seplugs is a German technology company specializing in safe electrical connection systems for plug-in energy devices such as plug-in solar devices or photovoltaic systems (e.g. balcony applications), micro-inverters and small battery storage units.
The company develops and supplies innovative plug connectors and interface technologies designed to ensure safe, user-friendly and standards-compliant integration of decentralized renewable energy systems into existing electrical installations.
A key focus of seplugs is the implementation of current European safety requirements, in particular the correct realization of contact protection and mechanical guidance directly within the connector system suitable for household applications / sockets.
The company addresses a critical gap between existing installation practices and current safety requirements, particularly in the context of rapidly growing plug-in photovoltaic applications.
Interview with Markus Gührs, Managing Director & Founder at seplugs GmbH.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Markus Gührs: The main areas of activity include:
- Development of safety-oriented plug connector systems for plug-in power generation devices or storage systems
- Technical implementation of requirements from standards such as DIN VDE V 0126-95, DIN VDE 0620-2-1 and IEC 60884-1
- Collaboration with manufacturers of inverters, PV systems and electrical components
- Support for OEM integration and industrial-scale production
- Technical consulting in the field of safe connection of decentralized energy systems
A central aspect of our work is translating abstract normative requirements into practical, manufacturable and scalable product solutions.
What’s the news about new products/services?
M.G: Recent developments are strongly driven by updated regulatory frameworks and increasing market demand for safe plug-in solutions. With the introduction of new requirements in DIN VDE V 0126-95, it has become clear that many existing connection solutions do not fully meet the required safety criteria, particularly regarding contact protection. seplugs addresses this gap by providing connector systems that integrate these safety requirements directly into the product design, while remaining compatible with existing installation environments. The current development focus is on scalable OEM solutions for manufacturers.
What are the ranges of products/services?
M.G: The product and service portfolio includes:
- Safety plug connectors with integrated contact protection and protective housing
- Connector systems for plug-in photovoltaic and battery systems
- OEM integration solutions for manufacturers of energy devices
- Technical consulting and interface definition for safe system integration
The product range is designed to be adaptable to different application scenarios while maintaining compliance with safety and installation standards.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
M.G: The market for renewable energy systems is currently in a transition phase across Europe. While demand for plug-in renewable energy systems is growing rapidly, many existing installations and connection concepts do not fully comply with current safety expectations.
At the same time, there is still significant uncertainty regarding the correct technical implementation of safety requirements, particularly in relation to connection systems.
This creates a clear need for technically compliant and standardized connection solutions, particularly for manufacturers and OEMs.
Many existing installations are based on solutions that do not fully meet current normative expectations. In the current market, where demand for clearly defined and compliant solutions is increasing (eg. Installation of devices with frequency converter (e.g. robotic) or bi-directional electric vehicles (EVs) seplugs addresses this gap with standardized and compliant connector solutions..
What can you tell us about market trends?
M.G: Key market trends include:
- Rapid growth of decentralized energy generation (balcony PV, micro-generation systems, storage systems)
- Increasing importance of safety and compliance with updated standards
- Shift from purely functional solutions towards safety-integrated system design
- Growing demand from manufacturers for standardized and scalable connection solutions
A key development is the increasing recognition that grid protection mechanisms (NA protection) are not designed to provide personal safety, which shifts the focus towards connector-based safety solutions.
A particularly important trend is the growing awareness that grid protection functions do not replace personal safety measures.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
M.G: The most innovative developments are not defined by new connector types alone, but by how safety requirements are integrated into the product design.
A key innovation lies in shifting safety from the installation environment into the connector itself.
This includes:
- Integrated contact protection
- Mechanical guidance within the connector system
- Polarity control connection
- Compliance with normative safety requirements independent of installation conditions
This approach enables standardized, scalable and manufacturer-independent solutions.
What estimations do you have for the end of 2026?
M.G: By the end of 2026, we expect:
- Continued strong growth in the plug-in PV market across Europe
- Increasing regulatory clarity and enforcement of safety requirements
- Higher demand from OEMs for compliant connection systems
- A gradual replacement of non-compliant connection solutions
Overall, the market is expected to move towards more standardized, safe and industrially integrated solutions.
We also expect increased demand from international manufacturers seeking compliant solutions for the European market.
