StefanWippich is the founder of SecondSol (the worldwide largest online marketplace for PV-Products) and ENVARIS (an international service provider for PV-Plants).  He also became an Entrepreneur after being Key Account Manager at ADLER Solar responsible for PV service sales. He started his professional career with a German M&A company as Analyst/ Associate. Moreover, he has a proven track record for developing companies, partnerships and products as well as online and offline sales.

How did you enter the solar power business?

I have been working in photovoltaics for many years and originally built plants. Later, I dealt with the subject of measuring and testing as well as large recalls from manufacturers. My last company gave me a good insight into the subject of operations & maintenance and claims management for insurance companies. Already in 2010 I founded SecondSol with my partner Frank Fiedler and he has been managing the company as managing director the last years. I myself have only been 100% in the company as Managing Director since 2018.

Do you believe that a circular business model economy with a product placement system like the CIRCUSOL project is a good way to redesign the solar power business?

Yes, we at SecondSol believe strongly that we need better economic and ecological business models in photovoltaics. All over Europe there is a market for good used PV products for the construction of new plants and as important spare parts for existing plants. With our open marketplace and more than 15,000 users, we are already working on this in all European countries.

What will you highlight from the Second-Life PV Business Cases after your experience with SecondSol?

I think the supply of photovoltaic systems with important spare parts is the most important point that we all have to focus on. Especially when manufacturers and dealers have ceased to exist. I don't believe that new products will be replaced by used ones in the construction of new plants. Above all, warranties will always play a major role in financing and insurance. Nonetheless there will also be plants with used products

Do you think that at the moment they are the best thing you can do in the field of solar energy?

We are currently quite well positioned but there is still a lot of potential. With more and more photovoltaic systems in europe and the associated demand for services such as repair and repowering, the business model will continue to develop.

Which goals within this project do you think are the most relevant or the one that will have more impact in society?

Clearly the reusing of still functioning products. As a technology in renewable energies, not only the product electricity must be green, we must keep an eye on the complete life cycle from the extraction of raw materials to recycling. Society must see that the phasing out of coal and nuclear energy also means the move towards a sustainable way of life. Recycling or dumping intact PV products is not a viable option.

You have had a first-hand debate with the CIRCUSOL partners. What was more useful for you?

The best thing about it was to see that all the partners in the value chain were definitely thinking about the issue/in the same direction. Starting with manufacturing, installation, service and recycling. It was very exciting to capture the different points of view. In this way, we can adapt our marketplace even better to all the different requirements. 

Where do you see future growth areas at SecondSol?

Clearly as a marketplace for the trade of new and used products. We want to connect buyers and sellers of PV products all over Europe. For example, we want to facilitate trading of used modules from e.g. Belgium to a customer in Italy. Our marketplace provides the infrastructure for easy trading. Through projects like CIRCUSOL even more manufacturers, dealers and installers become aware of the topic and hopefully offer their products via our marketplace.