Electrical connector contact resistance behaviour within a PV shingle roof

Photovoltaic (PV) laminates have no moving parts and last 25 years or more with no maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning. Historically PV systems have been 'hard-wired' between junction boxes. The use of photovoltaics in buildings has necessitated the use of 'push-fit' connectors to enable quick and easy connection between modules on roofs and facades. The PV industry is largely unaware however, of the potential for inter-module connector failure from the use of such push-fit connectors. An inclined roof is used to study the behavior of individual electrical contact resistances within a new type of PV shingle. The possible modes of connector failure in such a system are discussed.