The examples of Germany and Italy show that a strong development of the electrical energy storage sector has taken place over the last years in Europe. Meanwhile, the installers are so experienced in the field of energy storage that the largest share of them carries this technology in their portfolios. Belgian installers, though, are not yet focussed on energy storage systems. Only 16% of the participants of the "Global PV InstallerMonitor 2018/2019 Belgium" offer storage solutions to their customers. A further 33% want to include energy storage in their portfolio in 2019. The installers, who will not offer battery storage, claim high prices as the main obstacle. They also mention a general lack of demand for energy storage systems.
It comes as a surprise that Belgian installers do not offer storage solutions to their customers, as the Belgian government announced the shut-down of 6 nuclear reactors in November 2018. According to Reuters, the reactors will be shut down due to repairs, and may affect the security of the electricity supply and could even cause black-outs during the winter.
The share of installers who offer storage systems might triple in 2019
According to the study, the Belgian PV storage market will witness a change in 2019. The share of installers who offer storage systems might triple in 2019. Almost half of them (49%) may then carry this technology in their portfolios. Especially the more specialized solar installers already started offering storage systems and a huge share of general installers may follow them in 2019. However, half of the installers claim that due to high prices and a general lack of demand for energy storage systems they will not focus on storage systems.
Installers are key intermediaries to end customers
“We are confident that providing information and incentives will further push the market. Our experience shows that installers are the key intermediaries when it comes to introducing new technologies to end customers. One of the reasons the German storage market has developed so strongly is that a large share of installers already carry energy storage solutions in their portfolio. We are happy to see that Belgian installers are getting more and more involved with the technology” Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO and founder of EuPD Research, commented.
These are some of the results from the new “Global PV InstallerMonitor 2018/2019 Belgium”. The study deals with the topics of brand management, market penetration, procurement and satisfaction. The sectors modules, inverters, wholesalers and storage systems are analysed. EuPD Research surveyed a total of 78 PV installers in Belgium. (HCN)
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More useful information
https://www.pveurope.eu/News/Energy-Storage/Solarwatt-intensifies-installer-training-in-UK
