Predicting photovoltaic connector lifetime

Photovoltaic (PV) connectors are generally thought of as essential, although some what ´inert´ components of a PV system that do not have any specific lifetime issues related to them. In contrast, PV modules are marketed with lifetimes of 20 years or more. No commitment is normally made to the lifetime of the associated dc wiring by the system supplier. In building integrated PV system´s in particular a dc connection failure will often necessitate a difficult repair, usually at a prohibitive cost. Historically, to ensure a reliable dc connection, hard wiring between modules in a facade for example has been used. However, push fit connectors are now commonly used enabling system installations to be achieved in a safer and far quicker manner. Accelerated lifetime testing has been undertaken on the leading PV connector system´s using specifically developed test regimes. The implications of the testing results to the predicted reliability of such connector systems are discussed coupled with the associated issues of fabrication and on-site assembly.