IBC SOLAR is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The industry pioneer, which has become one of the world's leading providers of photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, looks back at major milestones of the renewable energy market.
The results of a survey the company conducted in cooperation with its specialist partner network at the beginning of 2022 provides insight into current trends and market developments. The evaluation shows what homeowners and commercial customers in Germany place most value on when purchasing PV and storage systems today, and what is most important to installers when they work with suppliers.
Founded in 1982 as IBC (International Battery and Solar Power Consulting) and later called IBC Solartechnik, the company laid a cornerstone for the development of solar energy in Germany. As one of the first European suppliers of battery and PV systems, it has been actively involved in shaping many changes in the industry and has continuously expanded its own portfolio based on the respective market developments.
Important milestones
- 1982: Company founded as International Battery and Solar Power Consulting
- 1998: Own PV module brand (Megaline) marketed
- Early 2000s: Established as a strong partner in the distribution and project business with priority on product quality
- 2007: Own outdoor test facility built
- 2009: Products also evaluated in a unique and independent test laboratory
- 2011: First storage system
- 2013: In-house mounting system (IBC AeroFix)
- 2022: 40th anniversary
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, IBC SOLAR conducted a survey among its own network of specialist partners.
Findings from the specialist partner survey
Market distribution: IBC SOLAR’s partners are very well represented in both the residential and commercial sectors. Over 100 PV specialists and installation companies in Germany surveyed show that the majority of orders for PV systems (72%) comes from the residential segment. PV systems in the commercial segment are at just under 28% but are increasing.
Reasons for purchase: Independence from rising electricity costs (96% of mentions), energy self-sufficiency (78%) and the idea of sustainability (54%). Another important point is the rapid amortization of investments in photovoltaics and storage (32%).
Criteria when choosing a system: Single point of supply, with one contract (78,1%), high product quality (73,6%), fast processing and delivery (35,4%), local manufacturing of the products (27,2%), low price (22%), high efficiency (19%).
Factors for choosing a supplier: Reliability and accessibility to customers (90,8%), modern, up-to-date and comprehensive portfolio (60,5%), and services such as good after-sales service and good warranty conditions.
Market trends: Increased legal complexity and increasing requirements (76,1%), an increasing awareness of customers for photovoltaics in the context of renewable energies, and rising costs (59%).
Future, additional areas of application for photovoltaics: Electromobility (87,4%), sector coupling using hydrogen (23,5%), building-integrated photovoltaics (19,8%).
"The results of the survey confirm our corporate philosophy. As a solution provider, we provide high-quality and suitable products from a single source. Proximity to our specialist partners is very important to us. At the same time, we are constantly developing our portfolio. The quality of our products and the dialogue within our network of specialist partners will continue to be firmly anchored in our corporate culture in the future. Through this customer and market proximity, we see ourselves optimally positioned for the upcoming market development in the coming years," comments Patrik Danz, the company’s chief sales officer.
"The survey results clearly reflect the market developments that have been taking place in recent years. In the early days, PV was rather costly which meant that it was simply not affordable for many homeowners. Moreover, its potential was still underestimated. In the meantime, solar technology is becoming the future mainstream technology in the energy sector and is enjoying increasing popularity, especially in the homeowner segment. With solar energy, everyone has the opportunity to be a direct influencer of the energy transition – which is unique. At the same time, the PV industry is extremely dynamic and is moving at a rapid pace and so we can be very excited about the next few years," summarizes Udo Möhrstedt, industry pioneer and CEO of IBC SOLAR AG.
Contact Annika Bloem, IBC SOLAR, presse@ibc-solar.de
