Q cells is one of the leading PV brands in Europe in 2014
Bonn, Germany - The brand Q cells maintains a strong presence within the most important European photovoltaic markets.
Q cells solar modules are very positively perceived among European installers and are widely distributed. This is the result of a survey among installers in several different European countries, conducted by market researcher EuPD Research. The module manufacturer has been awarded with the "Top Brand PV" seal in the category "modules" in Germany, France, the UK and Italy.
The basis of awarding this seal are the high ratings installers give out for the brand, brand awareness and market penetration in the course of the annual, independent installer survey from EuPD Research. This award is exclusively given out the leading manufacturers within the industry. Therefore Q cells is regarded as a top brand within the most important solar markets. Only a few manufacturers receive the seal "Top Brand PV" every year, when installers have rated the brand above average in comparison to the competition.
"The seal confirms the high standards of quality with which our brand is associated. We are delighted that not only wholesalers, but also installers trust our modules "Engineered in Germany" so highly. This presents us with a competitive advantage," says Thomas Franken, Head of Marketing at Hanwha Q cells. "We will continue to work with the utmost commitment in order to offer our customers both the best quality and service," the head of marketing emphasized.
In Italy Q cells achieved the highest market share within installers' portfolios (distribution range). About 15% of the Italian installers procure solar modules from the company in Thalheim, Saxony-Anhalt. For more than 50 percent of the Italian installers Q cells is the dominating module brand in their portfolio. In other European markets Q cells also belongs to the leading PV brands. In Great Britain the brand was recommended very often by installers. The good brand awareness of Q cells modules among European installers is also reflected by the positive economic situation of Hanwha Q cells. Having managed the turnaround the company achieved a positive operating result in the first quarter 2014 and is now Europe's largest Photovoltaics provider with shipments of 247 MW.
Seals provide orientation: sales agents and end customers trust seals of quality.
In 2012 EuPD Research had already developed a method to independently evaluate brand management of module and inverter brands. The industry seal is awarded on the basis of a multi-stage analysis. The foundation of the evaluation is qualified statements from sales agents regarding brand awareness. Hereby manufacturers receive an unfiltered estimation about the own brand and possible optimization potential for brand management. In addition, the "Top Brand PV" provides distributors, installers and end customers with an independent guidance when choosing quality brands.
Source: IWR Online, 26 May 2014
