Independent Rating Translates Three Decades of Connector Quality Evidence into Comparable Technical Risk Information for PV Projects
Thirty years after the introduction of the Stäubli PV connector, the cable coupler that set the benchmark in photovoltaic installations worldwide, Stäubli marks the anniversary with a new kind of recognition. The Original MC4 photovoltaic connector technology has received the first AA Product Rating by TEXXECURE, achieving 925.7 out of 1,000 points. The rating was formally presented at the Stäubli CONNECTS event during The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, held alongside Intersolar Europe.
The rating was performed by TEXXECURE Rating GmbH in accordance with the TEXXECURE Rules of Procedure and TSOP 162211-6-2, Level 1 Product Type Rating Connectors. The rating framework is issued and operated by the non-profit TEXXECURE Rating Foundation GmbH.
Three Decades of Evidence, One Comparable Score
Since 1996, the MC4 connector family has accumulated an extensive body of performance evidence, including certifications, test reports, field experience with 1200 GW installed PV capacity globally and documented product development.
The TEXXECURE Rating System translates this technical quality and reliability evidence into a standardized and comparable AAA-to-D rating scale. The assessment does not focus solely on the presence of individual certificates or test reports. It considers the scope, quality, consistency,and risk relevance of all available evidence against predefined, product-specific criteria.
The resulting rating provides stakeholders with a structured indication of how comprehensively the relevant technical risks have been addressed and documented.
The broader framework combines three dimensions:
- the product or technology,
- the organizational and process capabilities behind it
- and its implementation within a specific project.
Depending on the rating level, assessments may range from desktop reviews to on-site verification and confirmation of how products, processes, and quality measures are actually applied.
TEXXECURE is being developed as a rule-based rating ecosystem. The non-profit TEXXECURE Rating Foundation defines and maintains the system rules and accepts qualified rating bodies within defined scopes. These bodies apply the same criteria, evidence requirements, scoring methodology, and reporting rules. The resulting ratings provide manufacturers, asset owners, developers, EPCs, investors, banks, and insurers with a common technical risk language for product differentiation, procurement, due diligence, financing, insurance, and portfolio assessment.
What Was Assessed
The Stäubli Original MC4-Evo 2 connector family was evaluated across defined connector-specific categories, including PV connector properties, electrical characteristics, product certificates and documentation, other risk-relevant characteristics, and expert interviews.
Why It Matters
PV connectors are small components, but they are critical electrical interfaces. Connector quality, compatibility, documentation, crimping, material behaviour and certification can influence safety, uptime, insurability and long-term asset performance. Connector-related risks such as cross-mating, inferior material or component properties, bad crimping, inadequate cable dimensions and electrical arcing are technical risks that can affect PV assets’ longevity and performance.
Statements
Matthias Mack, Vice President Renewable Energy at Stäubli, said:This TEXXECURE AA Product Rating in the year of 30 years of Stäubli PV connector technology validates the design continuity and quality focus that have guided our connector portfolio for many years. It reinforces our commitment to examining every detail that contributes to system safety and reliability. By maintaining high standards across products, processes, and quality measures, we aim to support a safer and more dependable solar industry.
Thomas C. Sauer, CEO at TEXXECURE, said:PV asset value depends on more than installed megawatts. It depends on measurable performance predictability through differentiated, comprehensive, and harmonized assessments. This rating makes connector-related quality evidence visible and comparable for the stakeholders who finance, insure, build, and operate PV assets. Naturally, the rating system does not end with connectors. It is designed as an all-encompassing scheme through component and system level capable of covering a PV asset all the way from cradle to grave.
Outlook
Building on this first product rating, further ratings across the PV module, inverter,and battery energy storage segments will follow.
Manufacturers interested in the TEXXECURE Rating framework can find more information: www.texxecure.org.
Product Information on MC4-Evo 2
This article was originally published by Stäubli.
