At September’s Solar & Storage Live in Zurich, Solar&StorageXtra spoke to Patrick Imholz, Director Of Sales And Business Development for Freesuns.
Patrick explained Freesuns’ innovative rooftop solar PV solution, and how it came to dominate the niche market of solar-powered heritage buildings.
“Overall, it’s all about holding constructive discussions and being pioneers – engaging in discussions with the heritage commission to find acceptable solutions”
Interview with Patrick Imholz
Xtra: Can you explain Freesuns’ role in the industry and product?
Patrick: Freesuns is mostly active in Switzerland, but we’re expanding out into the Eastern Market. Our product is small in size; it’s very close to the size of traditional roof shingles or tiles.
What makes us stand out is our installation method, which not many other products utilise. We overlap our product both horizontally and vertically so that when it is finished it looks exactly like a tiled roof – like how we have here in Switzerland.
It also has the same type of structure underneath, (which is) a wooden-on-wooden structure, creating a discrete appearance. A lot of people like our product’s aesthetics.
As I mentioned in my presentation, we’ve also had success with installations on heritage and protected buildings – where the requirements for PV are more difficult.
Xtra: Can you explain more about your presentation?
Patrick: My presentation showcased Freesuns’ product, company, and learnings we’ve had in a niche market. That being heritage-protected buildings, which are one of our target sectors due to how our product integrates with the roofing.
I also highlighted what goes into a heritage solar project, such as early discussions with the heritage commissions to ensure you’re aware of which rules apply to the building. In doing this, you can work together towards a solution.
It also depends on the role that homeowners play if they live in a heritage-protected building. These properties will have a lot of rules to comply with. For example, whenever the homeowner wants to renovate they need to ask the canton (state) architect.
If they want to change the heating system by way of installing PV power to their heat pump, they might receive a rejection if they can’t install PV.
Overall, it’s all about holding constructive discussions and being pioneers – engaging in discussions with the heritage commission to find acceptable solutions for both the homeowner who wants PV and the heritage commission who protects the building.
Xtra: How do you see the solar landscape evolving over the next few years?
Patrick: For homeowners, a point of uncertainty comes from not knowing what future energy prices will be. They might know next year’s prices, but not what they’ll be paid for any energy they put back into the grid.
A few Swiss cantons have started to roll out incentives for this, but it currently isn’t clear what these incentives will be. For example, will there be incentives for house renovation, to install PV? Without these answers, it’s hard for people to invest in solar solutions as they won’t know the returns.
Clear communication around pricing and incentives can likely be expected over the next few years, and following that an improved adoption of PV by the market.
Xtra: What rising trends and challenges are you noticing in the solar industry, which the sector should be aware of?
Patrick: We’re in a niche market, but we’re aware of the slowdown in solar adoption some people in the industry have been experiencing. The war in Ukraine has caused these, and a fear of shortages which has prompted an uptick in self-sufficient green energy generation.
The economic situation, such as the rise in interest rates, seems to have made people more cautious about investing in solar energy. Combine this with uncertainty about the future, tariffs, and subventions, and the market appears less desirable.
There’s a large surplus of solar panels being produced in China, all of which are attempting to be fed into the market, causing a price drop and competition.
Fortunately, our niche solution means that we’re largely shielded from these concerns, but they are general trends in the solar industry we have noticed.
Xtra: What benefits can companies and visitors gain from attending Solar & Storage Live?
Patrick: The show is a place where you can find lots of providers and solutions. For a company exhibiting, the exposure here is helpful because you’re in the midst of technicians and installers who could use your product.
Solar & Storage Live is a great visibility network, which also spreads information through the interesting presentations it holds.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live Zurich, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the Barcelona edition from 13-14 November.
