In solar photovoltaic systems, screws are commonly used in electrical connection scenarios. Inside the junction box of photovoltaic panels, screws are used to fix wires to terminal blocks. By tightening the screws, close contact between the wires and terminals is ensured, reducing contact resistance and minimizing power loss during energy transmission. If the screws loosen, contact resistance will increase, which not only affects power generation efficiency but may also cause safety hazards due to local overheating. In addition, in electrical equipment such as solar inverters and combiner boxes, screws are used to fix electrical components and connect circuits. For example, internal components of inverters such as circuit boards, capacitors, and inductors are installed on metal frames via screws. The screws not only play a fixing role but also enable good grounding between components and the frame, enhancing the equipment's electromagnetic compatibility and safety. Connections between different electrical circuits also rely on screw crimping to ensure stable current transmission.
Precision Assembly of Components
Solar energy equipment consists of numerous components, and screws play an essential role in their precision assembly. Take solar water heaters as an example: special sealing screws are used with sealing rings at the connection between vacuum tubes and the water tank. While fixing the vacuum tubes, these screws ensure the tightness of the connection to prevent hot water leakage. In solar tracking systems, components such as motors, transmission mechanisms, and brackets are precisely assembled using screws. These screws need to be tightened according to specific torque requirements to ensure the smooth operation of the transmission system and the stability of the brackets. Improper screw torque may cause jamming of transmission components or shaking of brackets, affecting the solar equipment's tracking accuracy of sunlight and reducing power generation efficiency. Moreover, in the assembly of solar street lamp heads, screws are used to fix lampshades, LED lamp panels, radiators, and other components. A reasonable screw layout and tightening degree can ensure the structural strength of the lamp head while facilitating heat dissipation, extending the service life of LED lamps.
Convenience Guarantee for Maintenance and Overhaul
The application of screws also brings great convenience to the maintenance and overhaul of solar energy equipment. When a solar device malfunctions, maintenance personnel can quickly open the equipment casing or disassemble damaged components by removing screws. For instance, when a photovoltaic panel needs replacement due to surface damage, the old panel can be easily removed and a new one installed by simply unscrewing the fixing screws. If internal components of a solar inverter are damaged, faulty components can be separated from the circuit board for replacement by removing screws. Additionally, during regular maintenance, screws facilitate equipment inspection and cleaning. For example, removing screws on the water tank of a solar water heater allows opening the tank cover to inspect and clean internal components such as heating tubes and magnesium rods. Unscrewing screws on solar photovoltaic brackets enables angle adjustment to better capture sunlight. The standardized design of screws allows universal tools and accessories to be used for maintenance and overhaul of different models and specifications of solar equipment, reducing maintenance costs and difficulty.
Expansion of Innovative Applications
With the continuous innovation of solar energy technology, the applications of screws are also expanding. In some new flexible solar devices, special micro-screws are used for component fixing. These screws are small in size and light in weight, able to adapt to the characteristics of flexible materials and achieve reliable connections without affecting the flexibility of the equipment. Some research has also attempted to integrate screws with sensors by embedding pressure or temperature sensors inside the screws to monitor the tightening status and operating temperature of the screws in real-time. When screws loosen or their temperature rises abnormally, the sensors can send alerts promptly, reminding maintenance personnel to take action and further improving the safety and reliability of solar energy equipment.
The applications of screws in solar energy equipment go far beyond simple fixing. From electrical connections to precision assembly, from maintenance and overhaul to innovative applications, every link reflects the important value of screws. In the future, with the continuous development of the solar energy industry, the functions and application methods of screws will continue to be optimized and expanded, providing stronger support for the efficient operation and technological progress of solar energy equipment.
