Mr. Thiele, this year Sharp is celebrating two anniversaries: 30 years of photovoltaic activities in Europe and over 65 years of success in solar energy worldwide. What do these dual anniversaries mean to you personally and to Sharp Energy Solutions Europe?
These dual anniversaries represent a symbol of our consistency and innovation. Personally, I feel deeply honored to be part of an organization that has been pioneering solar energy for over six decades. Our local presence in Hamburg, with an incredible team for more than 30 years, represents both stability and trust as a reliable partner for our European customers. For Sharp, these anniversaries symbolize our strong commitment to the environment and our vision of a sustainable society.
Since its beginnings in 1959, Sharp has achieved many milestones in solar technology. Which developments or products from this long history are especially important to you and why?
Every milestone has its significance, but I’m particularly proud of our role in developing the first solar-powered calculators and equipping satellites with our solar cells. These early thin-film cells eventually evolved into LCD screen technology through a similar coating process. At the same time, the first silicon cells were continuously developed, and Sharp was a global leader in solar technology for many years. Compound cell technology arose from the company’s deep semiconductor expertise and is now used in satellites. These innovations were not just technical breakthroughs but also symbolic moments, demonstrating how solar technology can find practical and extraordinary applications. I’m also proud of Sharp’s pivotal role in raising awareness of the benefits of photovoltaics. We ran numerous campaigns and workshops to showcase solar energy's potential, which went beyond merely selling products; it was about building trust and promoting the acceptance of new technologies.
Sharp has consistently faced challenging market conditions and has successfully adapted. Can you name specific strategies that have helped Sharp adjust in difficult times and continue to grow?
Our adaptability is rooted in our strong research and development department and close collaboration with our customers and partners. Through constant feedback and market research, we have always adjusted our products and services to meet market needs and technological advancements. Additionally, our position within a robust and diversified consumer electronics group has significantly strengthened our ability to weather market fluctuations in the solar industry more effectively than many of our competitors.
In 2024, Sharp introduced groundbreaking compound cell technologies at Intersolar, including the triple-junction solar cells with 32.65% efficiency. What significance do these technologies hold for the future of solar energy, and how will they be applied in practice?
These new technologies are crucial in pushing the boundaries of efficiency in solar technology. The triple-junction solar cells, already successfully used in space applications, offer unmatched efficiency, making them ideal for demanding applications. The tandem double-layer/silicon stack solar cells are also groundbreaking, as they combine the benefits of two different types of solar cells in a single module. This results in higher overall efficiency, making them particularly attractive for real-world use.
The introduction of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) in 2000 and the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 significantly changed the framework for renewable energy. How have these legislative changes impacted Sharp Energy Solutions Europe?
I had the honor of meeting Hermann Scheer, the author of the EEG, in person. His visions and persistent calls for a mindset change greatly impressed me. These legislations have significantly increased the demand for renewable energy and helped us further develop and scale our technologies. They have also contributed to the improved economics of solar energy projects, which has supported the growth of our company.
Sharp’s 30th-anniversary campaign invites PV pioneers to share their stories. What do you hope to achieve with this campaign, and how will it contribute to Sharp's brand building?
With this campaign, we aim to highlight the stories and experiences of Sharp solar module users and showcase the durability and reliability of our products. Our business partnerships are also notably long-lasting, characterized by mutual trust. This strengthens our image as a premium provider in the solar energy industry and emphasizes our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
You also emphasize the long-term partnerships that have been instrumental to Sharp's success. Can you elaborate on examples of these partnerships and how they contribute to innovation at Sharp?
We refer to our collaboration with various distributors across Europe who have helped us develop tailor-made products specifically designed for European market conditions and customer needs. These partnerships have led to innovations and market adaptations such as our bifacial modules, which significantly increase energy yield.
Read more about Sharp`s activities: New solar partnership in Greece
Additionally, our flexible project cooperation solutions are designed to fully support our partners’ needs. We not only offer our technological expertise but also provide comprehensive support in project planning and implementation. Our partnerships can include direct access to our production capacities as well as financial involvement, making it easier for our partners to realize projects efficiently and profitably. Especially for projects outside EEG compensation, we offer access to power buyers through PPA contracts, which provide additional security and attractiveness for investors.
Finally, what challenges and opportunities do you see for Sharp Energy Solutions Europe in the coming years, and what role will the company play in the global energy future?
The biggest challenge lies in shaping the political framework to meet expansion goals. Integrating renewable energy into existing energy infrastructures will be crucial. The opportunity lies in the ongoing digitization and automation, which will enable us to offer even more efficient and intelligent energy solutions with solar modules. Sharp will continue to play a leading role in the transformation toward a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.
Interview provided by Sharp/edited by hcn
