Sharp celebrates 30 years in Europe with solar campaign

SHARP Energy Solutions Europe marks its 30th anniversary in the European solar market with a special campaign to celebrate the durability and efficiency of its solar modules.

The "SHARP Solar Pioneers" campaign is an initiative aimed at locating the oldest operational solar systems using SHARP solar modules and sharing the stories behind them. System owners are encouraged to contribute by submitting photographs and details of their installations.

Jochen Leiffer's photovoltaic (PV) system, which has been in continuous operation for 28 years, is the inaugural example featured in this campaign.

Jochen Leiffer, a graduate engineer from Munich, is recognised as an early adopter of solar technology. During the 1990s, Mr. Leiffer foresaw the potential of solar energy and proceeded to install a PV system on the roof of his garage. With a background in telecommunications and digitalisation, he managed the selection, planning, and installation of the system largely by himself.

The system was commissioned on 11 October 1996 and comprises 18 SZL-085-SH modules incorporating Sharp solar cells. These modules, with a cumulative output of 1.6 kWp, were produced by the German firm GSS Gebäudesolarsysteme GmbH (now GES Gebäude- und Energiesysteme GmbH) and included components supplied by Sharp. The photovoltaic setup, assisted by two SMA SWR 700 inverters, continues to generate approximately 1,000 kWh annually, accounting for nearly half of Mr. Leiffer's electricity use.

Mr. Leiffer's solar installation has consistently delivered reliable energy for 28 years, serving as a testament to the quality and long-lasting performance of SHARP solar technology, exceeding his initial expectations.

For the past three decades, SHARP has been significantly involved in the advancement of solar technology from its Hamburg base, contributing to sustainable energy production. Looking beyond Europe, SHARP's global journey in solar energy spans more than 65 years, marked by various milestones in the field.