Intersolar: Changing world of business models explained
The German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) and Intersolar Europe have announced a joint publication of a guide outlining the changing opportunities developing in international PV business models. Although geared towards supporting the German solar industry, the publication provides a comprehensive overview and introduction into different new business models for solar PV projects.
Due to continuing decreases in solar electricity production costs, as well as increasing deregulation for energy producers and rising electricity prices in many markets worldwide, the sales and marketing of solar power represents an interesting new field of business. Many electricity customers, in particularly commercial and industrial consumers, are confronted with unpredictable electricity price increases, high levels of network instability as well as high maintenance costs for diesel generators.
"These consumers are increasingly shifting their orientation and looking for solutions to facilitate direct consumption and attain planning security "“ both in terms of energy production and for economic reasons. The new pv investor guide by BSW-Solar and Intersolar Europe shows what is feasible and how to do it right," said Carsten Körnig, Chief Executive Officer of the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar).
In particular large-scale consumers are looking for partners from the highly-recognized German solar industry with its high quality products and new services: Some of the keywords that are increasingly heard are ESCO (Energy Service Company), bilateral power purchase agreements, prepaid and leasing. Apart from the classical EPC (Engineering-Procurement-Construction), consumers are specifically seeking operating models that allow them to receive their electricity from third parties, using classical contracting principles.
PV business models that are covered by the investor guide are among others: PV-hybrid Mini Grid for off-grid applications, PV self-consumption for commercial and industrial applications, Net-metering for residential and commercial applications, Leasing solutions for self-consumption and net-metering projects and Direct sale of PV electricity (PPA) for commercial and industrial applications.
Körnig added, "If you are thinking of investing in photovoltaics, this guide offers detailed information on market potential, market structures, stakeholders and application segments."
