Solarpanels over the counter
By Hans Nilsson / Published on Fri, 2006-08-11 05:58Solar panels are still something for enthusiasts and the so called "early adopters" but may soon be available in a shop near you. In UK one of the major chains specialised in selling electronics and household equipment starts to sell solar panels in their shops. For a 3-bedroom British home an installation that covers half of the electricity use would cost some 13,500 € and up to 50% may be covered by a government grant. But even if paid in full the price is estimated to be half of what it is from present sales channels. If this market takes off there is bound to be competition and further price reductions in store for us!
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3 years and 1 crisis later
By HDK / Published on Tue, 2009-08-11 16:03Three years have passed since this article was posted - time to check what happened meanwhile. It's gone a bit quiet on the subject. A search 'currys photovoltaic panels' yields only stories from 2006.
Still the website is live, which counts for something, I guess. Anybody from UK has more information on this initiative?
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Over the counter solar panel sales left in the shade
By Colin Bennett / Published on Thu, 2009-08-13 8:54Currys is part of DSG International. DSG is a larger electronics retail specialist operating in the European market. In terms of strategy, it appears that since the launch of the solar panel service, which was in 2006, Currys offer has matured to offer a specially trained solar ‘expert’ to visit homes. This person will inspect the household roof to determine the most cost-effective positioning of the panel, advising the owner on size of system. Predominantly, it seems that the main sales channel is the website: http://www.currys.co.uk/solarpower/index.html, in association with the global electronics manufacturer Sharp.
As was the case at the launch of this service, Currys stores which offer in-store product displays remain Croydon, Fulham and West Thurrock. Therefore, there is a predominantly London and Essex sales focus. In August 2006, the price for an ‘average’ 3 bedroom house installation was quoted as £9,000. In 2009, this figure has not been revised. With a key barrier to UK sales reportedly being complex government grants, Currys has experienced very small sales/very low level interest in this line, since the service launch. Still, this line continues to be offered by Currys, with the retailer continuing to draw on Sharp as the main equipment provider.
Source: Currys PR/ECI Desk Research
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