Putting BLA to the test
Watch as we put Shoals BLA (Big Lead Assembly) to the test. Through common site conditions like rain, humidity, resistance impact, flood, ice, dust, and even animals, BLA prevails.
What is BLA?
Shoals BLA is a factory-made solution designed to overcome the shortcomings of IPCs and deliver reliable, long-lasting performance. Since 2017, the award-winning BLA has revolutionized electrical balance of system (EBOS) for utility-scale solar—enabling a faster, safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective installation. Shoals uses advanced sealing technology, featuring a proprietary undermold/overmold process, to create a hermetic seal that prevents oxidation, corrosion, and environmental damage. This helps ensure durability even in the most challenging conditions.
Setting the standard for solar connectors
Not all connectors are created equal, and adhering to industry standards is essential. Shoals stands out by meeting the highest benchmarks in solar technology. We offer a solution that combines both a UL 9703 PV assembly or harness and a UL 6703 connector. Shoals’ harness and connector are fully compliant with PV standards, specifically designed for solar PV applications.
Beyond compliance, Shoals prioritizes material quality, using components optimized for solar applications. Our materials are engineered for UV resistance, flammability protection, and long-term durability. Additionally, Shoals conducted wet hipot tests to compare the performance of IPCs and BLA solutions. In these tests, wires were submerged in water and subjected to high voltage to measure leakage current—a key indicator of insulation integrity. Here are the results and implications: IPCs exhibited over 10 times the leakage current of BLAs, highlighting their vulnerability to moisture and environmental exposure. In worst-case scenarios, IPC leakage exceeded testing limits. These results confirm that IPCs are more prone to failures in real-world conditions, while Shoals’ BLA maintains superior insulation and reliability.
