Written by Gary Nelson, Product Manager- Device Connections

So here we are once again with my last blog of 2013 so I thought I would highlight not only a very innovative technology but also a very new market. Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV as it’s more commonly known, is the latest trend in energy development using solar technology.

Conventional building materials such as windows, roofing, shading elements, etc. are being replaced with photovoltaic modules. This trend satisfies the future requirements that buildings will need to meet, namely, not only to use less energy but also to actively provide energy. BIPV usually involves difficult installation conditions where the space available for laying cables is very restricted in most cases.

Phoenix Contact has risen to the challenges posed by BIPV installations and has expanded the Sunclix family of products by introducing a range of miniature connection devices suitable for BIPV applications. Launched under the heading of Sunclix Mini the products are mounted invisibly behind photovoltaic modules or directly into the façade framework.

The first of these is the box which utilises the proven Sunclix spring technology offering tool free connection to the BIPV ribbons, therefore reducing the installation times required. These products are available with left and right cable outlet orientations and are rated at 5A, 1000V.

On top of this the Sunclix Mini plug-in connectors utilise tool free pierce-con technology to make the connections ensuring that expensive and cumbersome tooling is not required. The miniature plug connectors have an outside diameter of only 11mm and are especially suitable for thin film BIPV modules and have IP67 protection with an impressive high power rating of 15A, 1000V.

Phoenix Contact also provides a string diode box to avoid feedback currents created by sudden shading. The rugged housing and low-profile design ensure stability and reliability. The diode box is available with free ends or pre-assembled with the Sunclix Mini plug-in connectors and rated at 5A, 1000V.

Thanks to carefully selected components and Phoenix Contact quality the Sunclix Mini BIPV family of products offers long term durability even under difficult climatic conditions.

Sunclix Mini further expands the already established range of photovoltaic products available from Phoenix Contact and once again shows our ongoing commitment to creating innovative products for emerging markets.

I hope you have found my blogs informative and interesting and I hope they have helped expand your knowledge of the vast portfolio of device connection products available from Phoenix Contact.  Please contact me for more information about Sunclix Mini : gnelson@phoenixcontact.com or tel: 07780 483099

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