“Our order books are full, production is running at full speed. Demand has exceeded even our own high expectations,” said CEO, Detlef Neuhaus earlier this month. “We see our system strategy fully confirmed. Solarwatt is the only manufacturer that develops and produces photovoltaic modules, batteries, and energy management solutions in Germany itself.” To achieve these ambitious goals, the company expanded production capacities and modernized production lines in 2017.
Successful installer training in Ireland
The company was particularly pleased with progress in Ireland, which saw numerous positive developments. Ballycastle-based BHC Distributors was appointed sole service and premium partner, supplying Solarwatt glass-glass modules and MyReserve battery systems, leading to the first sales of MyReserve. BHC staff visited the German manufacturer’s Dresden HQ for two full weeks’ expert training in MyReserve installation and maintenance, followed by a further, three-day session in Ballycastle where more than a dozen installers were also trained to install the MyReserve 500 and 800 as well as the Matrix modular storage system.
Solarwatt and BHC Distributors played a leading role promoting storage systems in Ireland at a number of events including an installers day at Tullamore, near Dublin, and the Smart Solar Ireland conference in Belfast in June, where Pol Spronck, International Sales Manager, spoke on MyReserve: the benchmark for the future of battery storage. At SolarIreland ’17 at the Croke Park in Dublin Solarwatt and BHC were prominent as partner and Platinum Sponsor respectively.
Launch of the Matrix battery system in Ireland
Technically, MyReserve performed extremely well, with summer month averages of >90% self-sufficiency. Installer feedback on MyReserve efficiency and speed and ease of installation was very positive, making it the best-selling storage system in Ireland less than one year after first installation, said Pearse McHenry, Managing Director of BHC Distributors. For 2018, Solarwatt’s Matrix modular battery system is set to launch in Q1, making larger systems economically viable, while a 11kWh system is currently being installed in Ireland as well as some 15 other Matrix systems. Solarwatt’s Pol Spronck said: “We’ve had a great year in Ireland, North and South, showing a tremendously positive consumer response to our innovations. This was impressive considering the Irish government ruled out subsidy for residential and small commercial PV and storage, when the market had delayed investment pending a more positive announcement.
Micro Renewable Energy Federation aims to push support schemes
“While the omission of smaller systems and microgeneration was disappointing, we remain very positive on the Irish PV market. Meanwhile, the Micro Renewable Energy Federation (https://mref.ie), launched to campaign for reasonable incentives, has found much support in a short time. The initial government consultation omitted microgeneration but this continues to be on the table and with the formation of MREF, of which Solarwatt is a member, as the microgeneration industry is confident that support schemes will further drive the market in Ireland. “There are already a number of orders in the pipeline for Q1,” said Pol Spronck. “We expect 2018 to be a very good year and working in very close partnership with BHC, noting our joint investments and efforts in the last year, we are in a strong position both in the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Increased export of complete systems planned
“The story is similar elsewhere in Europe. We are seeing exponential growth in Scandinavia, for example. In Germany we gained a more market share than any other battery manufacturer, with an impressive 17% market share. Also Solarwatt remains market and technology leader with its glass-glass PV panels. Solarwatt now employs 350 people internationally. Given such positive year-end figures, new jobs are expected for next year.”In 2018, the company plans to export its successful model of the complete PV system, in which all components have been developed in-house and therefore match each other perfectly, abroad. In addition, Solarwatt will maintain its innovative drive in the coming year and introduce new products for an integrated, environmentally friendly, and fair energy supply. (HCN)
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More useful information:
https://www.pveurope.eu/solar-modules/sweden-banks-quality-solarwatt-expanding-its-business
