nexttech.be
en
The knowledge platform for technology, innovation and digital transformation
Anno 2021, Rexel is fully committed to a multidisciplinary approach to the firm. For example, a PV project for the wholesaler involves much more than just solar panels. “The solar panels have to be properly integrated into the entire electrical installation of the building,” says Steven Leeten, Strategic Business Development Manager at Rexel. “When promoting self-consumption now, it's not just about batteries. Chargers - the biggest energy consumer in the home -, heat pumps and electric boilers for thermal storage are also part of the overall picture.” Home automation is also an important link in the buildings of the future. Leeten: “Until now, smart homes and home automation were mostly buzzwords: people rather saw them linked to comfort and luxury. However, we see that home automation is increasingly being used to achieve rational energy consumption within a family. The yield of solar panels helps determine the consumption of home automation applications. This evolution has been reinforced by the introduction of the digital counter and will be given a new push by the capacity tariff.”
“Digitally and technically fully integrated: this is what the buildings of tomorrow and the day after tomorrow will look like,” says Leeten. “All technologies, ranging from heating over plumbing to electricity - both its consumption and production - must form one whole.” Rexel is convinced that a multidisciplinary approach will become indispensable in the future. Supporting a complete project with all its techniques is key. “Within Rexel, we no longer talk about electrical, but rather technical installations. The time when the plumber, the electrical engineer and the heating engineer each came to do their thing separately is gone forever. The competences are increasingly merging. Installers, i.e. our customers, are increasingly diversifying. As wholesalers, we have to adapt to this new reality.” As the installer is increasingly taking on an important advisory role and thus needs to keep its customers well informed, it is also the wholesaler's role to be a beacon of expertise. “We are much more than a branch with a large stock,” says Leeten. “We enjoy spending time and energy in informing and educating our customers. Technology is becoming increasingly complex and we too need to be up to date with the latest innovations.” Rexel also capitalises on the digital aspect. “Our Netstore is not only an online shop, but also a platform to interact with our customers. They can contact us until late at night with questions and they can find useful tools, such as a configurator for charging stations,’ Leeten said.
Solar panels are in difficult waters after the uncertainty over the counter rollback. Yet Rexel and Leeten have no doubts whatsoever about the need for solar panels. “Emission-free living by 2050 is only possible thanks to renewable energy. We are only at the starting point of a huge revolution. As Rexel, we are trying to come up with innovative solutions. For instance, we are now betting very strongly on charging station infrastructure, because e-mobility is also an indispensable link for achieving the climate goals.” The combination of PV and electric vehicles also offers potential, Leeten continued. “In the long run, the home battery, which is now regarded as a solution for the end of the rolling back counter, but which I rather see as a necessary intermediate step, can be replaced by electric vehicles. This is called vehicle-to-grid. Once electric vehicles can work bidirectionally, you can use them to store electricity. This will again involve a whole evolution in the overall charging infrastructure.‘ Despite the uncertainty, the future is bright, Leeten concludes. ’It is a rollercoaster, with many changes in a short period of time. Nevertheless, huge opportunities are presenting themselves for the installation sector.”
