Europe’s solar manufacturing vacuum needs urgent action, says R&D and trade groups

June 23, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The recent bankruptcy of Europe’s largest integrated manufacturer, SolarWorld AG and the failure of anti-dumping duties on Chinese producers to maintain a minimum import price (MIP), due to circumvention by establishing production outside China and even in Europe, was a major concern to energy independence in the region, according to industry groups. Image: SolarWorld

The significant decline in the solar PV manufacturing supply chain in Europe in recent years has reached a critical condition, according to a string of R&D and trade groups in the region. 

The European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV), EUREC – The Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centers and Solar United – The Global Solar PV Technology & Industry Association, as well as equipment manufacturers, materials providers and PV manufacturing companies have published an ‘Open Letter from the European PV Community’ to European policymakers to take urgent action to support the industry.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Although not a new claim, the recent bankruptcy of Europe’s largest integrated manufacturer, SolarWorld AG and the failure of anti-dumping duties on Chinese producers to maintain a minimum import price (MIP), due to circumvention by establishing production outside China and even in Europe, was a major concern to energy independence in the region, according to industry groups.

Marko Topič, ETIP PV Chairman stated: “Photovoltaics is transforming Europe’s and the World’s energy system. It is strategically important for Europe to maintain strong involvement in this technology and contribute to the energy union and sustainable energy independence in Europe.” 

The letter went on to highlight that the solar sector was of ‘strategic importance for the EU economy, providing energy independence, industrial jobs and economic growth.’

The letter to European policy makers also claimed that for more than two decades, Europe had lead in technology innovation and state-of-the-art manufacturing (industry 4.0) the sustainability of production and quality as well as conversion efficiency of solar products. 

The solution being put forward is to support R&D activities at manufacturers and R&D institutions while supporting large-scale manufacturing operations to compete with China. 

This could only be achieved with cheap finance, accelerated R&D and smart regulations to provide a sustainable PV manufacturing hub in Europe that would be of the scale required to effectively complete. 

Such calls have been increasing in recent years but European policy makers have yet to provide any tangible plans or meaningful support outside existing R&D funding structures and anti-dumping duties. 

Read Next

October 28, 2025
GoldenPeaks Capital secures EUR114 million (US$132 million) financing package for two solar PV Portfolio in Poland.
October 27, 2025
Waaree Energies has secured four solar module supply contracts totalling 692MW – three for projects in India and one in the US through its subsidiary.
October 27, 2025
Premier Energies has acquired a 51% stake each in transformer maker Transcon and inverter producer KSolare Energy. 
October 27, 2025
US solar technology company Swift Solar has deployed perovskite solar technology as part of a Department of Defence cyber warfare exercise in the state of Virginia.
October 23, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy sold approximately 725MW of solar modules in Q3 2025, as it continues to expand US manufacturing capabilities.
Sponsored
October 22, 2025
LONGi vice president Dennis She discusses the value logic behind the company's strategic focus on back contact technology.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
November 12, 2025
10am PST / 1pm EST
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany