HelioVolta flagged connector failures across US solar projects

HelioVolta, an US-based technical advisory firm, has released a report, revealing that connector issues remain a major risk in US solar installations. The report analyzed over 5 GW of field data across hundreds of utility and commercial projects. It found that 83% of inspected projects had connector-related issues, with 45% requiring urgent maintenance and 4.3% facing critical failures. These failures were mostly due to improper installation. In one case, connector issues wiped out 58% of annual revenues in a commercial solar portfolio. The report outlined strategies to reduce risk, such as design-phase risk quantification, connector compatibility procurement standards, improved quality control, and regular third-party inspections. It also noted that training for EPC and O&M teams is essential. Innovations like crimpless connectors and standardization efforts by Sandia National Laboratories and NREL were also covered.