PV panel connectors make for quick and cost-effective installation
Photovoltaic (PV) system installers can make reliable connections easily, quickly and cost-effectively, says TE Connectivity, using the SolarLok 2.0 DC connectors for PV panels.
SolarLok 2.0 is a field-installable product that uses insulation displacement contact (IDC) technology to create a connection between panels and cables without the need for any specialist tooling. The connectors have a closed-spring-cage to ensure constant termination force. Cables do not have to be stripped prior to making a connection, which makes installation approximately 80 per cent faster than with standard PV DC connectors that contain multiple components and crimp contacts. No custom tools are needed which makes installation quick and easy, says TE Connectivity, and also serves to “significantly lower” total system costs.
The SolarLok 2.0 connectors surpass the latest UL/IEC approval levels and reduce applied-system costs, says TE.
They incorporate the TE 1500V PV4-S solar interface, to meet all the latest solar PV norms and meet safety requirements specified in IEC 62852 / UL6703.
The connectors are gel-filled and waterproof. They also achieve an IPX8 (1m/24hrs) rating under IEC standard 60529, which means they resist submersion to depths longer than normal.
The SolarLok 2.0 connectors are available in male (negative pole) and female (positive pole) versions
They can handle a wide range of double insulated solar wires according to EN50618 / IEC2630 (ZKLA), from AWG 14 to 10
TE Connectivity manufactures connectivity and sensor solutions that are proven in the harshest environments and which have enabled advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications and the home.
The company has 80,000 employees, including more than 8,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries.
