What is in demand at the moment? What are you looking for at the moment?

Published on: April 9, 2021 / Updated on: April 9, 2021 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

The 5 top topics for solar energy in our Xpert.Digital topic hub. Besides industrial automation, on-site power generation has also moved into focus with regard to smart factories. There is particularly high demand for consulting services and the search for competent partners for implementation.

Our current top stories – Image: Damir Khabirov|Shutterstock.com

Demand from industry and commerce

Demand for solar modules, especially for flat roofs on warehouses, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities, has increased rapidly since the debate surrounding mandatory solar installations. For nearly 10 years now, Xpert.Digital has been providing logistics and intralogistics solutions for many future-oriented topics related to Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, Smart Factory, and Smart Grid. Over time, we have naturally expanded our services to include retail, mechanical engineering, industry, and, of course, photovoltaics.

Suitable for:

• Digital Innovation Hub from the very beginning for logistics and photovoltaics

T.Werk has proven itself a reliable partner in this area. With its innovative TRITON system for the substructure of flat roof solar modules, T.Werk has consistently impressed. This is also reflected in the PIF Gold Medal and the MTP Award for innovative products from the University of Poznań.

Roof penetration-free installation on pitched/sloping roofs

Another major topic, enjoying high demand and also originating from T.Werk, is the roof-penetration-free installation of solar modules on pitched roofs with bitumen or membrane coverings . The METIS system from T.Werk allows for a solar module substructure to be used as a roof attachment, purely through ballast and without any damage to or modification of the roof membrane (for the attachment).

Plug-in solar devices

Plug-in solar devices, or solar panels that fit into a wall socket, are increasingly coming into focus. Slogans like "Generate your own electricity in the garden or on the balcony" are targeting a new customer base: renters and homeowners. Complete kits are offered and advertised as mini solar systems that simply plug in to generate electricity.

More about it here:

• Plug-in solar device: the solar system for balconies and gardens, particularly interesting for long-term campers

Solar obligation

Top topic number 4 concerns the legal solar obligation, which is handled differently across Germany. Baden-Württemberg is already implementing it starting in 2022, requiring new non-residential buildings and open parking lots with 75 or more units to be constructed as solar carport parking spaces. We've already compiled some information on this topic at Xpert.Digital, which we are now expanding and regularly updating: Solar Cities: Carport and Solar Obligation in Germany for Solar Systems and Parking Lots

Marketing of solar energy

Last but not least, we are frequently asked how best to market solar energy in the context of digitalization. We have broadened this topic because it affects several industries simultaneously, and the answer is different than many might expect: How to market photovoltaics?