- Press Release
Strategic cooperation for safer photovoltaic systems
22.10.2020 Stäubli, the pioneer and market leader in electrical connectors for photovoltaic systems, invests in application-oriented research and development. The Electrical Connectors division (formerly Multi-Contact) enters into a multi-year cooperation with the Laboratory for Photovoltaic Systems (PV Lab) of the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH).
The Electrical Connectors division of the Stäubli Group is an expert in reliable, dependable electrical connection solutions for many industrial sectors. The Original MC4 PV connector set the standard for photovoltaics (PV). With a proven track record of more than 330 GW of installed photovoltaic capacity, accounting for almost 50 percent of the total global PV capacity, Stäubli has more than 25 years of experience in this area.
The Department of Engineering and Information Technology at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) integrates forward-looking topics like alternative energies, new technologies and digitalization into its research, development, and teaching. Its photovoltaics laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. Urs Muntwyler, has carried out research in the area of “photovoltaic system technology” for 30 years. Since 1985, Prof. Urs Muntwyler has been a committed pioneer and expert in solar energy. He is also part of a body of experts on safe PV installations in the building insurance industry.
“In the PV lab at the BFH, in addition to long-term monitoring and quality testing of PV systems and components, we also analyze the underlying technical conditions for increasing the safety of PV installations. We are looking forward to the professional, constructive collaboration with the market leader for PV DC connectors,” confirms Prof. Muntwyler.
“We have come to know and appreciate the PV-Lab and Prof. Muntwyler as competent partners when it comes to evaluate, based on technically scientific expertise, the medium and long-term consequences of cross-mating in PV systems for customers - whether in relation to the LCOE1 or to plant safety. With the BFH, Stäubli has a scientific partner at its side who supports the holistic understanding and interaction of all factors for safe PV systems. The gained insights will be incorporated in our development projects and the international committee work,” says Matthias Schuerch, Head of Global Product Management for Alternative Energies at Stäubli.
1Levelized Cost Of Energie
About Stäubli
Stäubli offers innovative mechatronic solutions in three core areas including Connectors, Robotics and Textile. Founded in 1892, today Stäubli is an international group headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland with more than 5,500 employees worldwide. Stäubli has a presence in 29 countries with production companies, sales and service subsidiaries and is supplemented by agents in 50 countries.
As a world market leader in the field of connectors, Stäubli manufactures quick connector systems for all types of fluids, gases and electrical energy. The Electrical Connectors product portfolio (formerly Multi-Contact) ranges from miniature connectors to high-performance connectors for power transmission, industrial automation, transportation, test and measurement. In Photovoltaics, Stäubli is the global market leader with its MC4 connector components. The core of all Stäubli electrical connectors is the unique MULTILAM technology.
About the Bern University of Applied Sciences
Alternative energies, new technologies, digitalization: The Department of Engineering and Information Technology at the Bern University of Applied Sciences integrates these highly topical issues into its research, development, and teaching. Applied research takes place in ten institutes and three BFH centers, which cover a broad spectrum of expertise. New technologies and the know-how gained from research and industry products are carried over to scientific research and shared with partners in order to develop new products and processes.
The Laboratory for Photovoltaic Systems at the BFH has carried out research and other activities in the area of “photovoltaic system technology” for 30 years. Its most important activities are research projects and services in the areas of long-term measurement and quality assurance for PV systems, testing PV power inverters, integrating photovoltaics into building enclosures, and connecting photovoltaics to electrical vehicles, batteries, and “smart use”.
