Kostal Industrial Electronics and Kostal Solar Electric – Simply a smart connection
The almost 100-year-old Kostal Group is an independent, internationally active, German family company. Kostal Industrial Electronics was founded back in 1995 under the umbrella of the Kostal Group. One of the company’s core product segments is the photovoltaic sector. In addition to customer specific and universal connection technology for photovoltaic modules, Kostal’s activities focus on its “PIKO” range of solar inverters.
The Kostal “Smart connections.” philosophy is based on the long tradition of a family company, extensive experience, top quality and real partnership. When all these factors interact harmoniously, “Smart connections.” are established between the company and its customers.
PV module junction boxes – products that make connections
Kostal Industrial Electronics has been developing and producing connection technology for photovoltaic modules for over a decade. Initially the focus was on customer specific solutions, for companies including SolarWorld AG. Using this extensive know-how, the company was then able to extend its portfolio of photovoltaic module junction boxes with a wide range of products for universal use, for example a junction box with a leadframe. Various automatable solutions have recently also been successfully launched on the market. As a company with a proactive approach to quality, Kostal is not simply satisfied with what it has achieved in the past; it is already actively working on the next generation of connection technology.
PIKO inverters: Communication at its best
Kostal Solar Electric offers an extensive range of PIKO products in various power classes through to central inverters, with the emphasis on three-phase feed concepts even in the lower power classes. The high input voltage range and the independent MPP trackers in all of the PIKO inverters provide maximum flexibility in the field of application and simple handling. All inverters in the Kostal PIKO range include a comprehensive communication system. Each PIKO also has an integrated data logger which stores the data of the photovoltaic system for up to a year.
Further communication options range from the provision and monitoring of all important data, with the aid of the integrated interfaces, to the control of external devices. The photovoltaic system can be monitored both locally and remotely using the web server, PIKO Master Control, and the PIKO Solar Portal.
Kostal Solar Electric is expanding, and is pursuing a clear strategy with the focus on prime markets via local distribution companies. With subsidiaries in Spain, Italy, France and Greece, it offers sales, service and training on site in the local language. The Kostal knowledge campaign provides its customers and partners with new perspectives by providing the latest information on experience gained and new developments. A proactive exchange of knowledge and information allows customers and partners to quickly and directly keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
HaWi Energietechnik AG - one step ahead of the future
HaWi Energietechnik AG is a leading wholesaler and system provider for environmental technology, mainly specialized in photovoltaics. The most important activities are planning of grid-connected and off-grid solar systems, combined heat and power units, and small wind power plants and their direct pan-European distribution to installation partners.
At present, HaWi employs more than 200 staff members. The company founder, Hans Wimmer, has already specialized his electrical company in innovative energy and environmental technologies, 25 years ago. In 2001, HaWi Energietechnik GmbH emerged from this company and already in 2005 there was the need to extensively expand its headquarters at Rogglfing in Lower Bavaria, Germany. In 2006 and 2007, the subsidiaries in Spain (2006), Italy (2006), France (2007) and Greece (2007) were finally established. In 2008, the headquarters with already more than 50 staff members moved to the newly built technology and logistic centre in Eggenfelden. In September 2008, the company changed its legal form into a German public company (AG).
Exclusive cooperation-partner of TÜV SÜD Akademie
The TÜV SÜD Akademie, a nationwide institution for technical training, and HaWi Energietechnik AG set up an exclusive cooperation in the field of skill enhancement in photovoltaics for their partner firms. The main focus of the seminars is on transferring basic skills about the different plants, as well as building up knowledge about planning, dimensioning, mounting and monitoring.
In addition to the 30 training institutes across Germany, HaWi offers training sessions at its Academy in Eggenfelden. 200 square meters of space, equipped with training roofs, work-benches and simulation equipment, provide perfect conditions.
HaWi Project GmbH – Turnkey solutions
As an experienced service provider in the field of project planning of large-scale and turnkey plants, HaWi Project GmbH, a fully owned subsidiary of HaWi Energietechnik AG, places its main focus on the realization of high-quality and long-lasting plants securing an optimal yield that assures a maximum of economic profit. An optimal and detailed planning and dimensioning of the systems is guaranteed. HaWi Project GmbH implements large-scale photovoltaic systems, which are delivered as complete, turn-key solutions for open land, rooftops and special requirements. A complete range of associated services is provided. Specialists in planning, design and structural analysis ensure optimum planning of the systems.
Solar E-Mobility
With its turnkey concept of solar carports, charging stations and the evaluation of economic efficiency, HaWi presents itself as ideal partner for the implementation of solar E-Mobility and thus sets climate protection in motion. The model has proved itself in practice. Since the summer of 2010 HaWi is cooperating with the public services in Eggenfelden, Germany. The corporation disposes of small electric vehicles, which are employed for daily business within a range of 50km.
Living the slogan "Using the energy of the sun", company cars of the city of Eggenfelden use the solar power station in front of the HaWi’s Technology and Logistics Centre to fill their cars up with sun.