Patrik Danz, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of IBC SOLAR AG, responsible for national and international sales, project units and marketing activities. ©IBC Solar

Poland’s PV sector is gaining momentum after a political shift, with strong demand in projects and wholesale, says Patrik Danz of IBC SOLAR AG.

IBC SOLAR AG is a German solar systems provider covering the full photovoltaic value chain, from component distribution to utility-scale and rooftop project development. Founded in 1982 by physicist and solar pioneer Udo Möhrstedt, the company operates internationally with a strong focus on Europe. In 2022, IBC SOLAR established IBC SOLAR POLAND sp. z o.o. in Warsaw to strengthen its presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic photovoltaic markets. Chief Sales Officer Patrik Danz is responsible for the group’s sales, project and marketing activities.

Mr Danz, what role does the Polish market play for IBC?

IBC SOLAR AG is active worldwide with a strong focus on Europe. As a company based in Bad Staffelstein, Germany remains important, but Poland is one of the most relevant growth markets for us. Poland is among the top five photovoltaic project markets in Europe. We have been active there for many years. Initially, projects were managed from our headquarters before we established IBC SOLAR POLAND sp. z o.o. in Warsaw in 2022.

How is IBC SOLAR POLAND structured?

Our Warsaw team consists of ten Polish colleagues with strong PV expertise and deep knowledge of the local market. Seven work in sales, while the rest cover marketing, management and finance. We entered Poland with a long-term perspective and offer stable employment with growth opportunities. The Polish energy market, still dominated by coal, offers long-term potential in both rooftop and ground-mounted segments as well as component distribution.

What role do bureaucratic requirements play in Poland?

We do not see this as particularly critical. Most commercial and industrial projects focus on self-consumption systems, while utility-scale projects are often based on power purchase agreements (PPAs). Grid capacity is a more relevant constraint than administrative procedures. Approval processes are generally efficient, although grid connection can sometimes take several years, as in other EU countries. Occasionally, documentation issues arise within administrative processes, which requires close project monitoring.

How is IBC SOLAR active as a wholesaler in Poland?

Wholesale is an important pillar of our business in Poland, particularly in the residential segment, where single-family homes remain a key market. In 2022, demand exceeded supply. In 2023 it declined noticeably, and in 2024 it fell further. However, we are accustomed to cyclical market developments and see this as a normal correction phase.

What role does politics play in PV expansion in Poland?

Following the parliamentary elections in October 2023, conditions for renewables have improved significantly. Under the previous government, coal remained the dominant focus, while the new administration supports PV expansion more actively. We expect annual market growth of five to twelve percent through 2030. Grid expansion and improved regulatory frameworks are key priorities.

What is your outlook for the next 24 months?

We expect continued growth, supported by Poland’s high share of coal in electricity generation. Rising electricity prices and CO₂ costs further strengthen the business case for photovoltaics. With current political momentum, Poland is expected to remain among the top five PV markets in Europe.

Interview by Manfred Gorgus

About Patrik Danz
Patrik Danz has been Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of IBC SOLAR AG since 2021. He is a trained electrical engineering and economics engineer (FH) and has many years of international experience in senior management roles in the lighting technology industry. At IBC SOLAR, he is responsible for national and international sales and project units, as well as marketing and technical sales.