Enphase Energy’s European marketing director, Maxime Boiron says the company has identified the UK as a “main market” for commercial rooftop opportunities.
Talking to Solar Power Portal at Solar Energy UK 2014, Boiron said the UK market is the “number one priority” for Enphase in Europe.
The UK is a “priority market in Europe” says Boiron, and Enphase is investing and looking to have a full team in place.
At SEUK this year, Enphase is also looking for new opportunities in Ireland and Wales, “we are always looking for new partners” said Boiron.
Boiron said the UK is one of three main European markets identified for opportunities in commercial rooftop including Switzerland and France.
Enphase is also looking to train people in the UK, and to target schools and community buildings, such as fire stations in the UK, based on a successful 380kW rooftop installation at a fire station in Switzerland and a sports centre supplying a neighbouring school with solar energy, in the Netherlands.
The UK solar market has “good traction” for commercial rooftop solar said Boiron. He added that Enphase is targeting schools due to its microinverters’ improved safety, as well as environmental and renewable energy education opportunities, “safety and education really resonates [with UK schools]” says Boiron.
Boiron attributed the attractiveness of the UK market to the Solar Trade Association’s ‘Solar Pathway’ and the UK’s lead in innovative financial mechanisms; “the UK is a starter for new portfolio models” Boiron said.
Enphase is looking to expand its UK team to 15 people, and is also offering training with demonstrations available at its SEUK stand D22. Enphase is “looking to educate and train people in the UK to understand installers and improve safety” said Boiron.
By 2015 there will also be six full time jobs created in the Netherlands; Boiron said Enphase is aiming to increase its team in Europe to 60.
Enphase is also showcasing its new microinverter, the M250, which is being shipped to Europe currently.
According to Boiron, the M250 is more fire proof as it uses only AC, with less wires, design and electrician expertise needed, Enphase said it is also introducing a phone application to commission solar systems.
Internationally Enphase has also entered the Australian market, and also has operations in New Zealand.
“Australia is an important market and a great opportunity, it’s very competitive” said Boiron.
Enphase has 12 people in Melbourne currently and sees the country as a ”key challenge and great opportunity”, but reiterated that “Europe is a key region” with a “long road” to reach international acclaim.