Page 22 - Energize March 2022

NEWS

Celebrating 40 years in the solar industry

A survey with installation partners provides insight into current market developments

BC SOLAR AG is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The industry delivery (35,4%), local manufacturing of the products (27,2%), low
pioneer, which has become one of the world’s leading providers price (22%), high efficiency (19%).
Iof photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, looks back at Factors for choosing a supplier: Reliability and accessibility to
major milestones of the renewable energy market. customers (90,8%), modern, up-to-date and comprehensive
Also in this article, the results of a survey the company portfolio (60,5%), and services such as good after-sales service and
conducted in cooperation with its specialist partner network at good warranty conditions.
the beginning of 2022 provides insight into current trends and Market trends: Increased legal complexity and increasing
market developments. The evaluation shows what homeowners requirements (76,1%), an increasing awareness by customers of
and commercial customers in Germany place most value on photovoltaics in the context of renewable energies, and rising costs
when purchasing PV and storage systems today, and what is most (59%).
important to installers when they work with suppliers. Future, additional areas of application for photovoltaics:
Founded in 1982 as IBC (International Battery and Solar Power Electromobility (87,4%), sector coupling using hydrogen (23,5%),
Consulting) and later called IBC Solartechnik, the company laid a building-integrated photovoltaics (19,8%).
cornerstone for the development of solar energy in Germany. As
one of the first European suppliers of battery and PV systems, it “The results of the survey confirm our corporate philosophy. As a
has been actively involved in shaping many changes in the industry solution provider, we provide high-quality and suitable products
and has continuously expanded its own portfolio based on the from a single source. Proximity to our specialist partners is very
respective market developments. important to us. At the same time, we are constantly developing our
portfolio. The quality of our products and the dialogue within our
Important milestones network of specialist partners will continue to be firmly anchored
in our corporate culture in the future. Through this customer and
• 1982: Company founded as International Battery and Solar market proximity, we see ourselves optimally positioned for the
Power Consulting upcoming market development in the coming years,” comments
• 1998: Own PV module brand (Megaline) marketed Patrik Danz, the company’s chief sales officer.
• Early 2000s: Established as a strong partner in the distribution “The survey results clearly reflect the market developments
and project business with priority on product quality that have been taking place in recent years. In the early days,
• 2007: Own outdoor test facility built PV was rather costly which meant that it was simply not
• 2009: Products also evaluated in a unique and independent test affordable for many homeowners. Moreover, its potential was still
laboratory underestimated. In the meantime, solar technology is becoming the
• 2011: First storage system future mainstream technology in the energy sector and is enjoying
• 2013: In-house mounting system (IBC AeroFix) increasing popularity, especially in the homeowner segment. With
• 2022: 40th anniversary solar energy, everyone has the opportunity to be a direct influencer
of the energy transition – which is unique. At the same time, the PV
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, IBC SOLAR conducted a industry is extremely dynamic and is moving at a rapid pace and so
survey among its own network of specialist partners. we can be very excited about the next few years,” summarizes Udo
Möhrstedt, industry pioneer and CEO of IBC SOLAR AG.
Findings from the specialist partner survey
Contact Annika Bloem, IBC SOLAR, presse@ibc-solar.de
Market distribution: IBC SOLAR’s partners are very well
represented in both the residential and commercial sectors. Over
100 PV specialists and installation companies in Germany surveyed
show that the majority of orders for PV systems (72%) comes from
the residential segment. PV systems in the commercial segment are
at just under 28% but are increasing.
Reasons for purchase: Independence from rising electricity costs
(96% of mentions), energy self-sufficiency (78%) and the idea
of sustainability (54%). Another important point is the rapid
amortization of investments in photovoltaics and storage (32%).
Criteria when choosing a system: Single point of supply, with one
contract (78,1%), high product quality (73,6%), fast processing and

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