European Solar Associations Urge Stronger Support to Secure Solar Manufacturing Future

The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE) have jointly called on EU leaders to adopt additional measures to support solar manufacturing in Europe, beyond what is outlined in the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA). Ahead of the Solar-PV Ministerial meeting scheduled for 30 September 2025, the two associations sent a letter urging political and financial intervention to prevent the decline of Europe’s solar industry.

Addressed to European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Director-General Kerstin Jorna, and copied to Ministers of the Competitiveness Council, the letter stresses the urgent need for concrete actions to rebuild and expand Europe’s solar photovoltaic (PV) sector.

Solar Industry at a Crossroads

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, warned that without swift and coordinated action, Europe risks losing its remaining solar manufacturing capacity. “Europe’s solar industry is at a crossroads. Without immediate, coordinated action, Europe risks losing its remaining solar manufacturing base. We call on EU leaders to turn the ambition of the Net Zero Industry Act into reality,” she said.

Despite strong commitments under the NZIA and the EU Solar Charter, solar deployment in Europe has slowed, while plant closures and bankruptcies are affecting the entire value chain. The NZIA’s goal of producing at least 30 GW of EU-manufactured solar PV by 2030 cannot be met without urgent support.

Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of ESMC, added, “The EU must act now to preserve its solar sovereignty. The NZIA’s 30 GW ambition is not materialising – and time is running out. Manufacturers cannot wait until the next financial framework to see action.”

Key Recommendations

The letter outlines five priority measures that EU leaders are being urged to adopt:

1. A European PV Industry 2030 Action Plan – A roadmap to rebuild solar manufacturing across the entire value chain.
2. Revision of EU Public Procurement Rules – To prioritise resilience, cybersecurity, and EU content, ensuring “Made in Europe” solar technologies are included in procurement processes.
3. A New Cleantech Manufacturing Fund – Established under the next Multiannual Financial Framework with dedicated support for both capital and operational expenditures in solar projects.
4. Expansion of Temporary Operational Support – Extending the Clean Industrial State Aid Framework to all segments of the solar value chain to prevent factory closures and protect skilled workers.
5. Increased Role for the European Investment Bank (EIB) – Including access to low- or zero-interest loans, counter-guarantees, and “Made in Europe” criteria to support financing.

A Make-or-Break Moment

The associations warn that implementing the NZIA alone will not be sufficient to safeguard Europe’s solar industry or meet its climate and strategic goals. “This is a make-or-break moment. The EU must show it is ready to preserve and rebuild Europe’s solar industry – before it is too late,” the letter concludes.

The appeal underscores the growing concern that Europe’s strategic independence in clean energy could be jeopardised without bold and immediate action.