Copper-to-Aluminum Connection Solutions

Copper-to-Aluminum Connection Solutions

Utility-scale PV wiring harness interconnection banner

Copper-to-Aluminum Connection Solutions

Engineered to reduce copper use,optimize material costs,and ensure reliable connections.

Why Use Aluminum Cables in Solar Projects

Lower Cost

Up to 30-50% lower cost than copper

Easy Installation

Lightweight, easier installation

Theft Resistant

Lower theft risk due to lower scrap value

Utility-Scale Ready

Suitable for large-scale PV plants

Copper-to-Aluminum Connection Solution

From PV strings to inverter connections, SUNKEAN provides a complete factory-engineered DC collection solution for utility-scale solar plants.

SK-A copper-to-aluminum jumper solution with pre-assembled connectors

SK-A Copper-Aluminum Jumper Solution

The Cu-Al Jumper is a pre-assembled connection solution designed for DC-side connectivity in PV systems. It enables flexible connections between different connector brands while providing a reliable transition between copper and aluminum conductors.

  • Plug-and-Play Installation
  • Cost-Effective
  • Reliable Performance

Application Example

The solution is compatible with PV4-S, H4CFC6DMS, PV-KST4-EVO 2A/6I, QC4 10-cds, and PV LR5 connectors. If your existing connector is not one of these types, each jumper comes with a pair of SK4-C copper connectors, making it easy to adapt the solution to different connector requirements.

SK-A copper-aluminum jumper application example with PV connector types
Precision-Engineered Terminal Components Solid-State Friction Welding Advanced Multi-Layer Protection Coating

Key Technology

The SK-A connector's strong adaptability stems from its precision-engineered internal terminal components. Designed to accommodate different connection requirements, these components ensure a secure and reliable electrical connection while maintaining consistent contact performance.

SUNKEAN is among the first to mass-produce friction-welded copper-aluminum terminals. High-speed friction and pressure bond the metals below their melting points, eliminating the melt and expansion issues of fusion welding. A multi-layer plating cuts ionic migration by ~90%, with contact resistance ≤ 0.3 mΩ for reliable outdoor service.

SUNKEAN's copper-aluminum connector terminals use a high-performance multi-layer protective plating. Working together, the layers strengthen protection on three fronts — interface isolation, surface stability, and environmental durability — reducing the effects of humidity, heat, and salt spray on the connection area and keeping conductivity stable over the long term.

SK-TC CU-AL transition harness solution with copper-aluminum connectors

SK-TC CU-AL Transition Harness Solution

The SK-TC CU-AL Transition Harness is a pre-assembled connection solution designed for DC-side connectivity in PV systems. It enables flexible connections between different connector brands while providing a reliable transition between copper and aluminum conductors.

  • Plug-and-Play Installation
  • Cost Optimized
  • Proven Reliability

Application Example

With three flexible wiring options, the solution can accommodate different connection requirements and support a wide range of combiner box configurations. This flexibility makes it easier to integrate the solution into different PV system designs, helping installers adapt the wiring to specific project layouts and connection needs.

SK-TC CU-AL transition harness wiring option 1
SK-TC CU-AL transition harness wiring option 2
SK-TC CU-AL transition harness wiring option 3
Precision-Engineered terminal components of the SK-TC connector Solid-state friction welding of copper and aluminum terminals Multi-layer protective coating on SK-TC connector terminals

Key Technology

The SK-TC connector's strong adaptability stems from its precision-engineered internal terminal components. Designed to accommodate different connection requirements, these components ensure a secure and reliable electrical connection while maintaining consistent contact performance.

SUNKEAN is among the first to mass-produce friction-welded copper-aluminum terminals. High-speed friction and pressure bond the metals below their melting points, eliminating the melt and expansion issues of fusion welding. A multi-layer plating cuts ionic migration by ~90%, with contact resistance ≤ 0.3 mΩ for reliable outdoor service.

SUNKEAN's copper-aluminum connector terminals use a high-performance multi-layer protective plating. Working together, the layers strengthen protection on three fronts — interface isolation, surface stability, and environmental durability — reducing the effects of humidity, heat, and salt spray on the connection area and keeping conductivity stable over the long term.

SUNKEAN aluminum cable construction: stranded aluminum alloy conductor, XLPO insulation and XLPO outer sheath

Aluminum Cable

Reliable performance for PV and power distribution applications. With TUV, UL, and CE certifications, they meet international quality and safety requirements for a wide range of global projects.

  • Lightweight & Cost-EfficientAluminum conductors provide a high conductivity-to-weight ratio, reducing cable weight, transportation and installation costs while improving overall project efficiency.
  • Reliable Performance in Demanding EnvironmentsDesigned with suitable insulation and sheathing materials, SUNKEAN aluminum cables offer resistance to UV exposure, moisture, temperature variations, and other outdoor stresses.
  • Enhanced Safety & PracticalityWith lower resale value than copper, aluminum cables help reduce theft risks, making them a practical solution for large-scale outdoor PV installations.

Global Certification

SUNKEAN aluminum cable certificates: TUV, UL, CE and product test reports

Manufacturing Excellence

Advanced Equipment

Advanced Equipment

Precision Production

Precision Production

Testing & Validation

Testing & Validation

Packaging & Delivery

Packaging & Delivery

Trusted by Solar Projects Globally

PV Las Violets solar project in Chile

PV Las Violets (Chile)

Reduced cable costs while ensuring stable long-term performance

  • 852 sets CU-AL connectors deployed
  • 51 km aluminum cable installed
PV Los Quilos solar project in Chile

PV Los Quilos (Chile)

Improved installation efficiency with reliable copper-aluminum connections

  • 1,481 sets CU-AL connectors deployed
  • 112 km aluminum cable installed
Large-scale solar farm in Chile

Chile Solar Farm

Enabled large-scale deployment with consistent connection quality

  • 6,000 sets CU-AL connectors deployed
  • 120 km aluminum cable installed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cost savings can SUNKEAN’s copper-to-aluminum connection solution deliver?

Compared to a full-copper system, this solution reduces costs by up to 58%. In a 1 GW PV power plant project, the savings can exceed USD 2,750,000.

How is SUNKEAN's copper-to-aluminum conversion harness designed to ensure stability and safety?

The harness uses a "copper–aluminum–copper" structure: copper conductors on both ends with an aluminum conductor in the middle, plus a plastic connector housing. It supports high currents and allows quick on-site crimping at the aluminum end for simplified installation.

What welding process is used for the copper-to-aluminum joint, and how reliable is it?

The connection adopts friction welding (solid-state bonding), which operates at low temperatures to minimize thermal damage to the cable. Over 25 years, conductivity degradation is less than 0.5%. The tensile strength is verified through pull and impact testing.

How does the copper-to-aluminum connector maintain corrosion resistance in harsh environments?

The joint surface is protected by a three-layer gradient structure: diffusion layer, chemical nickel plating layer, and hot-dipped tin anti-oxidation layer. An electroplating hole design ensures uniform coating. In a 96-hour 5% salt spray test, no corrosion occurred in the contact area.