Today, Connectivity (hereinafter referred to as “TE”), a global industry technology leader in the field of connectivity and sensing, with its latest technology and product portfolio, appeared in the 16th International solar photovoltaic and smart Energy (Shanghai) Conference and Exhibition. As a one-stop connectivity solution provider in the industry, TE showcased its products and services for the photovoltaic industry, including a range of solutions for photovoltaic modules, inverters, booster substations and energy storage scenarios. Adhering to the continuous investment and commitment to the photovoltaic industry, TE will continue to lead the innovation and development of the industry. The exhibition will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Center from May 24 to 26, 2023.

In 2022, under the guidance of the goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” and the background of accelerated application of global clean energy, China’s photovoltaic industry has witnessed rapid growth: the installed capacity of photovoltaic power generation in China is 87.41 GW, up 59.3% year-on-year. In addition, Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that the global installed photovoltaic capacity will reach 268 GW in 2022. In the process of the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, reliability and efficiency are indispensable, posing challenges to all sides of the industry.

Relying on the new generation of intelligent connection technology, TE helps partners realize the safe, stable and reliable operation of photovoltaic power stations in the whole cycle from consulting and design to installation and maintenance, accelerates the rapid and sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry, and contributes to the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. “Reliable operation is the core appeal of photovoltaic power stations. We should solve the problems that may occur in the design, installation and other front-end links of the power station. Photovoltaic connectors will play a crucial role in this.” TE Energy Division renewable energy sales manager Xie Jin introduced. In view of the difficulties of photovoltaic power generation and efficiency improvement demand points, TE has launched a series of innovative and reliable photovoltaic connection products and solutions, which have been widely used in the world, with a total installed capacity of 150 GW.

SOLARLOK PV4-S Photovoltaic connectors: Reliable and durable, suitable for harsh environments

SOLARLOK PV4-S photovoltaic connectors, for example, have strong anti-aging and waterproof sealing properties, while reducing power loss. The product has been certified by TUV and UL for 1500 V, and obtained triple IEC reliability test certification, providing a reliable connection solution for photovoltaic modules, inverters, bushboxes and photovoltaic power station cable connection.

The SOLARLOK PV4-S photovoltaic connector was used in the photovoltaic modules of the world’s first floating power stations. Its ability to withstand high humidity and salt spray, as well as its expected service life of more than 25 years, ensures reliable operation of the power station’s connection system in harsh environments. In addition, SOLARLOK PV4-S was also used in the lighting system of a riding lane in France. To save space, photovoltaic panels for the biking lighting system are laid directly on the pavement. The compact solution, which meets the local government’s need to light the biking lanes with renewable energy, is strong enough to support the weight of bicycles for long periods of time in the future. The sealed design is also waterproof, providing a reliable connection for the entire operating cycle of the photovoltaic panels.

SOLARLOK 2.0 Photovoltaic Repair Connector: A fast connection solution with durability and flexibility

Based on the SOLARLOK PV4-S, TE also developed a fast connector product — SOLARLOK 2.0 photovoltaic repair connector. Not only is PV4-S reliable and durable, but installation efficiency is greatly improved: A pair of connectors can be installed in as little as 30 seconds without any special installation tools or professional training, reducing installation time by up to 80%.

On the market, a standard PV connector with connector housing and crimp terminals takes about 2 minutes to install. Take a PV power station with 20,000 connection points as an example. It takes about one month to complete the installation of all the connection points of a PV power station. With the SOLARLOK 2.0 connector, the installation time can be reduced to about a week.

The SOLARLOK 2.0 photovoltaic emergency repair connector is also suitable for various cable connection requirements in photovoltaic power stations, suitable for TUV/IEC&UL 1500 V DC systems, and uses insulation shift technology (IDC) to achieve fast, error-free installation. All connections from 2.5 to 6 square diameters can be made with a single gauge while ensuring the same superior and effective connection. At the exhibition site, TE specially organized the installation experience activity of this photovoltaic rush repair connector, so that the guests can personally experience the convenient installation characteristics of the product.