Renewable energy - for a clean future

For instance, the combination of bifacial solar modules together with a tracker system promises a 20 percent yield increase. Since the beginning of the PV era, Stäubli provides dedicated connection technology to the global solar industry and boasts many years of experience as a pioneer in this sector. What began as a custom product is a complete PV portfolio today and it’s impossible to imagine the market without it. The original MC4 is no longer just a pioneer among PV connectors, it is meanwhile an international benchmark.

Over 255 GW of solar power have now been installed with the original MC4 connector. This corresponds to the power of 332 nuclear power plants and means that almost half of the solar modules installed around the world are equipped with Stäubli connectors.

The MC4-Evo AC concept represents a promising addition to the MC4 family. Originally developed for power inverters, this product is now used in other applications such as exterior lighting and charging solutions. Its flat design, the high IP rating, and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening are key features for many design engineers and take all relevant standards into account. To ensure the fast and error-free installation, the connectors are provided pre-assembled, including cables.

Another field of the solar market undergoing rapid growth is the PV tracker segment. With these systems, the solar modules are automatically aligned to the sun in order to further increase the energy yield.

The individual components, from control units, to actuators, to radio links, can be reliably equipped with the various Stäubli connectors and set a uniform quality standard within solar power plants.

In the innovation department, intelligent connectors are being tested to expand the digital ecosystem of the PV industry. The analysis and processing of the additionally captured data promise a new era in the operation and maintenance of solar power plants.

Such new connectors are also playing a key role in safety concepts: the Stäubli InterRaptr is a rapid shutdown receiver integrated in the cabling that immediately reduces the power to a safe voltage level in case of an emergency. Several countries such as the USA have already included rapid shutdown devices in the relevant safety standards to protect the rescue forces.

Stäubli’s comprehensive portfolio is represented at all relevant trade fairs and worldwide, a network of experts is available to provide individual application engineering, as well as on-site support as needed.