Norway-based solar panel manufacturer REC has reported a successful second quarter; particularly in the USA.
The company, which is celebrating its 20th year in 2016, says module shipments during Q2 reached 325MW, representing growth of 25% year over year.
REC’s performance was particularly robust in the U.S., which accounted for more than 60% of module shipments in Q2 2016 and grew by 57% year over year. REC says it was the most popular panel brand for residential solar power system installations in the entire country.
Shipments to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) grew by 87% compared to the same quarter in 2015. Strong sales increase in Germany offset a decline in UK sales, triggered by a massive reduction in solar feed in tariffs.
In the Asia Pacific region, it was a slower quarter says REC, but markets including India and Thailand have been showing strong interest in the REC TwinPeak 72 panel.
“Our strong performance and longevity is a testament to REC’s great products, services, and people,” said REC’s CEO, Steve O’Neil.
Among other recent achievements, REC was the first solar panel manufacturer to achieve the new ISO 9001:2015 certification, which relates to quality management systems.
REC says it also reached multicrystalline solar cell efficiency of 20.46% and expects see an average efficiency above 20% in mass produced cells from next month.
The company has come a long way since it was established in 1996. Its first wafer, washed by hand, was produced in 1997. To date, more than 20 million REC solar panels have been produced.
REC solar panels have been a popular choice in Australian residential and commercial solar power systems since Energy Matters first introduced the brand to the local market more than 6 years ago.
The brand was warmly received and Energy Matters soon entered into an agreement for the purchase of 20 megawatts of REC panels – one of the largest single solar panel purchase orders in Australia at the time.
Energy Matters was also the Asia Pacific’s first REC Solar Professional and Platinum Partner; the latter enabling the company to offer an extended warranty to Energy Matters customers at no extra cost.
Today, REC modules feature in Energy Matters’ Platinum range of solar PV systems and many of its commercial projects.
News item provided courtesy of Energy Matters Australia
