How did the sales launch go for the new products?
Peter Bachmann: Short answer: super. The high demand came as a surprise – we were literally overrun with orders and are now sold out until May and June.
Benjamin Frank: To introduce the new products, we planned a ramp-up by the middle of the year and wanted to give our customers enough time to update portfolios. With the high demand, we‘ve put out more orders and plan to be able to serve also short-term customers from July onwards.
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Which products were particularly popular?
Peter Bachmann: That would be the batteries featuring our new hybrid inverters, which didn't coe as much of a surprise! The collaboration with BMW has resulted in a very modern and intelligent system that also appeals to existing customers, including abroad.
Benjamin Frank: We rolled out the new system simultaneously in 15 European countries. The success was evident everywhere, even if some markets have some way to go to catch up with Germany.
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Have installers been left empty-handed because you couldn't keep up with deliveries?
Benjamin Frank: We have tried to supply as many systems as possible to all installersso that they can at least familiarise themselves and gather some experience. And also to get them up to speed for the next big swing in the summer.
Peter Bachmann: Practical experience with installers has confirmed our concept. The new system is very easy to install and requires very little effort. Perfect for strengthening and deepening the bond between installers and their solar customers. The storage system, for example, is equally suitable for new builds and retrofitting.
The market for private investments is shrinking, but you confirm high demand. How does this fit into the overall picture?
Benjamin Frank: We do not go through wholesalers. We sell every aspect and component of our Vision system exclusively to partners working in the area of installation trade. The mood among partners is optimistic.
Peter Bachmann: Two-stage distribution has proven to be a good bet. More customers are recognising that photovoltaics is a lucrative investment and pays for itself within a short time. Our system is not only technically a top performer, but we also offer appealing prices. The market is growing and we want to grow with it.
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The Solarwatt Manager is the building's energy distribution control centre. Can it handle the new dynamic electricity tariffs?
Benjamin Frank: Dynamic electricity tariffs have been mandatory since February. At the end of April, we'll be launching the new Solarwatt Home Plus service, which enables dynamic tariffs and other energy market optimisations – a process that is overseen by our energy manager. This only makes things more attractive for partners and their customers.
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You've also expanded your module series. Alongside the Vision 5.0 M panel is the smaller Vision XS 5.0 Style panel, which comes in at 260 watts. What was your idea here?
Peter Bachmann: The available roof area on private homes is usually somewhat limited. With large standard modules, there's valuable space that's frequently unused. Which is why we now have the Vision XS 5.0 Style panel. This uses the same TOPCon half-cells as the larger Vision M. The installer can thus be freely combined with standard modules and XS modules on the roof, and connected in the same string. (HS/TF)
Interview by Heiko Schwarzburger.
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