Driving Innovation and Efficiency in Solar Farms: A Partnership Approach

In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy, solar power continues to lead the charge. With solar energy accounting for 75% of the 87% growth in renewable energy in 2023, it's clear that solar is shaping the future of the global energy grid. However, this transformation wouldn't be possible without technological advancements and strong collaborations between companies and their customers. TE Connectivity, a key player in this field, has embraced a customer-centric approach to innovation, ensuring that their solutions address real-world challenges faced by solar developers.

Customer-Centric Innovation: Listening to the Field

TE Connectivity’s success in driving innovation in solar farm infrastructure is rooted in one simple philosophy: the customer is the best guide. From large-scale solar farm developers to commercial installers, TE works closely with their customers throughout every phase of a project. By actively listening to customer feedback, they design electrical balance of system (EBOS) solutions that are easier to install, more efficient, and built to last beyond expectations.

Michael Kazimierczuk, Director of Sales for the Americas, explains, “We’re by their side at every stage, from planning and design through installation and even after the project is fully operational.” This partnership approach results in solutions that not only meet but exceed industry demands, driving both innovation and efficiency.

Designing for Efficiency and Safety

TE's involvement begins early in the planning phase, where their engineers collaborate with solar developers and EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction companies) to optimize project designs. From analyzing cable routing and voltage drop to load balancing, TE ensures that systems are not only efficient but also safe and reliable. The emphasis on customization allows TE to tailor solutions to specific customer needs, reducing costs and improving supply chain resilience.

A standout example is the development of the Solar Insulation Piercing Connector (IPC) Assemblies and Customizable Trunk Solution (CTS). These innovations are directly inspired by customer feedback and are designed to address common installation challenges. The CTS, for instance, reduces installation time by up to 50% and cuts material and labor costs by up to 40%, highlighting how customer collaboration leads to significant efficiency gains.

Hands-On Support: Training and Real-Time Troubleshooting

One of the most significant ways TE supports its customers is through hands-on training and field support. TE's teams don't just design solutions—they ensure they are properly implemented by providing on-site training to installation teams. This ensures that systems are installed correctly and perform optimally from the start. TE field service technicians are present during installation, offering real-time support and troubleshooting to address challenges as they arise.

Kazimierczuk emphasizes the importance of this approach: “We stay with the teams until they’re confident and can produce a ‘golden row,’ ensuring they master every installation going forward.” This hands-on support builds confidence in the field and ensures that solar projects are completed efficiently and safely.

Sustainability and Longevity: Built to Last

As sustainability becomes an increasingly critical factor in the energy industry, TE is committed to developing products that support the global transition to renewable energy. TE’s solutions are designed for durability, ensuring that they last longer than the average 25-year lifecycle of a solar farm. This not only reduces the need for replacements but also minimizes waste, a key priority in the renewable energy sector.

In addition to product durability, TE is also focused on sustainability in its packaging and logistics practices. By reducing packaging waste and using eco-friendly materials, TE is further contributing to the industry's sustainability goals.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Strong Partnerships

TE Connectivity’s mission is clear: to create a safer, more sustainable, productive, and connected future. By continuing to prioritize customer partnerships and innovation, TE is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for EBOS solutions and help accelerate the deployment of solar farms worldwide.

As the renewable energy landscape continues to evolve, companies like TE Connectivity will play a crucial role in shaping the future. By fostering strong partnerships with customers and staying ahead of technological trends, TE is not only driving efficiency but also ensuring that the solar industry remains at the forefront of the global energy transition.

Learn more about TE Connectivity’s innovations here.