In 2022, under the guidance of the goal of “reaching the peak of carbon and carbon neutrality” and the background of accelerating the application of global clean energy, China’s photovoltaic industry has experienced rapid growth: 87.41 GW of domestic photovoltaic power generation capacity, an increase of 59.3%. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates, the global installed PV capacity in 2022 will reach 268 GW. In the process of rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, reliability and efficiency are indispensable, which challenges all parties in the industry.
Relying on a new generation of intelligent connection technology, TE helps its partners tovoltaic power stations throughout the cycle from consulting design to installation and maintenance, accelerating the rapid and sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry, and contributing to the realization of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. “Reliable operation is the core demand of photovoltaic power plants, we should be in the power plant design, installation and other front-end links, the problem that may cause failure to solve, photovoltaic connectors in which will play a vital role.” TE Energy Division renewable energy sales manager Xie Jin introduced. In response to the difficulties and efficiency needs of photovoltaic power generation, TE has launched a series of innovative and reliable photovoltaic connectivity products and solutions, which are now widely used worldwide, with a total installed capacity of 150 GW.
SOLARLOK PV4-S Photovoltaic connectors: Reliable and durable for harsh environments
SOLARLOK PV4-S photovoltaic connectors, for example, have strong anti-aging and waterproof sealing properties, while reducing power losses. With 1500 V TUV and UL industry dual certification and triple IEC reliability test certification, the product provides a reliable connection solution for PV modules, inverters, bus boxes and PV power station cable connections.
SOLARLOK PV4-S photovoltaic connectors are 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, ensure the reliable operation of the power station’s connection system in harsh environments. In addition, the SOLARLOK PV4-S is also used in the lighting system of a riding road in France. In order to save space, the photovoltaic panels of the bike lighting system are laid directly on the road surface. This compact solution effectively meets the needs of the local government to light the cycling lanes with renewable energy, and is strong enough to withstand the weight of bicycles for long periods of time in the future, and the sealed design is effectively waterproof, providing a reliable connection guarantee for the entire operating cycle of the photovoltaic panels. Based on SOLARLOK PV4-S, TE also developed and launched a fast connector product – SOLARLOK 2.0 photovoltaic repair connector. The connector not only offers the reliability and durability of PV4-S, but also greatly improves installation efficiency: no special installation tools and professional training are required, and a pair of connectors can be installed in as little as 30 seconds, reducing installation time by up to 80%.

On the market, a pair of standard photovoltaic connectors with connector housing and crimp terminals takes about 2 minutes to install. Taking a photovoltaic power station with 20,000 connection points as an example, it takes about 1 month to complete the installation of all connection points of a photovoltaic power station. However, in the case of SOLARLOK 2.0 rush repair connectors, the installation time will be reduced to about 1 week.

SOLARLOK 2.0 photovoltaic repair connectors are also suitable for the connection needs of various cables in photovoltaic power stations, suitable for TUV/IEC&UL 1500 V DC systems, and uses insulation shift technology (IDC) to achieve fast and error-free installation. All connections from 2.5 to 6 square diameters can be solved with just one specification while ensuring the same superior and effective connection. At the exhibition site, TE specially organized the installation experience of this photovoltaic repair connector, so that guests can personally experience the convenient installation characteristics of the product.