“Often end customers simply do not request an offer for the installation of an energy storage system”, Hanna Schmole, project manager at EuPD Research, explains. Roughly half of the questioned end customers state, they principally consider investing in a storage system, however only 15 percent have actually requested an offer. The main reason mentioned for deciding against buying a storage system are the high investment costs. Owners of PV systems with a profitable feed-in tariff often indicate, they will consider installing a storage system after their feed-in-tariff has phased out.
Especially SMA and Deutsche Energieversorgung are popular among new customers – both companies were able to gain comparatively many new customers in 2014. End customers, who decided in favour of Deutsche Energieversorgung, primarily state both price and guarantee as buying factors. For customers from SMA, individual buying criteria stand out less distinctive; however, criteria rated above-average are service, test reports in specialized media and the brand image of the manufacturer.
Furthermore, a high acceptance towards electric cars among the users of the Photovoltaikforum is shown in the study. Around 20 percent of the respondents indicate that they are taking the purchase of an electric car into consideration.
The EndCustomer Monitor 4.0 from EuPD Research offers comprehensive information for developing sales and marketing strategies in the field of photovoltaic technologies (modules, inverters, storage systems). Aspects such as brand awareness, satisfaction and buying criteria are covered. With the respondents being owners and planners of PV systems, in addition to the high number of interviewees and extent of contents, the study is unique in Germany.
Further information can be found under the following link: EndCustomer Monitor 4.0. If you have questions concerning the offer or results of the study, please contact project manager Hanna Schmole +4922897143 38 | h.schmole(at)eupd-research.com or our press office.