Why is safety a priority for the solar industry? Why are meticulous handling methods and installation procedures of the smallest components in photovoltaic systems so important? PES wanted to find out more about this topic by talking to Dominic Buergi, Global Head of Services Renewable Energy at PV connector market leader Stäubli.
PES: Thanks for taking time to speak to us today, Dominic. A few years ago, Stäubli launched an awareness campaign entitled ‘Small components. Big impact’ taking a closer look at the role of photovoltaic connectors. What’s the reason for that?
Dominic Buergi: Thank you for this question. First, I would like to look at a few facts and figures. With a 37% share, solar power represents the largest part in renewable energy worldwide and also leads capacity growth with an increase of 32%. So, photovoltaics plays an important role in generating reliable, affordable and clean energy. But photovoltaic plants are nowadays also long-term investments that require close management and monitoring. We must consider the fact that these solar systems are power generating plants just as any other hydropower plant or even nuclear power stations. Therefore safety and reliability must take priority.
