L R AS Published on Sunday 13 January 2019 - n° 259 - Categories:Germany
Ikea accelerates the sale of panels in Germany, via the internet
After testing the sale of solar panels in five German shops since October (IKEAwill sell PV systems in Germany), Ikea will sellthem via the internet (ikea.com/solar) from 1 February. The online offer
will not differ from that available during the test phase. The Solstrale PV package is available from €4,750 incl. VAT and applies to a fully installed photovoltaic system without home storage.
Ikea has entrusted Solarcentury with the integrated service from development to construction and operation. Ikea already sells residential PV systems in Belgium, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
PV Magazine of January 8
Editor's note The rapid expansion of the offer in test shops and online sales confirms the success of the operation. The German population is attracted by the low cost of a PV installation, in a country where the cost of a kilowatt-hour is particularly high (around €0.30 per kWh, compared with around €0.15 in France). This also indicates that the installation of panels is becoming as common as the purchase of a high-end electronic good. This will contribute to the democratisation of installations in the country.
Ikea's initiative should soon be followed by other distribution or DIY stores. Whether it is competition, or simply the drop in panel prices, reducing the cost of installations, the public's enthusiasm will continue.
It should be noted that the French company Oscaro offers a 3 kW PV kit from major brands at a price of €3,500, but without the installation which must be carried out by the owner. Oscaro indicates that with installation by an installer, the price of the system reaches €7,000 to €10,000, i.e. 50% to 100% more than in Germany. Here again, large-scale supply and installation would make it possible to reduce prices and spread the use of photovoltaics in France.
