The Big Interview
Installers urged to adapt for a bright future in the commercial sector
In an interview with REI , Trina Solar ’ s Sales Manager for Northern Europe Richard Rushin describes his bright outlook for the UK solar market
The UK sales chief of leading panel manufacturer Trina Solar has called on installers to re-examine their business models in preparation for an opportunitypacked shift in the PV sector . In an interview with Renewable Energy Installer , Trina ’ s UK Sales Manager Richard Rushin described the current market as the “ last hurrah ” for the residential market but highlighted how the commercial sector could be as lucrative , with fresh opportunity and rich rewards . Delivering an upbeat message , Richard Rushin explained : “ These are changing times , when you walk around the recent trade shows there are a lot less module manufacturers exhibiting but lots of storage companies , it ’ s a sign of the times . “ We are in an odd time between the end of substantial subsidy support and grid parity – these are tough times but they are also times of huge opportunity . “ We have to look at where the installers have come from and understand that storage is a different beast to solar PV , but installers should understand the massive opportunities that are still out there to be gained in the market .”
Above : Trina Solar ’ s UK Sales Manager Richard Rushin says there are many positive indicators
Opportunities for businesses Speaking at Trina Solar ’ s UK HQ in Nottingham , Rushin explained his belief that rooftop solar PV will lead the way in the large-scale solar market , as it poses an effective and efficient opportunity for all types of businesses and sizes to achieve maximum energy efficiency , support Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) goals and reduce dependency on traditional forms of power generation . “ As a manufacturer , Trina is always looking to share its experience and expertise from its different operations around the world ,” he explained . “ We are
12 | www . renewableenergyinstaller . co . uk currently trying to pass on the importance of recognising the commercial market as a sleeping giant . “ Large-scale solar and residential were the low-hanging fruit that got the solar PV market in the UK to the fantastic position it is in today . “ But the feedback we ’ re hearing is that business model is withering away , the order books are drying up and there is a growing appetite to serve the commercial sector and move away from the one-sizefits-all model . “ The biggest opportunity in the solar PV sector for 2017 is definitely in the commercial area , there are literally millions of rooftops around the country on office blocks and business premises that are perfect for solar panels . “ But there are obstacles and problems with commercial , and just like any other sector these can be resolved and are certainly not insurmountable . “ For example with commercial clients , the actual ownership of the building is often complicated and there can be potential conflicts of ownership . But despite the prospect of property deeds and covenant complexities , the rewards are there to be had .