PV might be a relatively young industry, but it is the skills and knowledge being brought by those in other markets that is helping drive the market forward. Günter Arens of Hirschmann Automotive speaks to PES about how they are bringing decades of experience to their new ventures.
PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Can you firstly explain a little about your business and how you serve the solar/PV industry?
Günter Arens: Hirschmann Renewable Energy is focusing on the development and production of connection systems for the wiring of solar modules.
We are building on the wide design and development experience gathered in the Automotive Industry with its rigorous process and quality requirements.
PES: The company was originally set-up for the development and production of automotive equipment – what triggered the formation of the Renewable Energy Division?
GA: The company, being very successful in the automotive Industry, was looking out to diversify into new industry segments, where the core competencies of Hirschmann Automotive could be applied. We found the perfect fit in the Renewable Energy Industry.
PES: And how has this new division fared since 2010?
GA: Shortly after founding the division we completed our strategy to concentrate on three core projects. The focus was set on two junction box projects and one plug connector project, called HC4®.
Within 6 months all projects where started. After 18 months the first project, an adjustable junction box solution for the thin film solar panels, had received certification by TÜV Rheinland. Today, all initial projects have series production status.
During the product development phase and in the certification process we received great feedback from our customers and partners on our efficient, automotive based project management processes.
The next set of projects have already been started to complement our current core product base and we are looking with great confidence into the future!
