Based on its recent research on the global solar photovoltaic (PV) modules market, Frost & Sullivan presents Scheuten Solar (Scheuten) with the "2009 Global Frost & Sullivan Industry Innovation and Advancement of the Year Award" in recognition of its ability to focus on a rapidly developing market, understand the needs of the customers and provide solutions that blend innovative developments, years of experience, and above-average quality and service.
Scheuten has an unprecedented capability to learn about its customers' requirements and then find the most reliable method for developing and producing the product. These products are manufactured with the latest Scheuten-designed solar technology, leveraging on the expertise of the company's research and development (R&D) department. The company is constantly on the lookout for new solar energy and glass developments and collaborates with highly regarded universities and research institutes such as TNO, KEMA and Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN).
In fact, Scheuten's R&D team launched a pilot project, the Sunrise-project, in 2007 aimed at manufacturing revolutionary thin-film solar cells, which do not use silicon. Its use on large surface areas, flexible dimensions, and general synergy with existing wafer technology is a huge advantage for the company, which will enable the thin-film solar cells to be produced on a large scale.
Scheuten's growth is also supported by its comprehensive in-house project development and project realisation departments that ensure a higher level of service at every stage of the project, ranging from planning and developing solar projects with local partners in international markets to support and servicing. The essential feedback from the customers is then transmitted to the R&D department, thereby allowing them to continually upgrade the company's products and services. Simultaneously, Scheuten is continuously strengthening its brand name through its powerful sales organizations that consist of distributors and retailers or its own sales offices, which are spread across Europe, and the United States. The company is one of the most consistent suppliers, renowned for on-time delivery.
Through its meticulous product checks and operational tests, Scheuten offers quality products and services to its customers, as confirmed by a complete range of certifications like ISO 9001-certification, TUV, UL and f.e. MCS. This results in a high degree of quality in the complete production cycle.
"Prestigious building-integrated projects – the Nippon Industrial College in Tokyo, the Hauptbahnhof Berlin Central Station, which is the largest railway station in Europe at present, and the major turnkey solar power plants in Spain, Italy, and Greece – combined with an efficient network of sales staff across the global markets and years of knowledge from its solar divisions make Scheuten a reliable partner in this rapidly-upcoming market," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Suchismita Das. "The company's products combine robust features with aesthetic design, durability, flexibility, and return on investment, thus helping it effectively maintain the leading position in the market."
Scheuten's brand labels, Multisol® and Optisol®, are highly recognized in the PV market. The Multisol® modules are high-performance standard solar modules. Their low weight and well-built design make them suitable for all types of grid-connected PV systems, where flexible mounting and a high energy yield are required. This versatile set is also supplemented by additional features such as a robust aluminium frame and patented junction box. Manufactured in Europe's most advanced module production lines, the Multisol® modules guarantee the best quality brand available in the market.
Optisol® integrated glass-glass or glass-tedlar solar modules combine profitable, environment-friendly energy production with an aesthetically attractive design. These modules are ideal for use on building facades and roofs, where utility is paired with aesthetic design. Scheuten's environmental management boasts the certification of DIN ISO 14001. The Optisol® is entirely custom-made, which provides customers the freedom to select the required design. Moreover, with the benefit of easy integration in the existing glass facades, the Optisol® also provides cost efficiency to the customers.
In 2008, Scheuten's annual turnover of 467 million euros positioned it among the three largest independent European glass companies. The company continued its strong growth in 2009, expanding its product portfolio, increasing its international reach and strengthening its position as a market leader in the solar PV modules market. Furthermore, by signing a joint venture agreement with leading Taiwanese disc and OLED manufacturer, RITEK Corporation, the company is expected to start manufacturing CIGS thin film solar cells, with an initial capital of NT$600 million, which is likely to contribute significantly to the company's growth in thin-film PV industry.
"Apart from having a keen pulse on the consumer needs, the company has developed a significant technological innovation capability and strong R&D expertise that have been successful in advancing the state of the industry forward," notes Suchismita Das. "These factors make Scheuten the worthy recipient of the 2009 Frost & Sullivan Industry Innovation and Advancement of the Year Award in the global solar PV modules market."
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has proven to be a leader in the industry and that, through its pioneering technology, sound business strategy, and research efforts, has been successful in moving the state of the industry forward. Its excellence in the field has extended beyond its technical advancements and encompasses a comprehensive view of market participants resulting in an ongoing improvement in the industry over time. The award recognizes the company for its broader, more comprehensive participation in the industry and for its contributions to the advancement of the market.
Source: http://www.frost.com/