European Solar Panel Manufacturers: A Glimmer of Hope
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As Europe accelerates its transition to renewable energy, solar power has emerged as a cornerstone of this transformation. However, a significant challenge persists: the majority of solar panels installed across the continent are imported, primarily from China. In fact, in 2023, less than 15% of the EU's solar photovoltaic (PV) modules were produced domestically, with imports, mainly from China and Southeast Asia, covering the bulk of the demand. 🡥
This reliance on imports raises concerns about energy security, economic resilience, and the sustainability of Europe's green transition. Recognizing these challenges, the European Union has set an ambitious goal: to achieve at least 30 gigawatts (GW) of annual solar manufacturing capacity across the entire value chain by 2030. 🡥
Despite the dominance of imported panels, Europe is home to several notable solar panel manufacturers striving to revitalize the industry:
3Sun / Enel Green Power
Known for: Operating Europe's largest solar panel factory in Catania, Italy, focused on heterojunction and tandem silicon-perovskite technology. Backed by Enel and scaling toward 3 GW of annual capacity.
Employees: Growing from around 200 toward roughly 900 as the gigafactory ramps up
Markets: Primarily Italy, expanding to EU-wide utility and residential sectors
Meyer Burger
Known for: A Swiss company known for ultra-efficient heterojunction (HJT) solar cells and modules. Note: Meyer Burger closed its German module plant in Freiberg in 2024, and its German subsidiaries filed for insolvency in June 2025, halting European production.
Status: European manufacturing stopped, company restructuring
Markets: Historically Germany and wider Europe
Roofit.Solar
Known for: Metal roofing with integrated monocrystalline solar cells (BIPV), combining function with Nordic design. Produced in Estonia.
Employees: ~100
Markets: Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Estonia, Latvia
HelioSphera
Known for: A Greek maker of thin-film micromorph solar modules, produced in Tripoli, Greece.
Status: Defunct. HelioSphera ceased production in 2012 and was declared bankrupt in 2017, with its factory put up for public auction in 2025.
Why it matters: A cautionary example of a European solar manufacturer undercut by low-cost Chinese competition
Midsummer AB
Known for: A Swedish company developing flexible thin-film solar modules (CIGS), with R&D and production in Sweden and a strong focus on building-integrated and rooftop solar.
Employees: ~80 to 100
Markets: Sweden, Italy, Germany, Norway
Note: Solar installations also require inverters. While many, like Huawei and Sungrow, are made in China, several manufacturers develop and produce inverters right here in Europe.
Here are some European inverter makers:
SMA Solar Technology AG
Known for: One of the world's leading inverter manufacturers, active in residential, commercial and large-scale segments, with development and production based in Europe and independent of Asian supply chains.
Employees: ~4,300
Production: Kassel and Niestetal in Germany, with some production in Poland
Fronius International GmbH
Known for: Durable, high-quality inverters with a strong presence in the European residential market, popular with installers for reliability and support, and made entirely in Austria.
Employees: ~6,100 globally
Production: 100% made in Austria (Sattledt)
Iskraemeco / ETI Elektroelement
Known for: Smart electricity meters and energy-management systems for grid integration, developed and produced in Slovenia. Its core business is metering rather than inverters.
Headquarters: Kranj, Slovenia
Production: In Slovenia
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