Create Energy and Stäubli Team Up for Advanced Solar Tracker Connectors
In a move set to shake up the solar tracker market, Create Energy has partnered with Swiss connector specialist Stäubli to develop next-generation PV connectors. The collaboration addresses a persistent pain point in solar installations—connector reliability affecting balance-of-system performance.
Why Connectors Cause Headaches in Solar Projects
If you’ve ever battled voltage drops or connection failures on a jobsite, you’re not alone. Dean Solon, founder of Create Energy, puts it bluntly: “The misuse of PV connectors in trackers has been compromising system integrity for years.” These unassuming components can make or break energy yields when modules move throughout the day.
The Science Behind the Struggle
Standard MC4 connectors weren’t designed for the constant motion of single-axis trackers. Flexing cables and repeated connection cycles lead to micro-fractures—something Northern California installers discovered the hard way during 2022’s wildfire mitigation projects.
What Makes This Partnership Different?
Stäubli brings 130 years of precision engineering to the table, while Create Energy contributes hands-on field experience from their Tennessee manufacturing hub. The joint solution aims to outperform generic connectors with:
- Robust weather sealing for desert and coastal environments
- Reduced electrical resistance under movement (critical for 1500V systems)
- Tool-less maintenance features that save O&M crews hours
Will This Change the Tracker Game?
Early prototypes suggest a 30% reduction in resistive losses compared to conventional options. For a 100MW project using NEXTracker systems, that could mean an extra 2.1 million kWh annually—roughly powering 200 homes.
Some engineers argue trackers don’t need premium connectors… until they’re replacing failed units in 115°F heat. The new design flips that calculus with field-swappable contacts that don’t require full cable replacement.
When Can Installers Get Their Hands On These?
Production at Create’s Tennessee facility begins Q2 2026, with volume shipments timed for the post-ITC extension construction boom. Pricing remains confidential, but insiders hint at a 15-18% premium over basic connectors—a cost easily offset by eliminating just one service call.
The race for reliable solar hardware just got more interesting. Whether you’re specifying materials for a Texas mega-project or maintaining a community solar array, this development deserves your attention.
