In my opinion, this can only be achieved with high module efficiency, sustainable production and long-term investment security for plant operators.
Optimising production to minimise emissions
In doing so, we should keep an eye on the entire process of energy generation. For photovoltaic systems, for example, this means also optimising the production processes for modules to minimise CO2 emissions. We are already doing this at our plant in Wismar. In addition, we place high demands on the sustainability of production and transport at our suppliers.
The latest developments also show that long and crisis-prone supply chains, for example to the Asian region, are counterproductive not only in terms of climate neutrality. We therefore produce in Germany, rely on the highest, long-lasting quality according to local standards and on short, climate-friendly transport routes. In the overall balance, we actually save up to 70 per cent of CO2 with our low-carbon modules compared to products from China.
On the way to becoming a key industry
Photovoltaics is on its way to becoming a key industry. As the output of domestic modules increases, the price advantages of Asian products are compensated for, and quality and durability become more important. The trend towards self-supply of electricity is a powerful driver here. Above all, the durability of solar modules offers security for private investments.
See also: Learning and relaxing under solar glass
For many areas, we have also solved the issue of the conflict of space with our innovative modules. For example, the Sonnenstromfabrik offers transparent modules for sun roofs and facades, cost-saving in-roof modules that do not require a roof sub-skin, low-glare modules for use at airports and for noise barriers on motorways, and intelligent photovoltaic modules that provide optimal output even in confined spaces.
High-quality premium products
With this and the 60 per cent higher yield of our glass-glass modules compared to standard modules over a lifetime of 40 years, we offer a wide range of high-quality premium products for the path to climate-neutral energy generation. And our developers are constantly working on further innovations. (mfo)
Bernhard Weilharter is Managing Director of Sonnenstromfabrik (CS Wismar GmbH).
