Choosing the cheapest panel can end up making a project more expensive in the long run. That was one of the key messages from Ignacio Mesalles , Head of Sales North LATAM, Central America & The Caribbean at JA Solar, during FES Caribe, where he also confirmed the company's commitment to making a strong entry into BESS.
Amid the global price war in modules, JA Solar sought to differentiate itself by questioning decisions guided solely by initial cost and reinforcing its positioning in battery solutions , at a time when the Dominican Republic is advancing in new renewable capacity and analyzing rules to accelerate this segment.
“ It’s easy to fall into the temptation of choosing the cheapest panel, but in the long run you have to consider everything that entails ,” Mesalles said, warning that variables such as performance, insurance, operation and supplier support are often underestimated when the decision is focused solely on capex.
Behind that warning lies a logic of bankability. Mesalles argued that in assets designed to operate for 30 years, the supplier is not just an equipment vendor but a long-term partner. “ Ultimately, it’s almost like a marriage; it’s a 30-year or more relationship ,” he stated.
With this vision in mind, JA Solar's strategy has been to become involved from the early stages of development, supporting the design, sizing, and technical structuring of projects, rather than simply supplying modules. As they explained, this approach is part of what sets them apart and allows them to move away from commoditization.
This positioning is also supported by technological advancements. Mesalles highlighted progress in n-type modules, particularly in the temperature coefficient , an attribute that is gaining importance in regions like the Caribbean. " In countries like the Dominican Republic, this is extremely important ," he stated, due to its impact on performance under high temperature and humidity conditions.
The discussion is also taking place in a country that is beginning to raise technical standards. Resolution 005-2024 establishes that renewable energy parks between 20 MW and 200 MW must incorporate backup systems equivalent to 20% of their capacity , a signal that is beginning to reshape design and supply decisions.
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From module to storage
On the other hand, one of the most innovative messages from the panel was about batteries: “ We are getting involved in the storage sector to be a one-stop shop ,” Mesalles pointed out, confirming that the company seeks to offer a more integrated proposal, facilitating design, installation, operation and supply.
The definition reflects a country that is moving quickly. In addition to the regulatory mandate for BESS, the Dominican Republic received bids for 1.6 GW in its recent tender for 600 MW of renewable energy with batteries, while up to 2,000 MW of backup capacity is projected in the coming years.
This context gives another dimension to the commitment of suppliers who seek to move beyond just playing in modules and also participate in a new value layer of the system.
In that expansion, Mesalles set two conditions to accelerate investments: networks capable of absorbing new renewable generation and clear rules to monetize ancillary services.
During the final round of the panel, he argued that the projected growth in renewable energy will require faster development of transmission infrastructure. He also suggested that a clearer regulatory framework for ancillary services could strengthen legal certainty and accelerate investment decisions.
This point links the initial warning about cheap modules to a broader discussion: the next stage for the sector will not be solely about reducing costs, but about combining quality, operational flexibility, and energy backup in assets designed for the long term. This is where JA Solar sought to position its message at FES Caribe.
Relive day 1 of FES Caribe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfB3DaSHJSM