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 a major solar panel factory in Catania, Italy. Focused on heterojunction and tandem tech. Backed by Enel, scaling to 3 GW/year.
Employees: 220+ (Enel Group total 9,000)
Markets: Primarily Italy, expanding to EU-wide utility and residential sectors
Meyer Burger
Known for: Producing ultra-efficient heterojunction (HJT) solar cells and modules in Germany. Premium modules with high sustainability standards.
Employees: ~1,200
Markets: Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Norway
Roofit.Solar
Known for: Offers metal roofing with integrated monocrystalline solar cells (BIPV). Combines functionality with Nordic design aesthetics. Produced in Estonia.
Employees: ~100
Markets: Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Estonia, Latvia
HelioSphera
Known for: Thin-film micromorph modules with a sleek, dark glass look. Manufactured in Tripoli, Greece.
Employees: ~180
Markets: Greece, Southern Europe, selected export markets
Midsummer AB
Known for: Swedish company developing flexible thin-film solar modules (CIGS). All R&D and production in Sweden. Strong focus on BIPV and rooftop integration.
Employees: ~80-100
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. Development and manufacturing are exclusively in Europe. Fully independent from Asian supply chains; Made in Germany.
Employees: ~4,300
Production: In Kassel and Niestetal, as well as partially in Poland
Fronius International GmbH
Known for: Durable, high-quality inverters with a strong presence in the European residential market. Popular with installers due to reliability and strong support. Sustainability-focused with deep vertical integration in Austria.
Employees: ~6,100 globally
Production: 100% Made in Austria (Sattledt)
Iskraemeco / ETI Elektroelement
Known for: Offers small-scale inverter and smart grid energy management solutions. Local production and specialization in grid integration solutions.
Headquarters: Kranj, Slovenia
Production: In Slovenia
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