Safe exploitation of solar energy: New junction box from Kyocera on the market

No fire risk from solar modules thanks to quality components and correct installation

02 October 2009

Kyoto / Neuss, 02 October 2009 – The Japanese technology corporation Kyocera is one of the leading manufacturers in the photovoltaic field. Kyocera is bringing a reworked and hence even safer junction box for the KD series modules intended for mains connection onto the market. For more than 30 years, Kyocera has been gathering experience in the production of solar modules, a field in which it has always focused on quality and safety.

In the contacts for its junction boxes, Kyocera is opting for high-quality soldered joints from the outset, rather than clamped joints, and is thus offering dependable protection against fire hazards.
If lower quality is employed, defective electrical connections may lead to a fire in the junction box. Soldered connections are the safest form of creating the contact and, in connection with complete encapsulation of the junction box, provide protection against corrosion and overheating. Kyocera already uses flame-retarding components in its manufacturing, which is why the new junction box has also achieved the highest non-combustibility rating of 5V-A in compliance with UL94.
Solar modules from Kyocera withstand high loads. This is also the reason why the company’s solar plants have been specifically chosen for sites with extreme weather conditions such as in the Alps, on top of the Jungfraujoch, and for the “Princess Elisabeth” research station in the Antarctic. In its production, Kyocera attaches particular importance to covering the entire value-added chain itself and thus guaranteeing quality and performance of the modules.
Both the new junction box and the connecting cables comply with the requirements of current IEC standards. The tried and tested Multi-Contact® PV-KB/ST 3 plug-in connectors have been retained, which enables trouble-free combination of modules with “old” and “new” junction boxes.
Introduction of the new junction box is scheduled for October 2009.

Press Material