cable configuration and installation context.
| Model | Application | Cable / Bundle | Profile Thickness | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB0081 Most used | Single DC cable routing along panel frame | Ø 4–6 mm | 1.0–3.0 mm | PA6 UV |
| CB0080 | Multi-cable bundle with integrated strap | Bundle up to Ø 45 mm | 1.0–3.0 mm | PA6.6 UV |
| CB0012 | Parallel positive + negative DC cable pair | 2 cables | 1.0–3.0 mm | PA6 UV |
| CB0011 | General single-cable routing, standard spacing | Single cable | 1.0–3.0 mm | PA6 UV |
| CB0010 | Tight geometry, space-critical mounting points | Single cable | 1.0–3.0 mm | PA6 UV |
| CB0082 | Supplementary bundling, junction box wiring | Any bundle | — (standalone) | PA6.6 UV |
Material Specification: PA6 vs PA6.6
All Clipberg PV clips are available in PA6 or PA6.6 polyamide with integrated UV stabilisers. Both are rated for outdoor solar installations, but they differ in key properties:
| Property | PA6 (Nylon 6) | PA6.6 (Nylon 66) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating temperature | −40°C to +120°C | −40°C to +125°C |
| UV resistance | UV-stabilised | UV-stabilised |
| Stiffness | Moderate | Higher |
| Tensile strength | Good | Better |
| Typical use | Standard PV clips (CB0081, CB0011, CB0012) | High-load clips and ties (CB0080, CB0082) |
| Salt spray (ISO 9227) | NSS 720h | NSS 720h |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
Not sure which material is right for your project? Contact us — we specify the correct grade based on your operating environment, installation country, and cable specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
An integrated metal U-clip (spring steel) snaps onto the aluminium frame profile edge. No tools, no screws, no adhesives. Compatible with profile thicknesses of 1.0–3.0 mm — which covers the vast majority of commercial PV panel frames on the market.
Yes. All models use UV-stabilised PA6 or PA6.6 polyamide, rated for continuous outdoor exposure from −40°C to +125°C. Salt spray tested to ISO 9227 NSS 720h — covering rooftop, ground-mount, and coastal installations.
The CB0080 has an integrated 200 mm strap for securing cable bundles up to Ø 45 mm (max 220 N load) — used for multi-cable DC runs. The CB0081 is a compact clip for single cables Ø 4–6 mm — used for neat individual cable routing along the panel frame.
Yes — the CB0012 twin-loop clip routes two cables simultaneously, which is ideal for the positive/negative DC cable pairs in a PV string. It halves the number of clips needed per metre compared to using single-cable clips for each conductor.
Standard MOQ is 1 000 pieces per model, supplied in bags. For large PV projects, bulk pricing and custom packaging are available. Contact us with your project volume for a tailored quote.