New DC Cabling Solution by Amphenol, Powered by Ampt, Reduces Costs of PV Systems

SIDNEY, N.Y., Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Amphenol Industrial, a global leader in interconnect systems, announces availability of an active trunk and drop cabling solution, in conjunction with Ampt, an innovative designer of active electronics for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The new cabling solution reduces the cost of commercial and utility-scale PV systems.  Customers receive the full benefits of the unique active trunk and drop cabling solution when it is deployed with Amphenol's ModLink junction box also powered by Ampt.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120203/PH47268 )

Comprised of one major cable conductor with a number of smaller cables connected to a PV panel, the new assembly allows for up to 40 percent more modules per string as well as lower current carrying requirements. Ampt's integrated 'smart technology' monitors power generation, ground faults and fire protection on the assembly. 

When paired with Amphenol's ModLink junction box, the new active trunk and drop cabling solution also maximizes the output of each module, recovers degradation losses, removes the risk of module obsolescence, improves system run time and lowers energy costs.

Providing a simplified alternative to conventional DC wiring in PV systems, Amphenol's active trunk and drop cabling replaces the typical trunk wiring design with its pre-fabricated wire harness assembly. 

Integrated into Amphenol's ModLink junction box, Ampt's active electronics effectively turn the module from a current source into a power source, monitoring power generation conducted down the trunk and drop cable assembly, while providing power monitoring and optimization for solar panels attached by a wire harness.

The ModLink junction box base has built-in industry standard connections that allow a direct connection between panels using jumper cables available in various standard lengths. The ModLink base can accept a range of smart modules such as DC/DC converters/optimizers, micro-inverters or monitoring modules. 

Manufacturers, distributors, installers and owners/operators designing a system with smart modules can integrate the active trunk and drop solution, powered by Ampt, into their systems to decrease the length and size of cables as well as the number of string combiner boxes, and save up to 40 percent or more on DC balance of system (BOS) materials and labor. Optional wireless communication is also provided with each PV module to eliminate the need of 'smart' string combiners.

Pricing for the trunk and drop cabling solution is dependent upon system size and overall product length. Delivery is eight weeks ARO.

For more information, please visit http://www.amphenol-industrial.com or email [email protected].

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READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all reader service inquiries to Geoff Grace at Amphenol Industrial Operations, Amphenol Corporation, 40-60 Delaware Ave, Sidney, N.Y., 13838-1395; e-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.amphenol-industrial.com. 

Editor's Note:  Amphenol Industrial Operations, headquartered in a 675,000 square foot facility in Sidney, N.Y., provides a full range of high reliability connectors and interconnection systems specifically for the industrial markets including base stations, rail/mass transit, process control, automotive manufacturing, heavy equipment, and petrochemical/power generation. 

Products include ruggedized-for-industry cylindrical, fiber optic, rectangular, and industrialized versions of Amphenol's MIL-C-5015 cylindrical, MIL-C-26482 miniature cylindrical and GT reverse bayonet cylindrical connectors. It employs more than 1,400 people and is both ISO9001 and MIL-STD-790 certified. 

Amphenol Industrial Operations is a division of Amphenol Corporation, Wallingford, CT, one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world, with year 2010 sales topping $3.6 billion.

About Ampt

Ampt delivers innovative power conversion technology and communications capabilities that are changing the way PV systems are designed.  The company, along with strategic partners, is lowering system costs, improving ROI, increasing energy generation and broadening the PV solar market. The result? Energy realized™. www.ampt.com

SOURCE Amphenol Industrial Operations