market and why Central and Eastern Europe could outpace regulation by 2028 amid a strong shift toward storage-integrated solar systems. ©SegenSolar
Central and Eastern Europe are becoming key regions for photovoltaic deployment. Konstantyn Lytvak, Technical Support Manager at SegenSolar, outlines market conditions in Poland and the Baltic States, highlighting regional differences and technical priorities.
Munich, 18 Juli 2025
For readers who are unfamiliar with Segen Solar, can you briefly describe your business?
SegenSolar is a professional B2B photovoltaic distributor based in Cologne, Germany. We’re part of Segen Global – alongside Segen Ltd in the United Kingdom, Segen Pty in South Africa and Soligent in the USA. We serve installers across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, Benelux and beyond. We support our partners through the full project lifecycle – from technical system design to logistics, commissioning support, and post-sale care.
How long have you been with the company, and what is your position within it?
I joined SegenSolar eight months ago as a Technical Support and Sales Manager. My role bridges two key areas: I support our customers – mainly installers and EPCs – in selecting the right PV and energy storage solutions. At the same time, I also work with our UK colleagues to shape the European Expansion Team. The goal is to adapt proven UK strategies to suit the diverse requirements of our European markets.
Can you briefly describe your tasks and which markets you serve?
My core responsibility is to make my clients‘ work easier. I assist them in designing future-proof PV systems that meet local regulations, budget constraints, and performance expectations. I also help troubleshoot technical challenges and guide them through product selection and setup. I currently focus on the Polish market, with additional involvement in other European regions where we’re expanding. With over 50% of my sales already involving energy storage, I’m deeply involved in helping customers transition toward more self-sufficient, storage-integrated systems.
From your experience, how would you best describe your market?
The PV industry is anything but static. It feels more like a ride in a roller coaster. Local policy shifts, electricity prices and global supply chains all influence the market. In Poland, we’ve seen impressive growth. According to the June 2025 Polish PV Market Report by the Institute for Renewable Energy, the country now boasts 21.8 GW of installed PV capacity—putting it fifth in the EU for growth last year. Yet with that do come challenges: grid saturation, curtailment, and pricing pressures during peak solar hours. That’s why BESS solutions are no longer optional – they’re essential.
Absolutely – but I would say they’re constructive challenges. The UK market is mature, consolidated, and strongly shaped by national policies and installer networks. Segen has around 30% market share there, and I was able to personally witness its scale and professionalism during my onboarding visit to our training centre in Kent. In contrast, the Polish and wider European markets are more fragmented and price sensitive. We deal with significantly more local players and varying funding conditions. This requires flexibility, customer focus, and the constant adaptation of our value proposition to local conditions.
What do you want to achieve in the markets you serve?
My goal is to build long-term, trust-based relationships. I want my clients to know they can always rely on me – whether it’s for technical guidance, product updates, or help with a tricky installation. European customers are demanding, and rightly so. They expect technical competence, clear communication, and fast support. My mission is to provide all three. If I can make their jobs easier, I know they’ll keep growing – and so will we.
What developments do you expect in the markets you serve in the next 12 months?
Although I don’t work directly in the UK market, I see us bringing more of the UK’s strengths to Europe such as integrated training and digital tools. In markets like Poland, we expect continued demand for hybrid inverters, AI-powered energy management systems, and plug-and-play BESS solutions. Storage is no longer a „nice to have“ –‚ it’s essential for grid balancing, financial returns, and independence. We’re seeing strong uptake, especially as Polish homeowners and businesses face curtailment risks and seek to store excess solar for later use.
And until 2030?
By 2030, the PV industry will look significantly different. I expect greater integration of AI in energy management. Households will become energy traders, not just consumers. Energy will be treated like a digital asset bought, sold, and optimized in real time. Software will play as large a role in this as hardware.
Will Poland take the lead in PV?
According to the June 2025 report, Poland could reach 38 GW of PV by 2028 – well ahead of government forecasts. That tells me that the market will outpace regulation, and smart distribution will be key to keeping pace.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus
About Konstantyn Lytvak
Konstantyn Lytvak holds a master’s degree in environmental and health engineering and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Kraków University of Technology. He also completed postgraduate studies in project management at Tischner European University. He has over ten years of experience in the solar industry.
SegenSolar is part of Segen Global – a group with operations in Europe, Africa, and the United States. Segen in the UK is also part of this group. Therefore, we are not positioning ourselves as a purely British company.
Would it be possible to rephrase the question accordingly? We can still proceed with an answer about the differences we see between the British and Polish markets.
In Central and Eastern Europe, PV expansion will not happen without energy storage – as everywhere. © SOLAR-professionell
Swiss based energy company Axpo and EDP Renewables have signed a long-term agreement to optimise a battery energy storage system (BESS) for a 60 MW solar i nstallationn in Poland.
Munich, 09 July 2025
The installation, located in the Greater Poland – Wielkopolska – region, will have a storage capacity of 241 MWh and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027.
Under the agreement, Axpo will handle the commercial management and optimisation of the system. It will apply its experience in managing flexible energy assets across Europe. The financial structure includes a floor and revenue-sharing model.
The deal is one of the first of its kind between private-sector entities in Poland’s energy storage sector claims Axpo. Therfore the company expects the innstallation to serve as a benchmark for similar projects in Central and Eastern Europe.
Poland’s grid problems are well known, which is why the project is intended to be seen as part of efforts to stabilize the Polish power grid. The BEES concept is in line with the country’s efforts to modernize the grid and integrate renewable energy.
Manfred Gorgus
Matjaž Grošelj shares his outlook on the photovoltaic markets across Eastern and Southeastern Europe, discussing oversupply, grid challenges, storage solutions and why commercial rooftops and solar parks will remain key growth segments until 2030. ©K2
Last week, Matjaž Grošelj spoke in an interview about the challenges of 19 different markets in Eastern and Southeastern Europe and how he and his sales team are dealing with them. This week, he reports on the current market situation and prospects in a sales area that stretches over 2,500 kilometres from the Baltics to Greece.
Munich, 08 Juli 2025
What developments do you expect for your Eastern Europe markets in the next 12 months?
We expect the markets to remain flat, with no significant growth anticipated in the medium term. Our industry experienced record-breaking demand and shipment volumes in 2022-2023, which led to sky-high expectations combined with panic buying, and hyperinflation in the aftermath of COVID-19 and the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
You mean overcrowded warehouses, falling demand and prices?
Yes, exactly. The overordering during the period of exceptionally high demand led to a massive oversupply across the industry, affecting all types of equipment—from PV modules and inverters to mounting systems. The destocking process is still ongoing, with both manufacturers and European distributors holding large inventories from that period. As a result, current market activity and prices remain well below the levels seen in 2022–2023.
Do you expect the market to stabilise?
The decline is slowing and stabilizing at a new, albeit lower, level. At K2 Systems, we focus on what we can influence. We continue to serve our customers with the utmost respect while developing new technical solutions, enhancing our service offering, and introducing innovative business models. We also place great importance on our so-called indirect customers – those who purchase our products through our sales partners rather than directly from us. It is important to us to ensure good service for all customer groups, as this is the only way to achieve sustainable customer loyalty.
What are your long-term expectations for your markets until 2030?
The enormous growth of the past five years has also brought challenges, prompting regulators to impose certain restrictions on the industry. In many countries in our region, electricity grids are overloaded. As a result, regulators have removed incentives for photovoltaic power plants in the residential segment, where the number of small, decentralized energy producers is highest.
Do you have an example at hand?
One such measure was the elimination of net metering schemes in several countries. Net metering allowed households to feed surplus energy into the grid during the day and draw energy from it during periods of low production. Since upgrading public power grids is both time-consuming and capital-intensive, and government budgets are already constrained, storage systems are becoming the new key element in residential markets. While households are expected to gradually adopt storage solutions, we anticipate only modest growth.
Is power storage the solution to grid problems in your markets?
However, investments in storage alone are not enough. A more comprehensive transformation of household energy consumption is necessary to increase self-consumption and reduce grid feed-in. This includes the introduction of new heating systems such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. However, this is an extremely capital-intensive process that rarely happens quickly, even though storage systems are already being promoted in many countries. The use of storage systems in private households is still far from reaching the level of net metering times. Therefore, commercial real estate and large solar parks—especially those with storage systems—will remain the most active segments for some time to come.
What are your expectations specifically for your market segment mounting systems?
Regarding overall demand in our region, we do not expect a major boom before 2030. Instead, we expect stagnant demand and annual installation volumes below the peaks of 2022–2023. This outlook does not take into account other influencing factors such as energy market prices or potential geopolitical events that could significantly impact the attractiveness of PV investments. Our goal is to at least maintain or even expand our market share in the rooftop segment, even in a challenging market environment.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus
Agata Krawiec-Rokita, CEO of sun.store, shares a different perspective on the European solar market. © sun.store
In this exclusive interview, Agata Krawiec-Rokita, CEO and Co-founder of sun.store, explains how the company is reshaping Europe’s solar market with its digital B2B platform for PV components — setting new standards for transparency, accessibility and hassle-free purchasing for installers across the continent.
Munich, 02 July 2025
Can you give a brief description of your company?
sun.store officially launched in October 2023. Despite being a young company, we’ve grown rapidly: in under a year, we’ve surpassed 1 GW of traded components and €100 million in GMV, making us one of the fastest-growing solar marketplaces in Europe.
Your roots are in Poland, why did you start in the Netherlands?
We chose the Netherlands as our legal base due to its proximity to the Port of Rotterdam, the logistical heart of European imports. Being in the Eurozone also facilitates smooth financial operations across the continent. However, as our operational backbone is rooted in Poland and Central Europe, we’re actively considering moving our full operations back to Poland to stay closer to our core market and team.
What does your component portfolio look like?
Our strongest categories are solar modules, inverters, and battery storage systems. We are also expanding our offering in mounting systems and electrotechnical equipment to provide a more comprehensive solution for installers and distributors.
What services do you offer?
Beyond product sales, we provide logistics coordination and technical support in component selection. Our aim is to reduce friction in the purchasing process and enable smoother project planning for professionals.
What are your target markets?
We serve customers across all of Europe: from Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands to Spain, Romania, Italy, and beyond. Our model is built for scalability across diverse solar markets.
Who are your target groups?
Our primary customers are residential and small-to-mid-sized commercial & industrial (C&I) installers, as well as smaller wholesalers and regional distributors looking for better access to supply and prices.
What are sun.store’s unique selling points?
sun.store stands out through selection, price, and convenience. We aggregate a wide variety of verified offers, provide real-time availability, and simplify transactions in what used to be a very fragmented supply chain.
Is there a company philosophy?
Our goal is to make the solar supply chain more transparent, efficient, and accessible. By digitizing the buying and selling process, we help accelerate installations, reduce overhead, and ensure that clean energy reaches more rooftops, faster.
How would you describe your tasks in the company?
I am the CEO and co-founder of sun.store. I oversee sales and marketing, product development, and internal operations. My focus is on building a platform that truly reflects the needs of solar professionals, both today and in the long-term future.
What share does Poland and Central & Eastern Europe have in your sales?
Our roots are Polish, and the platform’s early transaction came largely from the Central and Eastern European region. In 2023, Poland represented over 56% of our gross merchandise volume (GMV). However, as we’ve scaled, the market mix has diversified significantly. By 2025, Germany represents nearly a quarter of our GMV, with the Netherlands, France, Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, and others making up a growing share. This confirms our international trajectory. While Poland and CEE are important to us, sun.store is now a truly European platform with a diversified and balanced customer base.
How has your business developed in Central and Eastern Europe?
The CEE region was foundational to our growth – it’s where our team, early adopters, and trusted partners come from. But over time, we’ve expanded westward. Today, Western Europe, particularly Germany and the Benelux region, plays a key role in our volume and revenue. That said, we remain deeply connected to the CEE region, and our infrastructure supports buyers and sellers from across Europe.
What are your priorities in each country?
While there are local nuances, we observe a broader trend across Europe: increasing interest in solar-plus-storage, especially in the residential and commercial rooftop segments. Utility-scale projects are also growing in specific countries, but small and mid-sized C&I installations are gaining momentum nearly everywhere.
How do the Polish roots affect your business – if at all?
Our Polish origins give us a strong base in Central Europe, but we operate with a pan-European mindset. This balance allows us to redistribute supply – for instance, when demand slows in one country – like in Poland in early 2024 – we help local distributors and installers sell their inventory into higher-demand regions like Germany or the Netherlands. It’s a built-in hedge against local market fluctuations.
Where do you see growth opportunities in the next 12 to24 months?
We see three clear short-term drivers: One is Residential and small C&I storage solutions – these are in high demand, especially in countries with evolving net-metering policies or energy price volatility. The second is Overstock clearance and arbitrage – as markets shift and inventories move, agile marketplaces like sun.store help suppliers find buyers for surplus or redirected stock quickly. The third is Digital adoption. Many solar professionals are moving online for procurement. Our company benefits directly from this shift, offering a scalable and easy-to-use alternative to traditional channels.
Where do you see growth within the next three to five years?
Several trends will shape the next chapter of solar. Solar-plus-storage will become standard in commercial & industrial projects. Renovation or let’s call it upgrading of older PV installations will become an increasingly important part of our business. I’m specifically thinking of replacing aging inverters and adding storage to existing pv-installations. Refurbishment, recycling, and second-life use of solar components will open a new circular economy segment. Software-driven optimization, including predictive maintenance, VPP integration, and dynamic energy management, will gain traction. And finally, digital B2B trade in PV will become mainstream – a shift we’re already enabling today.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus
Cable pooling not only reduces infrastructure costs but also boosts the chances of securing a grid connection. The new solar park is shown here, with the wind park in the background. ©Goldbeck
New large-scale photovoltaic project near Poland’s Baltic coast uses cable pooling alongside a wind power farm to enhance efficiency and simplify grid connection amid local network constraints.
Munich, 01 Juli 2025
GOLDBECK SOLAR has successfully completed construction of the Postomino solar park in the municipality of Nosalin, located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland. The state-of-the-art ground-mounted photovoltaic installation has a capacity of 90 MW and spans approximately 110 hectares. Once operational, it is expected to generate around 96 gigawatt hours of electricity annually – enough to meet the needs of 32,000 households.
Cable pooling ensures grid connection
Poland is facing a grid challenge. According to market experts, grid connection requests are increasingly being rejected by operators. Like many networks across Europe, Poland’s grid was not designed to accommodate a large number of decentralized energy producers. Although a multi-billion euro investment package has been approved, implementation is expected to take decades. Agri-PV systems and east-west oriented panel layouts can help reduce peak loads around midday. The Postomino solar park is part of a cable pooling project, where the new PV installation shares the high-voltage infrastructure of a neighboring wind farm. GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska is responsible for delivering the entire project – from planning and construction to grid connection.
South-facing layout proves most efficient for this site
According to GOLDBECK’s planning department, the south-facing orientation of the modules ensures optimal use of solar radiation and delivers the highest energy output – all while complying with legal limits on maximum installed capacity. Although this layout leads to a pronounced midday power peak, the system is designed to maintain high efficiency throughout the rest of the day and provides the highest overall yield in the long term.
East west was not an option
An east–west configuration would have produced a flatter generation curve with reduced midday peaks. However, at this specific location, it would result in lower annual energy output, making it a less economically viable option. The site’s grid connection challenge is effectively resolved through the cable pooling approach.
Synergies through cable pooling
Construction work on the Postomino solar park has been successfully completed – including the medium-/high-voltage substation (30/110 kV) and the approximately 8-kilometer-long 110 kV cable route for grid connection. Final testing, configurations, and preparations for commissioning are currently underway. Tobias Schüssler, COO of GOLDBECK SOLAR, explains: “With the Postomino solar park, we are sending a strong signal for a sustainable energy future in Poland. The combination of photovoltaics and wind power through cable pooling demonstrates how synergies can be efficiently leveraged to drive the energy transition forward. We’re proud to have reached this milestone together with our Polish team.”
Cutting carbon means cutting costs for energy users
With its expected annual power generation, the plant will reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 61,223 tonnes. This is not only a significant contribution to the energy transition and the achievement of climate targets, but also a tangible economic advantage for users of clean solar energy, especially in light of rising CO₂ prices.
Manfred Gorgus
Photovoltaic solar farm in Kaczory, Poland. © Iliad
Since acquiring the Polish mobile brand Play in 2020, iliad has been steadily expanding its green power strategy. Now, another solar power PPA follows — part of a clear commitment to the energy transition. Read here why the French group relies on PPAs in Poland.
Munich, 27 June 2025
The new power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed with the Polish solar developer and operator R.Power. Starting January 1, 2026, R.Power will deliver 20 GWh of solar power annually to Play over a period of twelve years. The telecommunications company aims to save around 144,000 tons of CO₂ over the entire contract term.
The second PPA for Play
This is Play’s second solar PPA. The first agreement was signed in February 2024. With the new contract, the annually contractually secured volume of renewable electricity in Poland rises to 54.7 GWh.
Long-term stable prices
Besides the CO₂ component, long-term price stability is a key reason for concluding PPAs. Prices fixed for periods of 10 to 15 years significantly improve planning security in a market with highly volatile electricity prices. For this reason, PPAs are also a central element of the climate plan initiated by the Iliad Group in 2021.
Target: 50% Renewables in Poland by 2035
Poland traditionally has a high share of coal in its energy mix, leading to a correspondingly high CO₂ content in electricity. The CO₂ tax results in steadily rising costs for companies. PPAs therefore offer businesses tangible economic benefits, especially in Poland. Clean electricity from clearly defined sources enables secure long-term cost planning over decades. From January, Play will cover 13% of its electricity demand in Poland through PPAs. This is expected to rise to 50% by 2035. Technological and environmental progress.
Key Facts:
• 12-year contract term
• Delivery start: 1 January 2026
• 18 MW installed
• 20 GWh annual production
• 144,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided over the contract term
• 13.3 million mobile and 2.1 million fixed-line customers in Poland (as of end 2024)
Manfred Gorgus
Matjaž Grošelj explains how K2 Systems drives photovoltaic growth across 19 countries and 15 languages in Central and Eastern Europe through innovation, quality and service. ©K2
Matjaž Grošelj is Sales Manager for Central and Eastern Europe and is responsible for a 2,500 kilometre region in 19 countries with 15 different language areas, regulations, and national legislation for photovoltaics. Learn how he and his 10 colleagues manage this task in this interview.
Munich, 12. June 2025
Can you briefly describe the core business and market segments that K2 Systems operates in?
K2 Systems is an internationally operating developer and manufacturer of photovoltaic mounting systems. We primarily operate in the rooftop segment, which can be divided up in residential and commercial rooftop segment. In addition, we offer solutions for façades on commercial buildings, as well as for carports and ground-mounted systems.
When and why was the Slovenian K2 Systems d.o.o. founded?
Slovenian K2 d.o.o. was established as a sales company in 2021. Our parent company, K2 Systems, was founded in 2004, reflecting an extensive experience in the industry, considering that the PV sector is still relatively young. Our founders recognized a first-mover advantage by addressing the market’s need for easy- and fast-to-install mounting system solutions. This remains the core strategy of the company today, now further enhanced by digital solutions used daily by our clients to help streamline and simplify their work. Our task is to transport this philosophy to the Eastern European markets served by our branch.
How long have you been with the company, and what is your role?
I joined K2 Systems in November 2011, initially working in Sales with responsibility for Slovenia and Croatia. After several years, I became the Country Manager for multiple countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and in 2024, I took on the role of Head of Sales CEE.
How many countries do you serve, and how big is your team?
Our team of 10 professionals oversees 19 markets across Northern to Southeastern Europe, including the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Moldova, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece.
How do the individual markets differ?
Some markets are very similar, while others differ significantly. This depends on several factors, one of the most important of which is always the political attitude toward photovoltaics. Our industry remains highly dependent on politics – and politics regulates both the incentive systems and the technical framework for the planning, construction, and grid connection of PV systems.
How much can regulations influence the market?
Regulatory decisions can lead to strong demand in some countries, while the market weakens in others. Or there might be a vibrant residential real estate market in some countries, while it virtually disappears in others due to sudden regulatory changes. Therefore, we currently focus on the industrial roofing segment.
Does that apply to all the markets you serve?
Only a few countries offer a combination of all market segments – residential and industrial rooftops and solar parks. We operate across 19 countries, encompassing around 15 distinct languages. The countries differ culturally, in language, religion, legislation and business practices. We operate from Estonia in the north to Greece in the south, spanning approximately 2,500 kilometres. Some of the countries are full members of the European Union, others participate in the EU’s internal market or are entirely outside the Union.
What’s the competition like in your markets?
We face strong competition from local manufacturers as well as from German, Polish and – very importantly – Turkish and Chinese players. Many of them are well-established and respectable competitors, while others focus primarily on cost-efficiency. Our approach is to differentiate through quality, innovation, and service.
Can you explain “distinguishing features” in more detail?
We strive to be different – through our products, sales and service, including the sourcing of our materials. Our proposition includes software solutions, as K2 Base, as well as other digital tools that simplify and accelerate the work for our various customer groups. Our technical support is committed to fast, responsive service with deep technical expertise, a mindset that has been integral to our company since its founding. Last not least, we are able to provide complex, customized solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs.
What role does sourcing play as a competitive factor?
On the sourcing side, K2 Systems is committed to responsibility and sustainability. For example, we prioritize the use of recycled aluminium, which requires only about 5% of the energy needed to produce aluminium from raw materials. As a company operating in the renewable energy sector, it is essential that our activities help reduce emissions rather than contribute to them. Since aluminium processing is highly energy-intensive, we are committed to maintaining a forward-thinking and responsible approach in all aspects of our sourcing.
What goals do you have in the markets you serve?
In every market, our goal is to have one or more distributors, depending on the market’s size. We select partners carefully – they must share our values, demonstrate business resilience and have a long-term perspective. Only with such compatible partners can we build long-term relationships that lead to strong brand recognition and high customer satisfaction, which is our primary objective.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus.
Stolac Solami PV-park in Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to deliver up to 12% more energy thanks to ABC module technology. ©AIKO
The Stolac Solami Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina marks a milestone as AIKO and Tibra Pacific achieve grid connection for Europe’s first utility-scale solar power plant based on back-contact technology, promising greater efficiency and profitability.
Munich, 11 June 2025
AIKO, a global company known for developing and producing high-efficiency solar technology and as the inventor of N-Type ABC (All Back Contact) technology, supplied modules for the Stolac Solami Park project developed by Tibra Pacific. With an installed capacity of 64 MW, it is currently the largest grid-connected ground-mounted PV plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Launched in 2024, the project utilizes AIKO’s Stellar 1N+ ABC modules, renowned for their high efficiency and long-term reliability. The PV modules are installed on a classic fixed-tilt ground-mounted substructure with an optimized layout for maximum energy yield.
Simulation over three decades provides evidence
A 30-year simulation comparing AIKO’s ABC modules with TOPCon reference systems demonstrated a consistent performance advantage. The total energy production of the AIKO ABC modules reached 2,564.35 GWh in the simulation, corresponding to an energy gain of 38.54 GWh, or 1.54%, compared to the TOPCon system (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact). The yield increase was 0.80% in the first year, with this advantage expected to increase over time. This long-term performance advantage leads to higher overall system performance and improves energy security throughout the plant’s operating life, experts say. Additionally, the ABC system’s high-power density and larger active module area result in fewer modules per installed megawatt, fewer strings, less mounting system, less installation components, and less cabling. These factors further improve the overall efficiency of this solar farm.
Higher returns
In addition to their technical performance, AIKO’s ABC modules offer significant financial benefits, including a shorter payback period of 16 years and 4 months compared to 17 years and 3 months for TOPCon systems, a lower cost of electricity (LCOE) due to higher energy yields and reduced balance-of-system (BOS) costs, and an improved return on investment (ROI) over the project’s lifetime. These advantages make the ABC system a more bankable and economically efficient choice for utility developers seeking to maximize long-term value.
Better durability
Designed for harsh and variable conditions, AIKO’s modules are expected to demonstrate excellent durability against typical installation stresses, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical loads at the project site. Their uniform ABC design should also enhance resistance to micro-cracks and more effectively suppresses hotspots than conventional technologies. The standardized size of 2382×1134 mm and thickness of 30 mm shall ensure compatibility with common mounting systems.
Milestone with 12 percent more electricity yield says chairman
„This project is a milestone for renewable energy in Bosnia and Herzegovina,“ said Robert Brajkovic, Chairman of Tibra Pacific. „As the largest operating ground-mounted PV plant in the country, we needed a technology that would perform reliably not only in the lab but also in the field. AIKO’s modules deliver 12 percent more energy output and help reduce electricity costs by 3 percent in the first phase compared to the TOPCon setup. As a result, we converted the entire second phase to ABC. Their number-one efficiency and consistency under real-world conditions set a new benchmark for us.“
Manfred Gorgus
Steffen Emmerich of Goldbeck Solar is responsible fort the Polish market. ©Goldbeck Solar
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska Sp.zoo, based in Poznań, currently employs around 60 people and is part of the GOLDBECK SOLAR Group, headquartered in Germany. The company specializes in the construction of large-scale photovoltaic systems and benefits from close ties with its parent company. Steffen Emmerich helped establish the branch and reports on the great opportunities and peculiarities of the Polish market.
Munich, 03. June 2025
Mr. Emmerich, who is GOLDBECK Solar Polska?
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska Sp. z oo is headquartered in Poznań and currently employs approximately 60 people. Our focus is on the construction of large-scale photovoltaic systems. We are an independent company within the GOLDBECK SOLAR Group, but we use the site of GOLDBECK-Bau, which has been present in Poznań since 1997.
How has your company developed in Poland?
We started in 2019 with freelancers and an initial 7 MW project. We brought our first major project, a 204 MW plant, online in 2020 after a veritable odyssey with various partner companies. Since then, we’ve grown continuously. I’m on-site in Poland every other week.
In your opinion, what are the particular challenges of building solar power systems in Poland?
There are some special conditions. For example, a building permit is required for rooftop systems, and both the construction manager and the electricians must be specially certified. One of the biggest challenges, however, is grid connection: This can only be applied for after the system’s project development has been fully completed, which not only requires financial expenditure that is at risk, but also makes precise scheduling difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, the Polish power grid, like many others in Europe, is not designed for decentralized feed-in. Therefore, there is always a risk that grid connection will not be granted.
This is a significant risk. What do you do if the grid connection is not approved?
We have several strategies for such cases. This includes self-consumption by large commercial consumers with very high electricity consumption. These consumers are connected to the PV generator via a direct wire and supplied under a power purchase agreement. If the PV system is located in an area with a heavily congested power grid, there is the option of applying for an alternative grid connection point using a longer cable route.
What role does energy storage play in connecting to the grid?
Last but not least, cable pooling with other renewable energy generators, such as wind turbines, and the use of battery storage systems (BESS) enable grid capacity expansion. We are currently completing the first 90 MWp PV system that feeds into the grid via cable pooling together with a wind turbine. This should be the first utility-scale PV system in Poland to utilize this option. We are also currently calculating the addition of a battery storage system to expand grid capacity for one of our customers.
What system capacity do you need to start with in Poland?
In Poland, we generally start with 30 MWp. Our team at GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska also builds substations and high-voltage transmission lines for our customers. This significantly simplifies the unfamiliar and difficult bureaucratic process of dealing with grid operators and is an additional selling point for us. The longest transmission line we have built to date was 32 kilometers long and transports the power of a 200 MWp system. However, our goal is to build grid-connected systems of 100 MW or larger whenever possible, as this capacity offers greater economic synergies.
What are your personal experiences in the Polish PV market?
If you want to be successful in Poland, you need to be perceived as a Polish company. This also makes Polish bureaucracy easier to manage. Nevertheless, PV system development and construction remain challenging. From the project idea through the planning phase to the grid feed-in approval, we estimate it takes about three to four years – anything less than that becomes difficult. We also try to conduct our business with Polish suppliers in PLN as much as possible to minimize currency risk.
Is there a project that stands out in your memory?
Yes, a PV system we built uses the substation of the never-built Polish Żarnowiec nuclear power plant. For me, this is a powerful first symbol of the transformation in Poland’s energy supply. Construction of the Żarnowiec nuclear power plant was halted following significant public protests following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
How do you assess the Polish PV market over the next 24 months and until 2035?
The market environment will remain challenging over the next 24 months. Project implementations will be delayed, and grid capacity will be far from sufficient. This will lead to increased price pressure on the EPC side, which will lead to a certain market consolidation. There will be very few stand-alone PV projects in Poland in the future. Hybrid systems consisting of PV and other renewable energy generation systems and/or battery storage (BESS) will become the rule rather than the exception. The BESS market will develop rapidly in Poland compared to other European countries. We will see the first large-scale self-consumption projects. All in all, one of the most exciting markets in Europe until 2035 with an increasing number of installations, the biggest challenge of which will be the connection to the electricity grid.
Interviewer: Manfred Gorgus
Dr. Robert Janickas, of Inion Software, Lithuania. © Inion
The Chief Technical Officer of the company based in Lithuania, Dr. Robert Janickas, analyzes the power outages in Southern Europe. He explains the role of software and storage for secure, stable power grids in view of the growing number of volatile energy sources.
Munich, 15.May 2025
What is your point concerning the recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal?
The blackouts in Spain and Portugal raise questions about the resilience and flexibility of their electricity grids. While various reasons for the blackouts have been discussed, in my view the most likely cause is that the blackout may have been caused by a lack of preparation for the sudden fluctuations in renewable energy that could have triggered the total blackout.
Is it a scenario that is likely to be see in other countries in the future?
Of course, such situations are likely to recur in the future unless appropriate solutions are found here and now. What we have seen in Spain and Portugal can be seen as a good example of the importance of energy storage solutions, which can not only avoid energy waste, but also be the key to a more stable and reliable energy system.
What are the reasons for blackouts?
Imagine that one day, in a matter of seconds or even milliseconds, a certain number of renewable energy sources – solar or wind power plants – that are producing a significant amount of energy, suddenly shut down and do not produce as much electricity as they should. This would change the frequency of the electricity grid and increase the strain on the remaining sources, such as hydroelectricity, as the country’s electricity consumption would exceed its production. This creates a chain reaction. If the frequency is too high, the weakest remaining source of power is the first to be switched off. After it is switched off, the difference between consumption and generation increases even more, so the next source is switched off, and then the next, until there are no more sources feeding into the grid.
What about if too much energy is produced?
It could also be the other way round: production starts to exceed consumption and the frequency increases. Every generating plant on the grid has its own limits, safety margins, within which it can operate. And when those limits are reached, power plant shut down automaticly.
Safeguards based on frequency are no insurance against blackouts?
However, when electricity production exceeds consumption – for example, due to intensive solar or wind generation – unpleasant situations associated with blackouts can be easily avoided by balancing electricity.
So, every power grid with volatile energy sources needs buffer storage?
Electricity storage – battery systems – can be an excellent way of stabilizing a grid. They store excess energy when production exceeds consumption and release stored energy back into the grid when consumption exceeds production or when any kind of disturbances occur. This flexibility allows the voltage and frequency of the grid to be kept within the right parameters, which is essential for its stability.
With sufficient grid-friendly power storage there will be no blackouts?
To avoid future power outages like the current ones in Spain and Portugal, we need to increase the number of providers in the balancing energy market. If the power outages in Spain and Portugal are indeed caused by unbalanced power distribution, there are not enough active balancing energy providers there to compensate for peak loads and load deficits. Electricity storage systems as balancing energy providers keep the power grid in balance in real time, CO2-free. This requires a combination of modern, intelligent control systems with smart software and high-capacity energy storage systems.
Are we building an energy system that’s green but vulnerable?
The recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal show that countries must prioritize not only energy balancing, but also the security and reliability of the software running renewable energy systems. As much of this infrastructure depends on foreign hardware and software, the risk of cyber-attacks and remote disruptions is real. Trusted systems are vital for real-time monitoring, automated response, and secure control across the grid. A green energy future must also be smart, resilient, adaptive, and protected by reliable software at its core.
The interview was conducted by Manfred Gorgus
Caroline White (CEO of Segen Solar) views Poland as one of the most important markets in Central and Eastern Europe. © Segen Solar
SegenSolar GmbH, a Cologne-based PV wholesaler, will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2025. Founded in 2015, the company is part of SegenSolar Ltd. UK and has recently expanded significantly into Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus on the Polish market. Caroline White, Managing Director of European Expansion, explains the company’s new commitment to Central Europe.
MUC 02.04.25
Where does the commitment in Poland come from?
Caroline White: Poland is one of the most important markets for SegenSolar in Central and Eastern Europe. Recognizing the dynamic growth of the Polish photovoltaic sector, which reached an installed capacity of 21 GW in 2024, we’re poised to amplify our presence.
How long has SegenSOLAR been active in Poland?
Since SegenSolar GmbH was founded in 2015, we have been steadily growing across Europe. Our operations in Poland began in 2020, and since then, we have been working closely with Polish installers, offering a dedicated Polish-language website, an online portal, and a team of Polish-speaking sales, order processing and technical support specialists. However, 2025 marks a new phase in our expansion strategy. We are strengthening our Polish team, tailoring our product portfolio to better meet market needs, and launching more focused marketing and promotional activities.
How large is the customer base in Poland?
Currently, our Polish customer base consists of nearly 2,000 contacts, with several hundred already making purchases. We are confident that as we enhance our presence and service offerings, even more installers will choose SegenSolar as their trusted PV partner.
What is your position and task?
I am the Managing Director of EU Expansion at SegenSolar, where I oversee the company’s strategic growth across European markets. My primary responsibilities include driving market entry strategies, optimizing operational efficiencies, and ensuring our product offerings align with the needs of each region. With our recent focus on Poland, I am leading initiatives to strengthen our presence, build partnerships, and provide local installers with the best possible solutions. Having been with SegenSolar for over a decade, I bring extensive experience in international solar distribution and expansion, ensuring that we continue to grow sustainably in our key markets.
What services and products does SegenSolar provide?
SegenSolar prides itself on being a one-stop shop for installers, offering a comprehensive range of components essential for constructing photovoltaic installations. Our product portfolio for Polish market includes modules from leading manufacturers such as JA Solar, Jinko Solar, and LONGi Solar; inverters from brands like Enphase, Huawei, SolarEdge, and Solis; energy storage solutions from BYD, FOX ESS, Huawei, and Pylontech; mounting systems from ESDEC, Renusol, and Schletter. This extensive selection ensures that installers have access to top-tier products tailored to diverse project requirements.
How does SegenSolar operate within its markets, especially in Poland?
SegenSolar GmbH serves as the European subsidiary of Segen Ltd., the UK’s largest PV specialist wholesaler. Our primary office is in Cologne, Germany, from which we manage not only the German market but also the Benelux region and Central Europe, including Poland.
How can you guarantee top service from your German branch in Germany, for example in Poland?
While we operate without physical branches in every market, we ensure strong local support through our dedicated teams, local partnerships, and a well-established logistics network that allows us to deliver products efficiently. In Poland, for example, we have already built a solid customer base and are now expanding our team to provide even better service.
What has changed in the Polish market since you entered it?
We’ve been active in Poland since 2020. Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed and contributed to the remarkable growth of the Polish PV market. The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for us, as we introduce enhanced services and a renewed commitment to our Polish customers, reflecting our dedication to this vibrant market.
What are your expectations for the coming years?
We foresee a shift in the photovoltaic landscape, with a potential decline in the residential sector offset by significant growth in the commercial segment. This transition is influenced by factors such as stabilized energy prices for individual consumers and economic considerations affecting small investors. Conversely, businesses are increasingly recognizing the economic and environmental advantages of integrating photovoltaic solutions into their operations. SegenSolar is well-prepared for this evolution. We are expanding our product range to include advanced solutions tailored for commercial applications and are developing new services designed to meet the specific needs of our Polish clients. While details are forthcoming, we are confident that these innovations will resonate positively within the market.
Interviewer: Manfred Gorgus
Entwicklungsarbeit im BRC Labor ©BRC
Die BRC Solar GmbH und die Fronius International GmbH haben die offizielle Kompatibilität ihrer Produkte bestätigt. Damit können die Optimierer des deutschen Herstellers von Solartechnik BRC-Solar nun problemlos mit den Wechselrichtern des österreichischen Unternehmens Fronius kombiniert werden. Ziel dieser Entwicklung ist es, die Effizienz und Leistungsfähigkeit von Solaranlagen zu verbessern.
Optimierer lösen Herausforderungen bei Verschattung und Ausrichtung
Besonders bei Anlagen mit Verschattung, unterschiedlichen Dachausrichtungen oder variierenden Modulneigungen kann die Energieausbeute beeinträchtigt werden. Die Optimierer von BRC Solar sind darauf ausgelegt, den Ertrag einzelner Solarmodule zu maximieren und Leistungseinbußen im Gesamtsystem zu reduzieren. In Tests wurde nachgewiesen, dass die Geräte mit den Wechselrichtern von Fronius kompatibel sind. Dadurch bleibt die Energieproduktion auch unter schwierigen Bedingungen stabil, da betroffene Module gezielt optimiert werden, während andere ihre maximale Leistung beibehalten.
CEO Pascal Ruisinger zur Partnerschaft mit Fronius
Pascal Ruisinger, kaufmännischer Geschäftsführer von BRC Solar, sieht in dieser Entwicklung einen wichtigen Schritt für das Unternehmen: „Die Kompatibilität unserer Optimierer mit den Wechselrichtern von Fronius eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten für die Nutzung von Solaranlagen. Durch diese Partnerschaft können wir unser Produktangebot weiter ausbauen und Betreibern dabei helfen, das Potenzial ihrer Anlagen bestmöglich auszuschöpfen.“
Mit der Bestätigung der Kompatibilität setzen BRC Solar und Fronius ein weiteres Zeichen für die technologische Weiterentwicklung im Bereich der Photovoltaik. (mg)
Grzegorz Rabsztyn, Director of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Poland Group Office, explains in an interview the Bank’s role in the Polish energy transition. ©EIB
The Polish photovoltaic market is experiencing rapid growth. In recent years, there has been significant development in private installations, while large-scale projects are also gaining momentum. We spoke with Mr. Grzegorz Rabsztyn, Head of the EIB Group Warsaw Office.
Muc 27.03.2025
What are the specific challenges of the Polish PV market?
There is still much to achieve in the Polish energy mix. Particularly in the realm of photovoltaics, grid infrastructure poses a significant challenge. This issue is less about securing financing for improvements and more about implementation. The weak grid infrastructure hampers the connectivity of large-scale energy utilities, such as photovoltaic power stations, which in turn hinders the overall development of carbon-free energy in Poland.
Sounds like improving the grid is at the top of the list.
The financing of grid investments remains one of the top priorities for EIB financing in Poland. Recently EIB signed a loan of 1.7 billion Polish zlotys – which equals to €405 million – for Orlen to finance investment programs of its electricity supplier Energa Operator and improve and expand Poland’s electricity network. This is the third and final tranche of a 3.5- billion-zloty loan to Orlen for upgrades to the power grid in northern and central Poland. With the latest EIB loan tranche, Orlen subsidiary Energa Operator will upgrade over 4,600 kilometers of existing grid infrastructure and build a further 2,300 km of new power lines in Poland to accommodate around 25,000 new customers. Energa Operator will also be able to modernize its electricity network’s metering systems.
What is the role of the EIB in the energy transition in Poland?
The EIB funds various renewable energy initiatives, including wind, solar, and biomass projects, to help diversify Poland’s energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. While the EIB is eager to support project financing, it’s important to note that we can finance directly only investments of a minimum project cost of 50 million euros. As a general rule EIB finances up to 50% of the project costs or 50% of the debt financing in case of project finance structures.
Can you give us an example of the procurement practice?
Last year climate and environment projects in Poland won €2.5 billion of EIB financing, including energy transition ones backed by REPowerEU. The EIB signed agreements totalling €850 million with ORLEN Group, ENEA and PGE to upgrade and expand power distribution grids across the country. Further agreements promoted energy efficiency, such as €211 million financing for Maspex, a leading producer of beverages and food in central and southeastern Europe. The investments will improve energy efficiency, enable renewable-power generation and recycle used water in manufacturing plants in Poland and Romania.
How can smaller projects then participate in EIB funding?
Financing for smaller projects will be facilitated through our commercial partners, such as the Bank of Environmental Protection (BOS), BNP Paribas Poland, Bank Pekao, among others. The EIB’s role can be that of a capital lender or a guarantor, providing the necessary guarantees to ensure a solid foundation and capital for investments.
How are responsibilities divided between the EIB and its partners?
We work on the basis of a full delegation model.
What does this mean exactly?
This means that our partners carry out all the necessary checks on a project, monitor it and finally approve it.
Where and how can interested parties find EIB partners?
Investors and project developers can find a list of partners on our website.
Do you have a recent example for us?
In November 2024, the EIB Group signed its first security for private solar panel loans to Inbank in the amount of PLN 625 million. This agreement allows Inbank to issue new loans in a total height of PLN 701 million (over 160 million Euros) to individuals for solar panels and heat pumps. This will drive the green energy transition in the private sector in Poland. Also recently the EIB signed an agreement to support Poland’s largest utility Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) with a €400 million loan towards the design and construction of Baltica 2, the European Union’s largest offshore wind farm to date. Baltica 2 will feature innovative technology for a 1.5 GW capacity and sit off the Polish coast in the Baltic Sea. The EIB loan is the biggest own resources contribution by a financial institution to the project. It is also the first part of a €1.4 billion package approved by the European Union’s climate bank to support PGE and Ørsted in erecting two new, large-scale offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea.
When did the EIB start supporting renewable projects?
We have been active in Poland for more than 20 years and in the renewable energy sector. Photovoltaic and wind power are our major areas of operations here. This year, we expect wind energy investment to pick up.
Are there differences in financing within the European Union?
In principle, from the EIB’s point of view, there are no differences between the various EU countries when you look at the big picture. But of course, there can be individual forms of support in each country that make a difference. As far as Poland is concerned, it can be said that the conditions for a project in terms of permits and bureaucracy can be particularly challenging than in other countries. Another aspect is the attention that Poland pays to balancing the individual regions in the country.
What is your assessment of the near and not so near future of photovoltaics in Poland?
Large new energy projects in the field of photovoltaics are essential for the energy transition in Poland. To achieve this, however, the expansion of the electricity grid must be pushed forward, because without it the energy transition will not succeed. Grid expansion is the basic prerequisite for a further generous expansion of renewable energies in the country. This will be followed by a transition from traditional energies to new energies. We at the EIB will support projects in both the private and public sectors. The proportion of money invested in renewable energies – and thus in photovoltaics – will increase in the future, in the short, medium and certainly also in the long term.
A Closer Look at Our Interview Guest:
Grzegorz Rabsztyn is a legal adviser and finance professional with extensive experience in structuring financial transactions for the State Treasury, local governments, banks, and corporate clients. He specializes in investment loans, securitization, risk sharing, and project finance. A graduate of the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw School of Economics, he also studied at Aarhus University in Denmark. As Director of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group in Poland, he actively promotes sustainable investments and economic growth, participating in key industry events to support regional development. He has been involved in the banking sector for over 19 years and has been involved in financing projects in Poland and the Baltic countries within the EIB’s structures since 2014.
The interview was conducted by Manfred Gorgus
Spatenstich, autarkes Firmengebäude in Memmingen. (Personen v.l: Sonepar (Niederlassungsleiter), Wilhelm Braun (Gesellschafter), Tanja Diemer (Architektin), Armin Bühler (Gesellschafter, GF), Jan Rothenbacher (OB Memmingen), Teammitglied (Sonepar), Teammitglied (Sonepar), Hr. Götz (Sonepar), Carola Isegrei (Prokuristin), Johann Hofmayr (Gesellschafter, GF), Roland Albrecht (Gesellschafter), Konrad Noll (Gesellschafter), Teammitglied (Sonepar) © Raum-K
Memmingen, 10.03.2025 – Mit einem feierlichen Spatenstich fiel heute der Startschuss für ein Firmengebäude, das neue Maßstäbe in Sachen Autarkie und Energieeffizienz setzt. Mit Klimadecken, Gebäudemasse als Wärmespeicher, netzdienlichem Stromspeicher mit Abwärmenutzung und PV-Anlage erreicht das real Gebäude 95 Prozent Autarkie. Vertreter der beteiligten Unternehmen – Raum-K, Klima-Top, Architekturbüro Diemer, Kling Projektbau, Leppig Energieberatung – sowie Memmingens Oberbürgermeister Jan Rothenbacher waren vor Ort, um den Beginn dieses zukunftsweisenden Projekts im Gewerbegebiet „Oberer Buxheimer Weg 58“ in Memmingen zu feiern.
10.03.2025
Der Spatenstich markiert den Start für ein Gebäude mit einem Energiekonzept, das mit einer Kombination aus Photovoltaik, Wärmepumpe, Stromspeicher, reversibler Klimadecke, regelbarem thermischen Gebäudemassenspeicher und Lüftungsanlage mit Wärmerückgewinnung eine Autarkie von 95 Prozent erreicht. Der Neubau bietet auf rund 3.500 m² Büro- und Lagerfläche Platz für fünf Unternehmen, die in einer modernen, umweltfreundlichen Umgebung an diesem Standort bis zu 70 Arbeitsplätze schaffen.
Autark mit geregeltem dynamischem Deckenspeicher
Stellen wir uns zwei Wärmequellen vor, die schnelle Deckenheizung, die mit Infrarotstrahlung direkt die Raumhülle und Oberfläche erwärmt und gleichzeitig eine Masse, die viel Wärme speichern kann und diese langsam und bedarfsgerecht wieder abgibt. Werden diese beiden Komponenten kombiniert, so ergibt sich ein System, das die Wärmeversorgung von Gebäuden über einen Zeitraum von 10 Tagen und mehr ermöglicht. Der dynamische Massenspeicher – im Fall des Firmengebäudes ist der Speicher das Gebäude – übernimmt dabei zwei Drittel der Leistung. Die Klimadecke übernimmt ein Drittel der Leistung. Da beide Komponenten mit niedrigen Temperaturen von unter 30° Celsius bei minus 13,1°C Außentemperatur gefahren werden, kann die Versorgung fast zu 100 Prozent aus regenerativen Energiequellen erfolgen. Gleichzeitig ist der CO₂-Ausstoß im Betrieb praktisch null, die Autarkie bis zu 95 Prozent und das bei einer Wirtschaftlichkeit, die im Vergleich zur klassischen fossilen Versorgung unschlagbar ist, da sie mit jedem Jahr besser wird, weil die Brennstoffe als Kostenfaktor entfallen.
Gebäudestandard „Real Zero“ und „2045-Ready“
Der Gebäudestandard „Real Zero“ steht für nahezu vollständige Autarkie: Rund 95 Prozent des Energiebedarfs werden vor Ort erzeugt, der Heiz- und Kühlbetrieb ist CO₂-neutral. Intelligente, akustisch wirksame Deckenheizungen auf 100% der Deckenfläche verlegt, sorgen ganzjährig durch effizientes Kühlen und Wärmen für ein perfektes Raumklima. „Real Zero“ ist in dieser Form ein Paradebeispiel für gesundes, energieeffizientes und damit zukunftsweisendes Bauen.
Nachhaltigkeit auf höchstem Niveau
Das Gebäude verfügt über eine eigene PV-Anlage mit einer Leistung von 270 kWp, einen Stromspeicher mit einer Kapazität von 350 kWh und einen regelbaren thermischen Speicher mit einer Kapazität von 24 MWh in der Gebäudemasse, der netzdienlich genutzt werden kann, indem Überschuss Strom als Wärme gespeichert wird. Die Photovoltaik versorgt gemeinsam mit dem Stromspeicher auch den Fuhrpark der im Gebäude tätigen Unternehmen mit umgerechnet etwa 500.000 Kilometern Fahrleistung pro Jahr. Neben 50 Fahrradstellplätzen stehen selbstverständlich ausreichend PKW-Ladesäulen zur Verfügung, die ein klares Signal für nachhaltige Mobilität setzen. Zum Energiekonzept gehört außerdem ein netzdienlicher Stromspeicher des Allgäuer Betreibers Cell Mind mit einer Kapazität von sieben MWh. Die während der Regelleistung entstehende Abwärme wird im neuen Gebäude ebenfalls genutzt.
Revolutionäre Wärme- und Kühllösung
Eine herausragende Innovation des Gebäudes ist das Raum-K Gebäudeenergiekonzept, das extrem niedrige Heizsystemtemperaturen von ca. 28°C bei minus 13,1°C Außentemperatur ermöglicht. Im Sommer wird das Gebäude mit Hilfe der Klimadecke angenehm und ohne Zugluft gekühlt, sodass ganzjährig eine wohltuende Temperierung gewährleistet ist. Dies sorgt für erhebliche Energieeinsparungen von über 50%, und sichert dadurch langfristig stabile Energiekosten auf niedrigstem Niveau.
„Mit diesem Projekt setzen wir Maßstäbe für nachhaltiges Bauen und schaffen eine Arbeitsumgebung, die nicht nur ökologisch, physiologisch und wirtschaftlich den Erfolg sichern hilft“, so Armin Bühler, Mitinhaber der Klima Top GmbH und Vordenker des innovativen Gebäudekonzeptes.
Sven Lutz, Geschäftsführer von Baufirma Kling Projektbau, erklärt: „Wir sind vom Raum-K Gebäudeenergiekonzept rundum überzeugt, weshalb wir auch unser eigenes neues Firmengebäude in Hermaringen damit ausstatten sowie auch erste Kundenprojekte damit planen und realisieren.
„Die Herausforderung des Bauherrn, maximale Autarkie bei niedrigsten Energiekosten mit optimalem Raum- und Arbeitsklima zu verbinden, haben wir gerne angenommen“, sagt Architektin Tanja Diemer, die die Ansprüche der Raum-K GmbH bezüglich Optik, Raumakustik und Raumklima bzw. Feinstaubreduktion in unterschiedlichen Projekten sehr erfolgreich umgesetzt hat.
Jürgen Leppig, Geschäftsführer der Energieberatung Leppig GmbH erklärt: „Ich habe selten so innovative Menschen erlebt, die nur ein Ziel vor Augen haben: „Real Zero.“
Michael Götz, Leiter Bestandsmanagement der Firma Sonepar Deutschland Region Süd GmbH, sagt anlässlich des Spatenstichs: „Als zukünftiger Mieter profitieren wir im neuen Firmengebäude der Raum-K erheblich von der vollständigen CO₂-Vermeidung und den langfristig niedrigen Energiekosten. Das passt hervorragend zu unserer Unternehmensphilosophie und unseren Werten.“
14 Tage Selbstversorgung durch intelligentes Gebäudeenergiekonzept
Dank des großen regelbaren thermischen Speichers kommt das neue Firmengebäude in der Heizperiode 10 Tage ohne externe Energiezufuhr aus. Die vor Ort produzierte Energie reicht in Verbindung mit der im Gebäude gespeicherten Energie aus, um das Gebäude durchgängig angenehm zu temperieren (Quelle: Fraunhofer Projekt „Windheizung 2.0“).
Bauzeit + Flexibilität
Einzugsdatum ist der 1. Dezember 2025. Das Gebäude liefert den Beweis, dass klimafreundliches Bauen nicht nur möglich ist, sondern den bekannten Bauweisen in jeder Hinsicht überlegen ist. Das Raum-K Gebäudeenergiekonzept lässt sich in allen Gebäudearten realisieren, vom Wohnbau über den Gewerbe- bis zum Industriebau, bzw. vom Neubau über die serielle Sanierung bis zum Denkmalschutz.
Manfred Gorgus für die Raum-K Gmbh
Image of the signing, from left: Mark Magaletsky, Deputy Head Ukraine, Sustainable Infrastructure at EBRD; Grzegorz Zielinski, Director, Head of Energy Europe at EBRD; Arvid Tuerkner (sitting), Managing Director at EBRD Ukraine and Moldova; Olga Kovalchuk, Managing Director Goldbeck SolarInvestment Ukraine; Lewis Haffey, Senior Investment Manager Goldbeck SolarInvestment; Joachim Goldbeck, CEO Goldbeck SolarGroup; Olga Yeriomina, Associate Director, Senior Banker, Energy Europe at EBRD; Camilla Otto, Director Donor Partnerships at EBRD ©Goldbeck
As part of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, Goldbeck Solar Investment and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, signed an agreement to establish the new joint venture Goldbeck Solar Investment Ukraine. The newly founded company will develop, finance, construct, and operate solar projects to strengthen Ukraine’s energy independence and resilience.
Muc 03.03.2025
The new joint venture plans to implement solar projects with a total capacity of up to 500 MWp in Ukraine within the next three to five years. The collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development marks the bank’s first equity investment in the Ukrainian energy sector since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict. This partnership not only strengthens the economic foundation of the projects but also reinforces the long-standing cooperation between the bank and company which have previously carried out joint projects in Poland and Kazakhstan.
Successful teamwork
“We are very proud to support Ukraine in expanding renewable energy. We are aware of the risks due to the current political situation, but it is all the more important to take a stand today and invest in Ukraine’s future. We are pleased to have the EBRD as an experienced partner by our side, with whom we have already successfully collaborated on multiple projects,” explains Joachim Goldbeck, CEO of Goldbeck Solar Group.
Holistic Approach
Grzegorz Zielinski, Director for Energy Europe at the EBRD, adds: “We are very pleased with our partnership with the Goldbeck Solar Group, an experienced global developer of renewable energy that is supporting Ukraine’s green energy future in these challenging times. We are confident that the EBRD’s holistic approach to the Ukrainian energy sector, both on the public and private level, will encourage further investment in the sector.”
DEG Loan to Promote Renewable Energy Projects in Ukraine
To finance solar projects, Goldbeck Solar Investment has received a loan of five-million euro from the German Investment and Development Company, DEG. The funds come from the ImpactConnect program, initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ. The goal is to support projects that have a positive social impact and contribute to sustainable energy supply.
Cooperation with the Ukrainian government
During the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Joachim Goldbeck and Svitlana Grynchuk, Deputy Energy Minister of Ukraine, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that lays the foundations for stronger cooperation between Goldbeck SolarInvestment and the Ukrainian Energy Ministry in the expansion of renewable energies in the country. The signing was attended by Energy Minister German Galushchenko and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
manfred gorgus
Harald Scherleitner, Fronius, on market growth, storage expansion and Poland’s photovoltaic outlook. © Fronius
Harald Scherleitner is leading the two business units Solar Energy and “Perfect Welding” in the field of Sales & Marketing on a global level at Fronius.
Munich, 24. January 2025
Fronius has been active in the Polish photovoltaic market for more than 15 years and operates a dedicated subsidiary with around 70 employees across two locations in Gliwice and Gdansk. From inverter technology to energy storage, electromobility and energy management solutions, the company covers the full Solar Energy portfolio while also being active in welding and battery charging technologies in Poland. In this interview, Harald Scherleitner, who leads the Solar Energy and Perfect Welding business units in global Sales & Marketing at Fronius, discusses market developments and the outlook for photovoltaics and storage in Poland.
How is your company organized in Poland?
Fronius has its own subsidiary in Poland, where we employ 70 people at two sites in Gliwice and Gdansk. In addition to the Solar Energy business unit based in Gliwice, we are also represented in Poland with the welding and battery charging technology divisions.
When did you start building a team in Poland?
Exactly 10 years ago, we hired our first local employee, but overall we have been active in the Polish PV market for over 15 years. We are considered PV pioneers and are valued as a premium brand in Poland. We also participate in associations dealing with photovoltaic and safety issues and participate in the definition or definition of industry standards.
What role does the Polish market play for Fronius?
The Polish PV market is of great importance to us. Especially since 2018, the industry has experienced a strong upswing. By the end of 2023, a total of 16.4 GW of PV capacity has been installed in Poland. For 2024, we expect another 3.6 GW of installed capacity.
What products and services do you offer on the Polish market?
We offer the entire product range of our Solar Energy division on the Polish market. This includes all PV components, from the generation of solar power to its storage, from emergency power solutions to electromobility, and from heat generation with photovoltaics to energy management. We also have set up our own hotline in Polish language for technical questions and we run our own training courses for installers in Poland.
Where is your focus in the Polish market, national, European or international?
Although we are represented worldwide with our products and solutions from the Solar Energy division, we focus on the European market. Within Europe, we have built up numerous national partnerships over the years and established local teams in our subsidiaries.
What developments do you expect in the Polish PV economy in the next 4 to 12 months?
Poland introduced flexible electricity tariffs in July 2024, with implementation taking place gradually over the coming months. With our new Energy Cost Assistant, we offer customers a smart solution that allows them to make the most of the benefits of dynamic electricity tariffs. We also expect that with the introduction of the 6th edition of the state support program „Mój Prąd“ (My Electricity), the market will increasingly move towards energy storage.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus
Doppelte Ernte auf 32.000 Quadratmetern bester Ackerkrume im niederländischen Almelo: 22 Reihen vertikal installierte Photovoltaikmodule liefern jedes Jahr mindestens 1,7 Gigawatt Solarstrom. Die gesamte Solarstromproduktion der Agri-PV-Anlage wird regional mit einem Power-Purchase-Agreement vermarktet.
Insgesamt wurden in der Agri-PV-Anlage bei Almeo 2.952 Photovoltaikmodule mit je 660 Watt Peak Leistung verbaut. Die Gesamtleistung der Anlage liegt mit 1,948 Megawatt unter dem, was auf den gut drei Hektar mit einer klassischen Freiflächenanlage zu realisieren gewesen wäre. Dafür bleiben fast 90 Prozent der Fläche für die landwirtschaftliche Nutzung erhalten. Die Module produzieren Strom sowohl auf der Vorder- als auch auf der Rückseite (bi-faziale Module) und sind in Ost-West-Richtung installiert. Durch diese Bauart und Ausrichtung liefert die Anlage bereits bei Sonnenaufgang deutlich mehr Strom als eine klassische Freiflächenanlage. Das Gleiche gilt am Abend, wenn die Sonne im Westen untergeht. Die Leistungskurve vertikal installierter Ost-West ausgerichteter Photovoltaik unterscheidet sich von klassisch installierter Photovoltaik mit Südausrichtung durch hohe Produktion morgens und abends und einer geringen Produktion am Mittag. Damit ist vertikale Photovoltaik mit bi-fazialen Modulen die ideale Ergänzung zu klassischen Freiflächenanlagen..
Freiflächenanlagen und Agri-PV kombiniert
Dies ist auch am Standort Almeo der Fall: Die gut 3 Hektar große Agri-PV-Anlage befindet sich inmitten von klassischen Freiflächenanlagen mit Modulen, die nach Süden ausgerichtet sind. Der gesamte Standort hat eine Leistung von 45 Megawatt und wurde von ProfiNRG im Auftrag des Klimaatfonds Nederland geplant und realisiert.
Im Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz – EEG 2023 – regelt § 51 die „Verringerung des Zahlungsanspruchs bei negativen Preisen“. Sinkt der Spotmarktpreis unter die Null-Cent-Grenze, weil zu viel Strom im Netz ist, wird keine Einspeisevergütung gezahlt. Das galt 2023, wenn der Spotmarktpreis für mindestens vier Stunden am Stück durchgehend negativ war. 2024 und 2025 sind es drei aufeinanderfolgende Stunden. 2026 zwei und 2027 eine Stunde. Vertikal installierte Ost-West Agri-PV-Anlagen produzieren am frühen Vormittag und am späten Nachmittag viel Strom, in der Mittagszeit wenig Strom. Damit ist der zu erwartende Ausfall nicht gezahlter Einspeisevergütung aufgrund negativer Spotmarktpreise minimal.
Zahlen, Daten, Fakten:
- Fläche: ca. 3,2 Hektar
- Anlagentyp: vertikale Agri-PV-Anlage in Ost-West-Ausrichtung. 22 parallele Reihen.
- Reihenabstand ca. zehn Meter für Doppelnutzung für PV und Feldfrüchteanbau.
- 2.952 Photovoltaikmodule, bi-fazial, mit je 660 Watt Peak Leistung
- Vermarktung: mit Power-Purchase-Agreement (PPA)
- Die Agri-PV-Anlage ist kombiniert mit weiteren PV-Freiflächenanlagen mit einer Gesamtleistung von 45 Megawatt Peak.
- Gesamte Jahresproduktion: etwa 43.000 MWh
- Standort: Almelo, Niederlande
- Auftraggeber: Klimaatfonds Nederland
- Planung und Realisation: ProfiNRG
- Link zu ProfiNRG: Hier
(mg)
The Vilnius-based manufacturer of photovoltaic modules SoliTek is reporting on progress in the hail resistance certification of its photovoltaic modules for greater resilience in severe weather.
MUC 17.012025
Recent tests for the new generation of modules with halved cells have produced two important innovations: Hail class 5 certification for the bifacial PV modules SoliTek modules SOLID Bifacial framed B.108 and SOLID Solrif D B.108 have successfully passed the tests with hailstones with a diameter of 50 mm and thus received hail class 5 certification. This is the highest hail resistance class, ranging from 1 to 5. The number represents the diameter of the hailstones used: 1 is 10 mm, 5 is 50 mm. The bombardment occurs perpendicularly to the module.
High resistance through design
The high hail resistance of SoliTek PV modules is achieved, according to the manufacturer, through their design:
– Fully tempered glass, which has significantly higher strength compared to heat-tempered glass.
– Thicker glass layer, which also improves resistance to pressure and impact.
The SoliTek company speaks of robust solutions that can withstand real conditions while guaranteeing a long module life.
Well prepared for growing climate challenges:
Given the increasing frequency and intensity of hailstorms, as reported of hailstones with a diameter of up to 190 mm in Europe, SoliTek’s advances in hail resistance are particularly timely. The improved resilience of SoliTek’s modules makes them ideal for regions that are at high risk of extreme weather events and gives end users more security.
According to SoliTek, the hail class 5 certification is intended especially for installations in regions particularly prone to hail, such as Switzerland, where higher hail resistance classes are crucial for insuring a system.
The company also says that it will continue to innovate and improve the longevity of its products in order to meet the changing needs of the global solar industry.
What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is also called thermally toughened glass. In contrast to normal registered safety glass, it is more robust and can bear higher loads. Like normal single-pane safety glass, tempered glass is also scratch-resistant but can withstand significantly more in comparison. The most important properties include:
- Temperature-resistant
- The mechanical strength of fully tempered glass is 4-5 times higher than that of heat-strengthened glass.
manfred gorgus
Ioannis Chatzichristofis, Regional Sales Manager at KOSTAL Solar Electric, on market conditions in Poland. © KOSTAL Solar Electric
Ioannis Chatzichristofis is Regional Sales Manager at KOSTAL Solar Electric and is responsible for the Polish, Czech, Baltic and Finnish markets. In the interview, he explains the current challenges in the Polish photovoltaic market and why he still sees strong long-term potential.
Munich, 15. January 2025
Can you briefly outline KOSTAL’s product portfolio?
KOSTAL Solar Electric was founded in Germany in 2006 and is a provider of power electronics for residential and commercial photovoltaic systems. In addition to inverters, the product portfolio includes wall boxes, energy meters, planning tools and monitoring software. We are represented in Poland with our full range of products and services.
How is KOSTAL positioned in the Polish photovoltaic market?
KOSTAL operates its own production facility in Poland. The plant near Lublin produces PV power electronics for series and pre-series production intended for the European market.
What is the second aspect of KOSTAL’s market activity in Poland?
The second aspect is KOSTAL’s hybrid inverter concept. It simplifies access to photovoltaics for Polish customers. With a KOSTAL battery inverter, customers can upgrade from a PV system without storage to a system with storage via an activation code.
Can you briefly explain how the switchover works?
Customers who initially install a PV system without storage can operate our battery-ready inverters as standard inverters. If they decide to add storage later, they can purchase an activation code. The system is then upgraded to a full hybrid inverter compatible with batteries as well as heat pumps and smart home applications.
Where do you see the advantages in the market?
This approach lowers the entry barrier to energy storage, which is particularly relevant in a young and price-sensitive market.
Which products do you offer on the Polish market?
For residential customers, we offer inverter models that can be activated as hybrid inverters at any time. For commercial customers, we provide the PIKO CI series for PV systems with outputs of 100 kilowatts and above. In addition, we offer planning tools, monitoring and energy management systems in Poland.
How satisfied are you with the current market situation in Poland?
Although the environment for small PV systems is more challenging compared to previous years, there are still strong reasons for a positive outlook for the Polish PV market. Driven by the EU’s broader focus on electrification and alternative heating systems, the residential market is expected to stabilise.
How do you assess the Polish market in the long term?
Polish authorities estimate up to 20 gigawatts of additional PV capacity could be connected to the grid over the next 10 years. Combined with targeted subsidies and rising electricity prices, further growth in the Polish PV market is expected. A key prerequisite for sustainable growth is the modernisation of the Polish electricity grid.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus
Polish company successful at PV auction in Germany ©Manfred Gorgus
Polish company R.Power’s 20 MWp solar auction win in Germany highlights a growing trend of Polish photovoltaic firms expanding their international footprint and gaining influence in the global renewable energy sector.
Polish renewable energy developer R.Power has been awarded a 20 MWp ground-mounted photovoltaic project in the latest auction conducted by Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). The near Wolfsburg-based solar farm will benefit from a 20-year support agreement under the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), guaranteeing a fixed remuneration structure.
The first successful bid won’t be the last
The project marks R.Power’s first successful bid in the German market and is scheduled to enter the construction phase in Q3 2025. The company also continues to develop additional PV and energy storage projects across Germany, signaling a broader strategic push into Western Europe. The Wolfsburg auction win builds on R.Power’s recent expansion activity in other European markets. In December 2024, the company secured power sale contracts for 85 MWp of PV capacity in Romania, and in Poland, it won capacity market contracts for 655 MW / 2.3 GWh of energy storage and over 220 MWp of PV in national tenders.
Auction win a sign of a new trend
R.Power is one of Poland’s leading independent power producers in the solar sector and is actively expanding its portfolio across multiple EU countries. Meanwhile, Warsaw-based Nomad Electric has signed its first Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for a separate 20 MW PV power plant in Germany. The company entered the German market in 2024 and is offering a full suite of services, including EPC, operations and maintenance (O&M), and its proprietary SCADA system, Nomad NX, which provides advanced monitoring and management capabilities for power plants.
Polish clean energy firms rise as key players
Both companies‘ activities reflect a broader trend of Polish renewable energy firms extending their operations into high-growth European markets. In addition to its German win, R.Power recently secured 85 MWp of PV capacity in Romania and over 220 MWp of PV capacity, along with 655 MW / 2.3 GWh of energy storage, in Poland’s recent auctions. The progress of R.Power and Nomad Electric points to Poland’s growing role as a center for expertise and project execution in the renewable energy sector. The growing ambition to do business beyond the domestic market is meeting with great interest in the target markets. The expertise of Polish companies is highly valued and clearly readily utilized. (mg)
