Over the last 10 years, JA Solar have made their mark on the UK solar space selling their integrated Solar modules into the market.
Solar and Storage live in Birmingham is a major chance for JA Solar to engage with major buyers, distributors, and installers in the Solar industry. Alastair mentioned that JA Solar are an industry leader in Solar PV and were one of the first companies to put and emphasis on the UK market. Giving the UK solar market ‘real access to Solar and the benefits of flexibility.’
Alastair explained that JA Solar have maintained a constant supply of Solar PV modules in to the UK market maintaining a low price and high quality of supply. JA Solar are considered pioneers in Solar PV regarding:
- The move to monocrystalline modules from polycrystalline modules.
- The mass production of black-black modules.
- Being innovators in Perc Technologies and Perc modules.
Throughout our conversation, myself and Alastair discussed some of the major solar industry trends. The first trend we discussed was the main factor that is expected to affect the rise and fall of costs related to solar. Alastair explained that the main factor that would affect this would be the capacity of Solar that is available. This could affect Solar’s current increase in efficiency and decrease in price.
Alastair explained we must anticipate and avoid issues created by unexpected challenges, the main example in recent times being the Russian invasion of Ukraine that led to the current energy crisis.
The second major industry trend myself and Alastair discussed were the current labour and social issues in the Solar supply chain.
Alastair explained JA Solar are looking into the overall due diligence of their supply chain and are shifting their priorities relating to ESG legislation. To do this, JA Solar are a part of the Solar Power Security Initiative and the Solar Energy Responsible Sourcing Steering Group that work in line with EU acts and directives around due diligence.
“JA Solar are a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem. We know where our modules come from and where we have the power in the supply chain to enforce certain traceability and ESG actions.” – Alastair Mounsey
The third industry trend that was discussed in our interview was the particular recycling processes around Solar PV. Alastair explained that some of the commentary around Solar PV waste may be exaggerated but it does raise an important question.
The Solar industry has identified the need for Solar PV recycling but hasn’t implemented it because there isn’t a need for it yet. Due to the lifespan Solar PVs, there isn’t a widespread need for Solar PV recycling because older modules are still working efficiently.
For Alastair, their shouldn’t be an alarmist viewpoint regarding PV recycling. JA Solar, and other PV companies, are tracking the lifecycles of their modules.
Diversifying the global Solar supply chain was the final trend myself and Alastair discussed. This is an ever present issue in the Solar industry but, Alastair explained, that the market will determine whether supply chains will diversify due to particular cost profiles. The price of new supply chains may need to match current market price for diversification to be put into effect. However, Alastair did reveal that JA Solar are investigating new supply chains to keep up with current demand.
JA Solar can be found at Stand E7 with speaking positions at:
- October 17th – 15:50 Sponsor Presentation: Module Technology & Supply Chain Into 2024– Matthew Xenakis, Sales Manager
- October 18th – 10:30 Sponsor Panel: Addressing the Need to Scale Up Investment Opportunities within Energy Storage – Alastair Mounsey
- October 19th – 10:30 Sponsor Panel: Future Trends in Solar PV Technologies and How they Will Contribute to Net Zero Targets – Alastair Mounsey
Watch our interview with Alastair Mounsey and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
