At the Sonnenstromfabrik in Wismar, how much experience do you have in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)?
Bernhard Weilharter: We originally got involved in building-integrated PV with Solrif, the in-roof system made by Ernst Schweizer AG, which fits the solar panels as part of the roof cladding.
What panels does that involve?
We generally use glass-glass panels for Solrif, and these in a variety of formats: 60-cell, 54-cell or 48-cell.
In which markets is it already being installed?
The system is mostly being used in France or Italy. It is also very successful in Switzerland. In Germany, on the other hand, the Solrif system is not as common.
Which market is top when it comes to BIPV?
The Solrif system is being installed very often in Switzerland. The Ernst Schweizer AG have established their own sales channels – using our glass-glass panels. In the future we will be actively involved in Switzerland with three major wholesalers.
What mechanisms drive such markets?
In Sweden, for example, we found a sales partner that distributes this kind of in-roof systems. It would be fair to say that the market is transforming. State subsidies are increasingly playing a lesser role. BIPV works best in countries with free markets: Where customers make their choices based on aesthetic considerations.
What other opportunities do you as a panel manufacturer see in BIPV?
If you put pitched and gabled roofs to one side, of course the solar façades are most interesting. With Miramas in France, we were able to reach a key milestone. We are currently planning other such projects in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. In Germany, the regulatory environment is complicated. The company Galaxy in Stuttgart has become a partner to help us in planning such solar façades and in gathering the necessary knowledge.
How is the demand from architects developing?
Architects are increasingly interested. But they don’t like compromising on aesthetics. That limits the potential project partners and suppliers, which in turn drives up prices.
The interview was conducted by Heiko Schwarzburger.
Bernhard Weilharter, PhD, has been CEO of CS Wismar GmbH since 2016.
For a large selection of solar buildings, see the Solar Age database.
Also have a look at Solar Age's introductory dossier on PV in-roof systems.
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