Poland: Sustainable PV growth but lack of knowledge as barrier

01/08/2018 | Print view

Baywa. r.e. is focusing on small commercial and residential solar installations in Poland. - © Baywa r.e. — © Baywa r.e.

Baywa. r.e. is focusing on small commercial and residential solar installations in Poland.

Lukasz Zaziąbł, Head of the office of BayWa r.e. Solar Energy Systems near Cracow is discussing the PV market delopment in Poland. In January 2017 the solar section of the company opened an office near Cracow.

How do you assess the PV market development in Poland?

The PV market in Poland is developing at a calm and sustainable pace. Simplified grid-connection conditions for installation up to 40kW, so called umbrella residential projects, various local subsidy schemes and most importantly net-met discount system are driving the market in a very dispersed direction. Nevertheless, two conducted auctions (100MW pile in 2016 + 300MW pile in 2017) for installations with a capacity of up to 1MW have taken place and are also important to note in terms of the markets development. Developers who were successful in this auction-tender are obliged to build these power plants within two years.

What opportunities do you see? In which sectors?

Our PV trade business in Poland is currently focusing on the residential and small commercial sector. And we are also closely watching the industrial projects market as well.

Łukasz Zaziąbł heads the Polish office of Baywa r.e. Solar Energy Systems near Cracow. - © Baywa r.e. — © Baywa r.e.

Łukasz Zaziąbł heads the Polish office of Baywa r.e. Solar Energy Systems near Cracow.

Are there still some barriers?

Lack of proper regulations or unstable law were the main barriers for the PV market development in Poland. This is no longer a big issue, but still needs some improvements. One of serious stoppers is still too little experience for most market stakeholders in almost every decision-making stage. Uncertainty and lack of knowledge of the specifics of the PV market, are slowing the development of the market down. But we need to keep in mind that this is a completely new market (like strong price orientation and little quality awareness are typical), that has massive potential and is developing in a smart way. With more than 25 years of experience BayWa r.e. is an expert in this sector and supports its customers through providing the expert help, advice and market insights they need.

How is your presence in the country. Do you have an own subsidiary?

In January 2017 BayWa r.e. Solar Energy Systems has opened an office in Zabierzów near Cracow. Its main focus is solar trade and small projects opportunities.

Interviewed by Hans-Christoph Neidlein