InterSolar 2022 Go Back
Author: Marisan Hallett Date: 02 June 2022
InterSolar is the world’s leading solar exhibition and has become the most important industry platform for the global solar industry.
InterSolar, previously known as Solar, was founded in 1991 to promote the developments of solar technology. The founders were guided by their vision of the solar future – and now, 30 years later it is much more than just an exhibition, uniting people and companies in the solar industry by bringing together technologies from all over the globe.
Photovoltaics is thriving and in 2021 a record of 168 gigawatts has been installed over the world, pushing us into the solar terawatt age.
InterSolar Europe 2022 showcased new industry trends. From the aesthetic PV module roof tiles to the growing expansion of floating PV modules. Combining PV and storage systems is becoming more popular and EV charging is expanding in the EU market.
Members of our team visited this years’ InterSolar in Munich.
Jacques Olivier, Branch Manager of Herholdt’s Group Cape Town, is very excited and optimistic about the future of solar energy in South Africa. The concern that was notable among the solar companies at InterSolar 2022 is a resurgence of EU requirements due to plants being decommissioned. This will cause supply issues for the rest of the market. Canadian Solar already mentioned that these supply issues are surfacing. Another obstacle in the solar industry is a lack of qualified workers and skilled professionals.
Which innovations captured your attention?
JO: Some interesting innovations that stood out were the PV module roof tiles and the clear modules. It would be perfect for new building projects, giving a refined and modern look with all the benefits you get from solar modules. There were quite a bit of solar panel cleaning machines for operations and maintenance utility-sized projects. Ksolara was one of the companies that exhibited their solar panel cleaning machines at InterSolar 2022 showing off products from the smallest FK4 unit to the biggest FK3+ units.
Shane Hay – Business Development Executive situated in Randburg, Jacques Olivier – Cape Town Branch Manager and Elzaan Froneman – Inventory and Logistics Manager based in Cape Town
Which market sector stood out and how do you see this market expanding in South Africa?
JO: EV charging is a rapidly expanding market in the EU, using off-grid, grid-tied, solar and batteries, along with credit card payment options. Due to South Africa’s import duties policy, this technology will be too expensive to expand on at the current time, but we believe this market will eventually expand to and in South Africa. Victron displayed the Electric Vehicle Charging Station – a 32A charger that is capable of 22kW power from a 3-phase supply. We have a Pilot EV charging station at our branches in Bloemfontein, Kimberley and George.
We did not see any new large Hybrid/off-grid inverters in the class of Atess & Sungrow, but we are sure that other will join the race for the South African market soon. With regards to the residential market, there is no new inverter that we feel can take the place of Sunsynk. Sunsynk is currently dominating that space in SA.
What new products can we look forward to from Herholdt’s Group?
JO: The Sunsynk 3-phase; 50kW HV inverter will be ready to order from October 2022 for delivery next year, 2023.
What existing technologies and products are available at Herholdt’s Group?
As the sole distributor for SolarEdge in SA we prefer their optimised C&I Inverters. Other products from trusted brands we supply include Victron, Sungrow, Atess, and Sunsynk. We are committed to bringing the best products to the market and we are continuously doing research, training and communicating with old and new Solar companies to bring quality to our loyal customers.
One thing is clear – Solar energy is a fast-growing industry, with remarkable expansion and almost endless possibilities. We are very excited to visit the next InterSolar in June 2023.
Bertus Schreuder from Sungrow
