Molex's SolarSpec portfolio addresses critical need in global solar industry

Solar Power International 2011, LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. will demonstrate its SolarSpec portfolio of products at the Solar Power International exhibition, Oct. 17-20, booth 6854. Molex delivers high quality connectivity solutions including junction boxes, DC connectors and cable assemblies. Applications range from residential and commercial rooftops to utilities, public buildings and solar farms.

SolarSpec products from Molex are specifically designed to support efficient, reliable and flexible solar interconnections and include:

SolarSpec Junction Box: Features innovatively designed spring terminals with optional Solder Charge Technology enabling the assembly to be attached to photovoltaic (PV) solar panels using robotic pick-and-place machines. This automated approach to production removes any manual process variation and associated risk-of-assembly errors while reducing the costs attributed to manual labor.

SolarSpec Smart Junction Box: The next-generation SolarSpec junction box features multiple modular covers with embedded chipsets to provide varying levels of intelligence for smart functionality and optimal performance of PV panel systems.

Thin-Film Junction Box: Specifically designed for automatic placement on thin-film solar PV panels, the Thin-Film junction box simplifies the panel assembly process for manufacturers and reduces production costs.

SolarSpec Overmolded Junction Box: Provides panel manufacturers with a flexible method of manually attaching busbar ribbon conductors to solar panels, ensuring superior cable retention and environmental protection.

SolarSpec DC Connectors: These rugged, IP67-sealed connectors are designed for direct connection to solar junction boxes with a simple snap-lock mating and an internal locking mechanism for superior safety.

SolarSpec Field-Attachable DC Connectors: Featuring a simple clip wire-insertion mechanism, the field attachable connectors are designed for quick and easy attachment without the need to crimp wires in PV field installations.

SolarSpec Panel-Mount DC Connectors: The pin (male) and socket (female) panel-mount DC connectors are ideal for inverter applications and feature an internal locking mechanism and touch-proof design for superior safety.

“The growing global demand for renewable energy sources is driving the photovoltaic solar industry to look for new and innovative ways to increase manufacturing efficiency while maintaining high standards of performance,” said Dan Prescott, director of key account management and industry marketing, Molex. “With its SolarSpec portfolio, Molex has developed a comprehensive range of interconnection products that specifically addresses these needs with proven technology, solar-compliant materials and unmatched reliability in rugged environments.”

SolarSpec solutions meet the many energy and solar design requirements, including UL1703; IEC; IP67/IP68/IP69; weatherproof, environmental and sealed connectors; NEC and NEC2008 requirements; long-term UV and ozone resistance and RoHS compliance.