Key takeaways:
Stäubli introduced the MC4-Evo 1 connector at SNEC 2026, targeting markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia
Unlike the MC4-Evo 2, the new connector focuses on IEC certification requirements rather than both IEC and UL compliance
The connector supports up to 1,500 V DC operation and incorporates Stäubli's MULTILAM multi-point contact technology
In any PV installation project, the modules, inverters, and battery systems often receive the most attention. However, some of the smallest components, such as connectors, can also influence long-term performance and reliability.
At SNEC 2026 in Shanghai, Stäubli introduced the MC4-Evo 1 connector, a new addition to its MC4 connector family. Speaking to TaiyangNews, Matthias Mack, Vice President Renewables at Stäubli, highlighted the role of connectors in reducing downtime and maintaining energy yield throughout the lifetime of a solar installation.
According to Mack, the new MC4-Evo 1 has been developed primarily for emerging markets, including China, India, and Southeast Asia. Unlike the most commonly used MC4-Evo 2 connector, which carries both IEC and UL certifications, the MC4-Evo 1 is certified with IEC-only requirements. IEC standards are typically adopted across Europe, Asia, and many other international markets, whereas UL certification is primarily associated with the US. Stäubli says that by focusing on a single certification pathway, it aims to offer a connector tailored to markets where UL certification is generally not required, providing the most cost-oriented option for these regions.
The MC4-Evo 1 connector is compatible with the broader MC4 family, including the MC4, MC4-Evo 2, and MC4-Evo 2000 connector series. According to the product information sheet, it is rated for 1,500 V DC operation and supports both 4 mm² and 6 mm² PV cables. The connector incorporates Stäubli's MULTILAM contact technology, a proprietary connecting technology that uses a multi-point contact system rather than a single contact point.
The product is certified according to IEC 62852 and is designed for operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C. The connector is rated to IP65/IP68 when mated and also complies with NEC 2023 requirements for tool-assisted unlocking.