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

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

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

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. 

10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

April 29, 2025
Chinese solar manufacturing giant JinkoSolar posted net losses of US$181.7 million in the first quarter of 2025 amid low product prices and “changes in international trade policies.”
April 28, 2025
Fraunhofer ISE has developed a solar cell which uses “one-tenth” of the amount of silver as a standard cell.
April 28, 2025
Beleaguered Norwegian silicon producer REC Silicon has received a buyout offer from its largest shareholder, Hanwha Corporation.
April 24, 2025
US material recovery firm OnePlanet has closed two financing deals to aid the development of a solar module recycling facility in Florida.
Premium
April 23, 2025
The latest polysilicon pricing report from the Silicon Industry Branch reveals a lukewarm spot market with modest price drops.
Premium
April 23, 2025
Analysis: Carrie Xiao explores the factors behind the recent cancellation of China’s PV module mega-tender and their wider implications for equipment procurement.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
May 7, 2025
Munich, Germany
Solar Media Events
May 21, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK