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 LCOE[1] 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.
Matthias Mack, Director of Global Alternative Energies, adds: “We see this long-term cooperation with the BFH as another step in making the quite young PV industry safer in the long term, with quality products and education in the area of application or installation as a contribution to decarbonization of the energy industry.”
