Hamburg, 8 October 2024 – This year, SHARP Energy Solutions Europe is not only celebrating the 30th anniversary of its involvement in the European solar market, but it is also proud to present the first example of its new campaign, “SHARP Solar Pioneers.” To mark the 30-year milestone of its solar business in Europe, SHARP Energy Solutions Europe is launching a special anniversary campaign, inviting all owners of older solar systems with Sharp solar modules to come forward. The goal of the campaign is to find the oldest solar systems still in operation and to share their stories. These systems serve as a testament to the longevity and quality of Sharp solar modules. Owners of such systems can participate by submitting information and photos of their solar installations.
Today, the campaign kicks off with the impressive story of Jochen Leiffer, whose photovoltaic (PV) system has been reliably operating for 28 years.
A Solar Technology Pioneer
Jochen Leiffer, a graduate engineer and industrial engineer from Munich, is one of the pioneers of solar energy. As early as the 1990s, he recognized the potential of solar energy and decided to install a PV system on his garage roof. With an impressive career in telecommunications and digitalisation, he took on the task of selecting the components, planning, and largely installing the system himself.
The Installation and Its Performance
On October 11, 1996, Mr. Leiffer put his PV system into operation. The system consists of 18 SZL-085-SH modules with Sharp solar cells, with a total output of 1.6 kWp. At that time, Sharp was still a supplier of solar cell components. The German company GSS Gebäudesolarsysteme GmbH (now GES Gebäude- und Energiesysteme GmbH) produced the frameless photovoltaic modules, specially manufactured with Sharp solar cells. Supported by two SMA SWR 700 inverters, the system converts the generated electricity and continues to deliver around 1,000 kWh annually – almost half of Mr. Leiffer’s total electricity consumption.
28 Years of Reliable Energy Supply – A Testament to SHARP Quality
Mr. Leiffer’s PV system has demonstrated impressive reliability and performance over nearly three decades. The consistent power production and the durability of the modules have not only met but exceeded his expectations. This success story is living proof of SHARP’s outstanding solar technology quality and longevity.
For three decades now, SHARP has been at the forefront of solar technology in Europe, making significant contributions to environmentally friendly energy generation from its Hamburg headquarters. Globally, SHARP can even look back on over 65 years of successful solar energy activities, marked by numerous innovations and milestones.
