EN 
PT_BR 
The R&D (Research and Development) area is extremely important for a company, because when an industry innovates its technologies, it becomes prominent in the market and is able to offer consumers improvements in its internal processes.
In the solar sector, it is no different. “Innovation is one of the main drivers of company growth.” This is the analysis of Tomer Koren, sales manager at SolarEdge. The specialist participated in the podcast Papo Solar, carried out by Canal Solar, and commented that investment in R&D is essential for new customer segments, markets and the incorporation of more value in products and services.
“The decision to implement R&D also focuses on reducing the number of components in each product, with the aim of reducing both the cost and the impact on the depletion of natural resources, without leaving aside quality and reliability”, says Koren.
According to him, at SolarEdge, between the first quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of 2020, investment in R&D varied between 7.5% and 9.7% of operating expenses.
Outlook for the solar sector
During the podcast, Koren also discussed the prospects for the solar energy market and said that the segment will continue to grow even in the midst of the crisis. “We remain committed to the photovoltaic sector and are doing everything we can to keep lines of communication open. We want to provide installers with the tools to drive business during and beyond this period.”
The SolarEdge sales manager also highlighted that solar energy is a very important source for industry and the residential market. “When the world begins to recover, people and companies will be more aware of the need for a resilient energy grid and the importance of energy independence,” he concluded.
Brazil
Tomer Koren commented that SolarEdge is expanding its commercial solution in Brazil. “Based on lightweight, small and easy-to-transport units, our inverters combine large capacity with ease of installation.”
According to the expert, the country has high solar irradiation, which helps make the cost of photovoltaic generation competitive. “The photovoltaic sector is very united in Brazil. ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association) is doing incredible work in promoting the solar energy market. I want to congratulate them for the work they constantly do”, he emphasized.
