In the world of renewable energy sources, the solar industry is experiencing dynamic changes that shape its future development. Great competition among panel manufacturers, growing investor expectations and technological innovations raise numerous questions about market viability and the prospects of solar power plants. We talked about challenges and trends in the industry, key criteria for panel selection and the importance of trust in relationships between investors, EPC companies and manufacturers, with Nino Sijerić, business development expert at Luxor Solar GmbH, known for high-quality photovoltaic modules.
The solar panel market is going through a turbulent period – high competition among manufacturers has led to a drop in prices and a decrease in profitability. How will this trend affect European manufacturers in the coming years?
– This trend will lead to market consolidation. Some companies will retire, while others will change hands. Investors will become more careful when choosing partners and will cooperate only with verified companies. The current situation on the market of solar power plants brings a lot of uncertainty into decision-making. Today, investors do not only choose modules and contractors, but the reputation of the company behind the product is also important to them. If the price is the main factor in the decision, investors will face problems in the long run – those who don’t pay on the bridge will pay on the bridge.
What characteristics must a company have in order to survive in such a challenging period?
– Flexibility is the key word. Quick reaction and adaptation to market changes will be crucial. I call it “photovoltaic Darwinism” – it’s not the biggest and strongest that will survive, but the one that adapts the fastest to the needs of the market. Speed of decision-making and innovation will be essential. For example, products adapted to the specific needs of clients will help them decide on the optimal solution more easily.
On the market, you can now find numerous models of solar panels, the price and quality of which vary. How would you advise customers to make the best choice?
– When choosing solar panels, customers should consider several key factors to ensure maximum return on investment and long-term benefits: price – it is important to find a balance between price, efficiency and guarantees, the cheapest panels are not always the best solution, quality – choosing reputable manufacturer often means better after-sales support and assurance of panel longevity, efficiency (a higher level of efficiency means fewer panels needed for the same energy production) and warranty – most panels come with a 25-year warranty on energy production, and some offer longer warranties on the product. Customers should definitely consult with experts and installers to assess their energy needs and choose the best product. In the long run, quality will always trump low price.
IN FOCUS:
How important is it for customers to know which company is behind their modules?
– Knowing solar panel manufacturers is key to making well-informed decisions and ensuring long-term investment value. The quality and reliability of the panel are inextricably linked to the manufacturer’s reputation, as it reflects the performance and durability of the product. Guarantees play a key role in the security of the investment – it is especially important if they are related to a company based in the European Union or in China.
Reputable manufacturers often offer a superior level of support in maintenance and servicing during the entire life cycle of the panels, which significantly contributes to their longevity. In addition, ethical principles and business sustainability are becoming increasingly important factors in the choice, as today’s customers value companies that operate in accordance with sustainable practices.
The financial stability of the producer is also of crucial importance. Companies with a long-term presence on the market and consistent ownership structures provide additional security and trust. All this information allows customers to choose panels that provide optimal performance and lasting value of their investment.
Last year, solar energy was the leading form of RES in terms of the number of new installations. Will changes in the solar panel market affect its further development?
– Solar power plants will continue to be a key source of energy and an important part of supplying countries with renewable sources. However, in the future we will face challenges like network balancing. Some countries already produce as much as 60 percent of their energy from solar sources during the summer, which sometimes creates a surplus that the grid cannot receive. The solution will be the storage of energy in batteries, which would enable the use of excess energy when there is no sun and relieve the grid system. When batteries reach technological maturity and longevity of 20 years or more, the solar revolution will really take off – every household or factory will be able to be energy independent.
How to ensure mutual trust between investors, EPC companies and solar panel manufacturers?
– Trust is built on the basis of experience and proven results. The more satisfied users of solar power plants, the greater will be the trust in technology and contractors. Panel manufacturers gain trust through their performance. For example, at the same location and with the same inverter systems, the investor who used Chinese TIER 1 modules had 20 percent less production than the one who used Luxor modules. When you multiply that percentage by 20 years, it becomes clear why trust in quality is essential – both in terms of modules and contractor recommendations.
The interview was conducted by: Milena Maglovski
Read the full interview in Energy portal magazine SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Source: energetskiportal.rs
