As part of our series on ‘SHARP Solar Pioneers’, we are presenting solar installations that have been reliably providing energy for many years, thus evidencing the outstanding quality and longevity of our solar technology. Today, we are having a look at Jochen Leiffer’s photovoltaic system, which has been in service for 28 years.
The Solar Pioneer
In the nineties, people installing solar systems on their houses were often brave visionaries and tinkerers who were fond of experimenting. One such pioneer was Jochen Leiffer, a graduate in engineering and industrial engineering from Munich. With an impressive career in messaging technology, systems engineering and digitalisation, Leiffer always had a finger on the pulse of technical innovation.
Driven by a desire to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of private power generation, he recognised the unfulfilled potential of the roof of his garage. The idea was to utilise this potential in both financial and environmental terms by installing photovoltaic modules. So, he decided to take on selecting components, planning and installing largely by himself, which made for an exciting time for this technophile engineer.
Installation of the PV system
By 11 October 1996, the time had come: Leiffer put his solar system into service. The installation included 18 SZL-085-SH modules with Sharp solar cells achieving an overall output of 1.6 kWp. At the time, Sharp was still a component supplier for solar cells. GSS Gebäudesolarsysteme GmbH (now GES Gebäude- und Energiesysteme GmbH) used them to produce the frameless photovoltaic modules made specially with Sharp solar cells.
The modules were integrated into the surface of the roof, supported by two type SWR 700 inverters from SMA to convert the energy generated. The annual yield from the system was stable at around 1,000 kWh, roughly half the household’s annual electricity consumption of 2,000 kWh. Initially, the power fed in was paid at 0.50 DM/kWh, although this rate was reduced to 0.40 DM/kWh some ten years later. The solar installation quickly got people talking in the neighbourhood and sparked off a great deal of interest.
Benefits and satisfaction
Today, Leiffer is enjoying the benefits of his PV system in full. The constant performance of the modules and the impressive longevity of the system have not only met his expectations, they have surpassed them. He is pleased with the yield his system delivers. The investment has definitely paid off and offers both financial and environmental benefits.
Tips for those interested
Leiffer advises anyone considering installing a solar power system to study the return on their own capital and earn capital from an unused roof. He underlines the importance of making a personal contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and nature preservation. He is relaxed about the prospect of rising energy costs.
Leiffer’s story is an impressive illustration that Sharp solar technology works reliably and performs well over decades, and we were delighted to receive this positive feedback from one of our customers.
There are lots more interesting stories to look forward to in our ‘SHARP Solar Pioneers’ series that put the spotlight on success stories of long-lasting PV installations and their owners. Take inspiration and let us persuade you to become part of this success story.
Looking for more PV pioneers
To mark the 30-year anniversary of its solar business in Europe, Sharp is calling on PV pioneers with long-lasting solar systems with Sharp solar modules to make themselves known. The aim of the campaign is to find the oldest solar systems still in use and tell their stories. The owners of these systems can take part by sending in information and photos of their solar systems to marketing.solar@sharp.eu.
