{"id":5250,"date":"2025-03-04T01:21:56","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T01:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shoals.com\/en\/?p=5250"},"modified":"2025-03-05T17:34:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T17:34:42","slug":"meet-bla-family-mini-bla-and-lt-bla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shoals.com\/en\/insights\/meet-bla-family-mini-bla-and-lt-bla\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet BLA Family: mini BLA and LT BLA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Shoals’ Legacy of Innovation in Solar EBOS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For decades, Shoals Technologies has been at the forefront of revolutionizing Electrical Balance of Systems (EBOS)<\/a> solutions in the solar industry. We brought the stringent safety standards practiced in the automotive industry to the solar space. This allowed Shoals to lead the charge in making installations faster, safer, and more cost-effective, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our biggest breakthroughs was the Big Lead Assembly (BLA<\/a>). It is a patented wiring solution that eliminated excessive trenching and reduced material waste, streamlining large solar power installations. BLA’s simplified design, enhanced reliability, and faster installation quickly became the gold standard for utility-scale solar projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the industry evolves, we are introducing mini BLA and Long Tail (LT) BLA to the BLA family to help ensure that there is an EBOS solution for every project size and layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a closer look at the key differences between the BLA, mini BLA, and LT BLA to determine the ideal applications for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is BLA? A Smarter Solar EBOS Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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BLA is Shoals\u2019 flagship patented aluminum trunk bus system that was developed to address the inefficiencies of traditional wire harnessing in solar projects. It replaces individual homerun wiring with a plug-and-play system that significantly reduces installation complexity. BLA seamlessly integrates the functionality of cable assemblies, combiner boxes, and fusing into a single solution. Unlike traditional methods, BLA can be installed by general labor rather than licensed electricians, cutting installation time and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Shoals\u2019 design and engineering support, BLA serves to optimize solar projects. Its large trunk bus design reduces voltage drop, helping ensure higher energy yield and improved system performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Quality, Longevity, and Sustainability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shoals BLA <\/a> is a factory-made solution that delivers reliable, long-lasting performance. We use 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BLA systems are prefabricated and rigorously tested, streamlining installation, minimizing labor needs, and reducing errors. This makes them both efficient and cost-effective. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BLA vs. Traditional Combiner Solutions & IPCs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BLA outperforms both traditional combiner solutions and Insulation Piercing Connections (IPCs)\u2014the DIY method of installing a trunk bus system in the field. BLA eliminates the need for on-site piercing connectors, relying instead on factory-built joints with Shoals\u2019 patented under\/overmold design for long-term reliability and external protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about the differences between Shoals BLA and IPCs and make the right choice for your solar power project, read our eBook The Safer Choice: BLA vs IPCs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights: BLA vs IPCs<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n