Junction box from Molex designed for pick-and-place panel assembly

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Molex has released the ‘SolarSpec’ Junction Box and Cable Assemblies designed for installation on the back of mono- and polycrystalline PV solar modules. These products provide the interface between the conductor ribbons on the panel and the DC I/O cables.  The SolarSpec Junction Box is the latest addition in a developing range of Molex connectors and cables assemblies for solar applications.

Problem

Tremendous growth within the solar-power market is fuelling competition in the manufacture of PV solar panels. The automated fabrication of PV modules improves efficiencies, product integrity and reduces production overhead. By utilizing automated production lines, assembly time of a junction box to a PV panel can be reduced. The 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution

SolarSpec Junction Box from Molex is specially designed for pick-and-place panel assembly. It features spring terminals connecting the base directly to the PV ribbon conductors, without need for retention clamps or clips. Optional patented ‘Solder Charge’ Technology facilitates high-speed assembly and eliminates the need for hand-soldering of the ribbon, significantly reducing any process variation. Optional double-sided tape removes the need for curing time for silicone when attaching the connector base to a module.

Applications

Crystalline PV module junction box assembly. 

Platform

The compact dimensional profile can supply current ratings comparable to traditional larger products. The SolarSpec Junction Box assembly is supplied with two removable DC cables available in dual-qualified (TÜV and UL) or single-qualified (TÜV) options. The junction box contains bypass diodes to protect the PV panel from reverse current during hours of darkness, shade or when covered by leaves or other debris. The junction box assembly houses the diodes and DC cable in the removable top cover of the housing to facilitate ease of field repair or replacement in the event of damage or wear. The top cover and base module are secured together with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental exposure of high-voltage contacts.

Availability

September 2010 onwards. 

Read Next

November 14, 2024
China’s CHN Energy has grid connected the Mengxi Blue Ocean PV Power Plant Project, at 3GW the country’s largest single-site PV power plant.
November 14, 2024
The sixth PPE2 tender for ground-mounted solar ended up slightly oversubscribed as the French government tendered for 925MW of PV capacity.
November 14, 2024
In its Q1-3 2024 financial results, SMA Solar said it will cut up to 1,100 jobs and reduce costs by between €150 and €200 million by the end of 2025.
November 14, 2024
The Northern Territory government in Australia has proposed developing an AU$400 million (US$259 million) renewable energy hub featuring six solar PV power plants in the region.
November 14, 2024
Australia’s Pacific Blue, a renewable energy generator and retailer, has been granted council approval for a 300MW solar-plus-storage expansion in North Queensland.
November 14, 2024
State-owned China Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy) has completed a 1GW floating solar PV facility in the Shandong Province of China.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 19, 2024
Philadelphia, USA
Solar Media Events
November 20, 2024
Zhuhai, China
Solar Media Events
November 21, 2024
London, UK
Solar Media Events
November 26, 2024
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 26, 2024
Warsaw, Poland