#solar energy #Japan #Tokyo #Battery Storage #economic effect

Overview of the Survey on Standardization in Solar Power

In a recent investigation by Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, a comprehensive survey was conducted involving 103 sales representatives engaged in solar power and storage battery. This survey focused on the standardization of calculation assumptions related to economic efficiency in the solar energy industry. The findings reveal a crucial intersection of progress and ongoing challenges in the industry.

Key Findings of the Survey

Improvement in Calculation Quality

An encouraging 93.1% of the representatives noted an enhancement in the quality of explanations and the basis provided for economic effect projections in comparison to previous years. Specifically, 34.9% strongly agreed with this observation, while 58.2% expressed a moderate agreement.

Standardization Progress

A notable 95.1% of respondents feel that their company's standardization of calculation assumptions is advancing. However, when it comes to the standardization of electricity price increase assumptions, only 18.4% reported a similar progressive stance, highlighting a significant gap that requires attention.

Customer Inquiries Impacting Sales

Over the past year, 62.1% of representatives faced queries from customers regarding the rationale behind electricity price increases and rates. Additionally, 19.4% experienced delays in negotiations due to customers’ uncertainties regarding the presented calculations.

Specific Insights from the Survey Questions

Q1: Quality of Explanations

When asked about changes over the years, respondents indicated the following:

• - Strong Agreement: 34.9%
• - Moderate Agreement: 58.2%
• - Disagreement: 6.0%

These results underscore a collective recognition of improved communication and understanding of economic impacts by sales teams.

Q2: Standardization Feedback

On the question of whether the standardization of calculation premises is adequate:

• - Very Satisfied: 24.3%
• - Somewhat Satisfied: 70.8%
• - Dissatisfied: 4.9%

The overwhelming majority asserts that their organization is making strides toward more uniform criteria, though there remains room for enhancement in certain areas.

Standardized Calculation Premises

Among the standardized premises, customer type-based pricing structures received the most focus (60.2%), followed by rules for defining pricing components (49.5%). Conversely, assumptions about electricity price increases lagged at 18.4%.

Frequency of Revising Standards

During the survey, 35.9% indicated their organizations review calculation assumptions approximately every three months, while 30.1% said they are revisited every six months. This indicates a proactive approach to keeping up with market fluctuations.

Department Responsibilities for Revisions

In terms of responsibility for reviewing calculation assumptions:

• - Sales Management Department: 38.8%
• - Sales Planning and Promotion Department: 27.2%

Sales management distinctly leads these initiatives, highlighting the integral role of this department in guiding standardization.

Consistency Across Teams

An impressive 96.1% of respondents believe there are mechanisms in place to prevent discrepancies in calculation results between different salespeople, indicating a robust foundation for consistent customer interaction and trust.

Newcomer Training Periods

Regarding the time newcomers need to reach a comparable understanding to veterans, 44.7% stated it takes about six months, with ongoing training seeming essential for knowledge transfer.

Customers' Demand for Clarity

Reflecting on customer interactions, 62.1% reported that clients have directly questioned the justifications for electricity price increases, further emphasizing the need for clarity and transparency in communications.

Standardization Goals for the Future

Looking ahead, respondents identified customer-type-based pricing diversification (48.5%) as a priority for further standardization, coupled with the necessity to define components of pricing structures (46.6%).

Conclusion

The survey outcomes illustrate that while significant advancements have been made in standardizing assumptions and improving the quality of economic effect calculations in the solar power and storage battery industry, challenges such as questions regarding electricity pricing remain perennial issues needing focus. As the industry evolves, fostering a consistent understanding among new sales representatives and refining the standardization of key areas will be critical in enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.

About Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Kokusai Kogyo aims to leverage geospatial information technology to tackle social challenges, focusing on disaster management, infrastructure management, and environmental solutions. With a mission to create a better world through data, they are committed to providing meaningful insights in the energy sector.