It may be difficult to extend manufacturing and preserve high quality on the identical time, wrote Michael Fuhs. This not solely applies to photovoltaic modules, but in addition to connectors.
The Swiss market chief in photovoltaic connectors, Stäubli, continues to carry virtually half of the PV connector market, in line with Matthias Mack, the corporate’s VP for renewable vitality.
Staubli produces the place its clients are – ie producers of photo voltaic modules and module-level energy electronics (MLPE) – and it follows three guidelines to take care of high quality: First, though manufacturing services are unfold world wide, says Mack, Stäubli makes use of a couple of key suppliers for its machines and they’re certified.
Second, in relation to plastic, Mack says it is vital to withstand the temptation to make use of new, cheaper uncooked supplies. “High quality issues, like microcracks, are solely observed years later,” he stated. The ensuing harm is intensive, as a result of it’s essential establish the defective connectors first. That is why Stäubli makes use of well-known supplies with a protracted monitor document. Of the 1.1 TW of worldwide photo voltaic era capability, Stäubli supplies 650 GW of worth, Mack estimates.
Third, to take care of high quality, the problem of discovering good personnel in manufacturing areas and coaching them should be overcome. Mack not solely sees challenges in manufacturing, but in addition in set up.
“We nonetheless observe many incidents with defective set up,” he stated – for for instance, with improper crimping and set up in dangerous climate situations. Due to this fact, Stäubli will even lengthen its assist to set up firms.
Not solely the module producers are increasing, on the identical time the connector producers need to measure the continuity of reliability. Stäubli maintains its market share of roughly 50%, stated Vice-President Renewable vitality Matthias Mack, explaining how reliability is ensured. pic.twitter.com/6k5MbDyaex
— pv journal (@pvmagazine) June 16, 2023
