How did the market for munting systems develop this year?
Ludwig Schletter: We started this year in a normal way. It's not critically for us, but it's a little bit decreasing, especially the rooftop market. But last year we have built many installations. We had a hype which is over now.
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The overheated market cooled down. How is it at the moment?
I hope we can continue this level and grow slowly. It's very important for a company like ours. We need a steady business not the vibes up and down. This not manageable for a company. In the past we grew up to 200 % in one year or decreased or dropped off in the next. For a company, we cannot work this way.
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My impression is that more installers, more groups of installers, experts for the roofings and so on, are driving into solar business. Do you see this, too?
We are working with wholesalers. We have three steps of distribution, and we are not so close to the installers and their customers. But it's true, some branches, some business is dropping off for the electrician and for small houses. They are looking for solar business, but they have an experience as electricians, they can do this in a good way, I think. The move is not so big. It's just in the same business.
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What about solar projects in the fields, which is another part of your business?
Those projects are growing for us. They're really growing, and we have a new facility for the production, a new production line. We are very happy to have this built up in spring this year. Now we are really competitive. Our capacity has doubled. We can deliver.
Do you produce in Bavaria?
In Bavaria. Not only in Germany but in Bavaria. That's very important to say, because I am Upper Bavarian.
Why do you do this? Many competing companys go to factories in China.
We can also offer products made in China. It's not a problem. We can also purchase in China. But we have the experience that the customer needs a short delivery time and need to be safe with the delivery. Sea transport means delays, for example.
Deadlines are critical in the solar project business …
Indeed, for a project it is a critical situation. If you need four weeks longer for shipping I have to postpone the project. Or cancel it, at worst.
Maybe you can balance problems in one market with chances in other markets. What are your main markets within Europe?
Very important is the German market, of course it is the main market. Next are Austria and Switzerland. But also Spain. We have started in Spain this year and have some projects done. It is a comfortable situation there. They have more radiation, more sun.
The Spain marktet was up and down and is rising again. When the waves of political support or resistance will come to an end?
I cannot understand why countries like Italy do not more in solar energy. Recently they discussed to stop the ground-mounted solar parks. I cannot understand what story is behind. But in the long-term, the economic rules may play the major part of it. I am convinced that all those markets are coming up again.
Interview by Heiko Schwarzburger
