Sandia hosts first workshop devoted to photovoltaic connectors

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.