In Fall 2011 EuPD Research conducted the world’s largest quantitative study of PV installers in seven European countries. In this survey, amongst others, quantitative data regarding the satisfaction of installers regarding e.g. price, service or guarantee of their distribution partners, were collected. The findings of the results have been discussed with our customers in depth. This led to  strong interest and further questions concerning the standards and requirements of installers for the manufacturers.

For this reason, EuPD Research plans to conduct a qualitative study on the requirements and expectations regarding service and quality of module manufacturers. The aim is to receive a precise picture of the two factors “service” and “quality” from the installers’ point of view and to analyze and describe these factors in a way which allows the customers of the study to gain insightful knowledge and interpretations from the results. Moreover, the importance of brands in the purchase decision, the advantages and disadvantage s of direct vs. indirect procurement, the role of partner programs and the composition of the installers’ portfolio will be examined, as there is an interaction between these factors and the previously mentioned factors quality and service. The study should serve to increase the customers’ satisfaction and to meet the customers’ requirements more effectively regarding all aspects.

Since the requirements may vary from installer to installer depending on the area of business, EuPD Research will survey different installer groups on this issue. The topic of this study therefore requires a qualitative approach to determine and to analyze the possible complex relationships of the factors independent of different distribution.