Sandia hosts first workshop devoted to photovoltaic connectors

image of a connector that connects one pv pnael with another

The Sandia-EPRI co-hosted Photovoltaic (PV) Connector Reliability Workshop will take place Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. ET, in Charlotte, N.C. The event will occur in tandem with the larger EPRI 7th Annual Wind and Solar Operation and Management (O&M) Innovation Workshop held July 16-18, 2024. The specialized gathering provides a forum for stakeholders across the solar industry, from owners to developers and investors to insurers, to collectively tackle one of the leading causes of module failure and system under-performance. Registration is still available.

During Panel Session I, View from the Trenches: Connector Reliability in the United States, Sandia Scientist Laurie Burnham will provide an overview entitled, “Why this Workshop/Why Now.” Other panelists’ perspectives will include the views of a major developer, an independent engineer, and a large PV plant owner.

Bruce King, Technical Director of Sandia’s Photovoltaic Systems Evaluation Lab, will kick off Panel Session II, Connector Failures: Field and Lab Findings, with his presentation, “Investigation of Installation Practices.” Steven Digregorio, also of Sandia, will present a forensics discussion. EPRI and NREL will also present.

Other sessions include the economics of connector failure and building a pathway to greater reliability. All photovoltaic industry stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

For more information about speakers, topics and times, view the complete agenda.

For questions, contact Laurie Burnham.


July 16, 2024