ASTRASUN took part at the InterSolar Exhibition and Conference in Munich (7-9. October), which has been organized in-person for the first time since 2019. (Although the online Intersolar in 2020 provided an opportunity for exchange of experiences and introduction, the professionals missed the charm of personal relationship building, which can be ensured only by an in-person program.)
The Munich program shrank compared to two years ago, but fortunately the smaller size didn’t change the quality of the prestigious event. The innovations of the solar industry were presented through the stands of about half as many exhibitors, but these stands were not only spectacular but also very meaningful.
Thanks to the professional programs, in addition to gathering information, there was an opportunity to expand business relations and even to establish new businesses. However, the main benefit of the exhibition is that it provided a complete picture of the trends that solar industry players in Europe can expect in the coming years.
Sun tracking is trivial
There was a widespread use of solar tracking technology: the tracking system was on offer in almost every exhibitor manufacturer, and there were more and more convincing references to solar power plants using sun tracking system. ASTRASUN used this technology in Vásárosdombó: although it was more expensive to install, the abundant energy yield of the solar power plant soon compensated the extra costs. In our other solar parks, we used a hybrid, seasonally adjustable mounting structure.
Awaking power in the European manufacturers
European plants serving the solar sector (eg. Deutsche Fabrik, Meyer Burger) are also beginning to recover, so we may be confident that a large selection of European solar panels will be available in the foreseeable future. Why is this so important? Because the major Chinese manufacturers - from whom European solar industry players have so far ordered modules due to favorable prices - will increase 50-100% the prices of solar cells in the near future. As transport costs are already very high, it will ultimately be faster, more cost-effective and, above all, more sustainable if the modules are procured within the EU by the European solar contractor.
Demand for project developers
The large number of EPC firms and companies presenting in InterSolar means that there is a strong demand for solar project development, with a competitive market for the sale of projects in different phases in the solar sector. ASTRASUN positions itself in this market too, with the difference that we are also owning solar power plants, ensuring this way the practice of standing on several legs.
Bigger and stronger
Modules with higher output power are appearing in the sector: in the large category, mainly for industrial use, the incoming level is 550-570 W, and in the household size category, 360-400 W panels are becoming more common. The dimensions are also impressive: although the 72-78 cell modules longer than two meters perhaps aren’t that practical during transport, storage or installation.
In the same way, the load-bearing capacity of the mounting systems has been increased, enabling the safe, yet space-saving carrying of more solar panels with a more thoughtful design, so the number of installed rows in a solar park can be reduced.
The lack of Hydrogen
The organizers promised the production of green hydrogen with solar energy as one of the highlights of the InterSolar 2021 event. Several companies and professionals participating in the event, including ASTRASUN, arrived with the intention of gaining useful, practical information and contacts from this exciting area to start a new business. However, hydrogen technology was almost not included in the program of the exhibition at all, and it was possible to get an insight into the field only at the level of plans and theory. Thus, any business owner who is planning to start a hydrogen business and is not part of any governmental, international or industry partnership is groping in the dark. In this case, all that is left is innovation and initiative, as well as the ability of building from the basics - fortunately, ASTRASUN is not afraid to conquer unfamiliar terrain.
