Shoals Technologies' MultiLink™ Junction Box Becomes the Only Dual-Certified Universal PV Interface

Portland, TN, July 19, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Shoals Technologies Group, the global leader in photovoltaic OEM and balance of systems components proudly announces UL certification to 3703 from Underwriters Laboratories for the MultiLink™ junction box. With this certification the MultiLink™ junction box gains dual certification status and maintains its status as the only certified and "ready to ship" universal interface for photovoltaic modules.

"Gaining dual certification for the MultiLink™ platform is the final piece of the puzzle in terms of bringing a universal "smart" module platform to the photovoltaic industry. Module manufacturers and installers have been slow to adopt integrated electronics, mainly due to the ever evolving market and the increasing number of options available. The MultiLink™ platform is truly the "USB" port for PV modules, and allows for a single module to be compatible with a variety of power electronics. The flexibility of the MulitLink™ junction box takes away the risks associated with selecting a single solution for the module manufacturer and offers the most choice to the end-customer," said Dean Solon, President and CEO.

“There is strong demand from Integrators for PV modules with Shoals’ MultiLink powered by Ampt,” said Levent Gun, CEO of Ampt. “Module manufacturers are adopting the MultiLink junction box to access that demand without increasing product risk or costs. There really is no downside – only the pull of new business that is ramping up to gigawatts.”

The MultiLink™ junction box system features the only universal interface compatible with accessory modules featuring electronics from an extensive catalog of today's leading manufacturers of PV electronics including Tigo Energy, Ampt, Solantro Semiconductor, SolarEdge, Solar Power Technologies, and Exceltech. If the demand for power electronics is not currently significant, a standard junction box module is available. This insert can be easily removed at a later date in order to install power electronics. These features allow for lower production, installation and engineering costs while providing an unmatched level of flexibility and lifetime upgradability to module manufacturers and installers.

Other features of the MultiLink™ junction box include:
- Standardized exterior geometry for automated assembly
- Rated voltage of 1000VDC (TUV) & 600VDC (UL)
- Rated current of 10A
- Temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C
- Environmental protection rating to IP67
- Manufacturing available in China and USA

The increased risk and costs associated with offering a "smart" module are critical factors that the MultiLink™ platform addresses. In today's volatile industry module manufacturers are in a difficult position where cost and product differentiation are critical factors. In manufacturing, however, it is difficult to add value and reduce costs simultaneously. By using the MultiLink™ junction box PV module manufacturers no longer are required to select a single power electronics platform, manage multiple production lines and SKUs, or introduce electronics assembly into their factories. The MultiLink™ platform allows for the module manufacturer to offer a "smart" module, compatible with multiple vendors, by simply attaching the junction box normally, no additional electronics are required for assembly or test. For the manufacturer, production costs stay stagnant but the value add to the end product is much higher.

For more information regarding Shoals MultiLink™ junction box, please visit www.Shoals.com or contact Shoals Technologies at +1-615-451-1400 or at sales@shoals.com