Conergy PowerPlus modules offer highest safety for photovoltaic equipment
- Media:fire hazard from solar modules as discussiontopic
- Conergy PowerPlus modules built to be risk-free
- Photovoltaic systems from Conergy are thus not just lucrative, but safe as well
Photovoltaics have for many years been one of the most lucrative and safe forms of energy production.20 years of fixed feed-in tariffs ensure stable profits.The technology itself delivers the highest level of sustainability and safety.Even so, there have been individual cases in which defective components or workmanship have nevertheless led to incidents.
The recent recall action by a major module manufacturer, as well as the catching fire of a rooftop solar facility have lead to discussions in some quarters of the media about the safety of photovoltaic systems.In both cases imperfectly produced connection boxes on the photovoltaic modules are reported in the media to have sparked a fire, or at have the potential to do so.
A brief review:How can a connection box catch on fire?
For a connection box to catch on fire, the likely culprit would be imperfectly produced clamped or bolted connections.Defective connections can corrode over time and lead to increased contact resistance between the clamp and cell connector.In a worst case scenario, this can then generate an electrical arc which then melts the plastic on the connection box.If the connection box is not made of flame-retardant material, but is instead filled out with air, the connection box could potentially even catch fire.
Soldered connections are fundamentally the safest form of processing and are preferred to clamped or bolted connections.Yet even soldered connections can fail in individual cases if not professionally installed.This generally only occurs if the soldered connections are processed by hand.
Whether clamped, bolted or soldered:Non-encapsulated connection boxes are at a disadvantage compared to encapsulated connection boxes.They are more likely to allow moisture to penetrate into the connection box, which can corrode the contact points and supply oxygen in the event of an electrical arc – which is ultimately the prerequisite for a connection box fire.
Conergy PowerPlus:Connection box equipped to meet the highest non-combustibility levels
Conergy's PowerPlus modules are deliberately created without either clamped or bolted connections, since these represent a heightened risk of corrosion for the parts inside. They instead feature soldered connection boxes manufactured by Conergy through a fully automated and controlled process at its TÜV-certified module production plant in Frankfurt on the Oder. Robots are used to mount the connection box on the rear of the module and then mechanically solder it on. This eliminates potential "cold soldered connections" and ensures a maximum degree of safety.
In designing its module connection boxes, Conergy also put particular emphasis on flame retardant components.This means that the Conergy PowerPlus module features materials that are self-extinguishing.
Conergy connection boxes are also sealed with a halogen- and solvent-free potting compound.This potting compound is durable, insulating and self-extinguishing – and attains the V-0 non-combustibility class, the top rating as per UL 94.It is also resistant to moisture, condensation and chemicals, which prevents the contact points from corroding as the module ages.
Conergy also takes the safe road when it comes to installation of solar modules.Instead of wood mounting systems, Conergy rooftop equipment use mounting systems made of fireproof aluminum that are produced in-house.
Conergy VP for Production Andreas von Zitzewitz says: "Photovoltaic is lucrative – and Conergy makes it even safer. The components used in Conergy PowerPlus modules and the fully automated production processes used to create them guarantee not only high profits, but also a maximum of safety for the customer. We make no compromises when it comes to quality – and rely on real Made in Germany." |