Solar Power World

First Multi-Pin Connector To Meet PV Requirements

Anderson Power Products,  manufacturer of interconnect solutions, says its Solar SPEC Pak is the first multi-pin connector to meet the photovoltaic industry requirements specified in UL 6703A, passing the same harsh environmental tests used to qualify solar panels. The SPEC Pak has power handling capabilities up to 1000 volts and features a locking latch that complies with NEC... Read More

Adhesives 101

An adhesive is a substance that unites or bonds surfaces together. In the solar industry, adhesives are used throughout the process of manufacturing and installation. Henkel's adhesive Loctite 3388P enables high-strength ingot bonding in solar applications. Thin-film solar panels (see page 296), in particular, need adhesives around the edges because they typically don’t have... Read More

Connectors 101

Connectors are coupling devices used to connect conductors together. Solar connections must be rated for the same high DC amperage and extreme conditions that the wire is rated for. If connections are not done properly, it can take down an entire system — and dozens of connections. Mechanical solar connectors -Burndy There are several ways to connect one wire to another. Some... Read More

ILSCO Introduces New Connectors

ILSCO introduces two new connectors for solar panel grounding, SGB-4 and GBL-4SS. They are designed to prevent galvanic reactions and enhance conductivity.   The SGB-4 connector body has extruded serrations for breaking the anodized finish on photovoltaic modules and frames. The serrations in the wire binding break corrosion on the grounding wire which means that no surface preparation... Read More

Advanced Electronics Improve Quality, Performance

by Uli Schoettle, Molex Incorporated   While solar panel manufacturing continues along a trajectory of decreasing costs and industry reaches grid parity – i.e. aligns with conventional energy prices – new quality and performance metrics are emerging as OEMs and system integrators shift focus to differentiate their products for an increasingly more sophisticated customer. In... Read More

Precision travel positioning for translating screw jacks

A Cleveland-based manufacturer of linear motion-control systems and components offers a system to provide precision position control for translating screw jack systems. Nook Industries says its Nook Sensor System has a highly accurate repeatability of up to + .004″ (0.1MM), and is designed for their ActionJac translating screw jacks. The system also features a cylindrical... Read More

Silicone PV Adhesive Is Thermally Activated

SCHOTT North America unveiled its new Deep UV-200, a one-part thermally activated silicone adhesive, which is  suited for a variety of applications that require high ultraviolet (UV), visible and near infrared (IR) transmission, including photovoltaic and concentrating solar arrays and UV-LED. SCHOTT’s Deep UV-200 is an advancement in thermal adhesive technology showing UV stability... Read More