Heraeus Group invests in PV startup Holosolis’ 5GW French manufacturing plant

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The facility will produce modules based on n-type TOPCon PV cells. Image: Jolywood

German technology group and PV component manufacturer Heraeus has acquired an undisclosed stake in French PV manufacturing startup Holosolis to support the development of its planned 5GW module assembly plant in Hambach, France.

The facility is set to open in 2025 with a ramp-up to full capacity in 2027, producing modules based on tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cells. Heraus said that it will supply Holosolis with its silver metallisation pastes, a key component in the manufacturing of solar cells.

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

Plans for the assembly plant were announced in May this year along with partners IDEC Group, areal estate company which specialises in the rooftop market, and French solar developer TSE, which specialises in agrivoltaics. In September Holosolis announced a research partnership with Fraunhofer ISE to aid in technology choice and planning the factory at the concept design and construction phases.

“Heraeus will supply HoloSolis with the latest metallisation technologies, a key element in the production of a photovoltaic cell. We will also play an active role on the board of directors, providing advice, experience, and expertise”, said Christian Neumann of Heraeus.

He continued: “The photovoltaic industry has become a pillar of Europe’s energy transition. Its rapid growth requires a multiplication of supply chains, both globally and locally. We are proud to contribute to this strategic investment and strengthen our position in a market that is crucial for CO2 reduction.”

Recent months have seen concerns mount in the European PV manufacturing sector around supply chain diversity and durability. An open letter from the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) called on the EU to introduce protective measures to shore up the industry against the pressure from low-priced Chinese imports.

“At our Hambach site, the economies of scale and the automation of the lines will enable us to achieve costs that are globally competitive”, said Jan Jacob Boom-Wichers, president of Holosolis.

The ESMC also issued another letter calling for the prohibition of solar modules made with forced labour from entering Europe. Two EU committees have since submitted a draft regulation on banning products associated with forced labour from entering the European market.

Manufacturers are increasingly acknowledging that they will need to compete on more than just price in order to set themselves apart in Europe, as environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns like sustainability come to the fore, as well as larger issues around traceability and removing forced labour from supply chains.

25 November 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Large Scale Solar Central and Eastern Europe continues to be the place to leverage a network that has been made over more than 10 years, to build critical partnerships to develop solar projects throughout the region.

Read Next

Premium
June 9, 2025
N-type polysilicon prices have dropped to RMB34,000/ton as the project installation rush ends, putting cost pressure on the industrial chain.
June 9, 2025
Saatvik Solar, a unit of Saatvik Green Energy Limited (SGEL), is building a 4.8GW solar cell and 4GW module manufacturing facility in Ganjam district of Odisha.
June 9, 2025
Growing political headwinds threaten to dent US solar manufacturing and project deployment, despite a strong start to 2025.
June 6, 2025
France has registered zero or negative energy prices for 90% of days in May 2025, according to data from energy storage developer Storio Energy.
June 6, 2025
Eternal Sun has acquired German solar simulator provider Wavelabs, which has resulted in the formation of a new subsidy, Wavelabs Eternal Sun.
Premium
June 6, 2025
Europe must secure the 'strategic segments' of the solar supply chain, according to experts at a PV Tech panel at this year's Intersolar event.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece