Fact check: Design Type Certificates versus Individual Testing

Often, individual testing on combinations of PV connectors from different manufacturers are deceptively interpreted with regard to compatibility.

Test institutes are repeatedly commissioned to test combinations of PV connectors from different manufacturers. This takes place in individual testing; however, it is dangerous to conclude from these results that PV connectors from different manufacturers can be safely combined in a PV system and operated safely over the long term.

Repeatedly, such incorrect interpretations result in damage to photovoltaic systems caused by cross-mating of different PV connector brands. In principle, distinctions have to be made between design type certificates and individual testing, and their consequences from both a technical and legal perspective.