How has business in solar panels been for Solarwatt during the past year?
Detlef Neuhaus: Over all, we sold more panels than 2016. Back then it was 80 megawatts, in 2017 it was about 85 megawatts. Of this, we managed to increase the proportion of glass-glass panels to glass-foil from 60 to considerably more than 80 percent. These glass-glass panels were sold to private end customers, in the premium segment of the market for solar panels.
So you were able to generate a higher turnover?
That is correct. Sales of glass-foil panels are basically motivated based on price, even though we do not match every reduction in price. Last year, the prices in the panel market went down twice. Glass-glass panels allow for long-tern business stability. We had planned to increase our market share in this segment in 2017 – and we have achieved that.
What is going to happen to panel prices in 2018?
For glass-film panels, the pressure is going to stay on. Photovoltaics are now able to compete, so that the price is a crucial factor when it comes to successful sales. The way we see it, PV has to not only be lucrative to the customer, but also to the installing company. And we as the manufacturer also have to make a profit. For that reason, the rising share of glass-glass panels works really well with our positioning as a high-end supplier.
You have your own in-roof system, EasyIn, which is also based on glass-glass technology. How is that coming along?
We introduced the glass-glass version of EasyIn in mid-2017. Compared to the overall business in solar panels, in-roof systems continue to be a small niche market. In 2017, we supplied maybe two or three megawatts for use as part of in-roof systems.
How many panels are you planning to sell in 2018?
Our demand and orders have nearly doubled in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period of last year. That makes us quite optimistic. We are planning for about 90 megawatts, but maybe we can even crack 100 megawatts.
What is your employment situation?
Globally, we have 350 staff at the moment. We currently have 30 openings, mostly in product management, in general assembly and in the development of digital products. (HS)
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