SolarPower Europe has published a new report mapping Europe’s solar PV module production equipment capacity. The new report „Solar Production Equipment – Key players in the EU’s industrial ecosystem for solar PV’“ explores the European capacity to manufacture the equipment and machinery that produces at each stage of the solar module manufacturing process.
At least 38 European solar equipment makers
Today, at least 38 companies are active in Europe manufacturing the equipment and machinery that produces vital steps of the solar PV module supply chain, including cells, ingots, wafers, and polysilicon.
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Current solar PV module equipment producers are based across nine European countries (DE, FR, IT, NL, CH, ES, HU, FI, NO). The majority – 75% of European solar equipment manufacturers – are active in machinery for the cell and module segments.
High potential for European manufacturing
Michael Schmela, Director of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe said: “Our first Solar Production Equipment report reveals the enduring role of Europe at a key juncture of the solar supply chain – creating the essential equipment that produces solar technology. Production equipment is a very important part of Europe’s reindustrialisation story, and the solar sector can tap into its clear potential through efforts like the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative.”
SolarPower Europe: New export initiative for European-made solar products
In addition to mapping companies and manufacturing capacity, the report’s literature review identifies areas of European technological edge in the face of very strong competition from China. For example, Europe is still a global leader for next generation perovskite and tandem solar cell technology, and Germany hosts the technology leaders in cell testing equipment. All of which is based on a strong European solar research environment.
Embedded in the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative
The publication follows the launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), which seeks to connect European manufacturers with global markets, complementing efforts to boost European domestic demand for resilient products. ISMI is working to ensure that the European solar industry – including production equipment manufacturers – can tap into existing international development and investment streams already, like the EU Global Gateway strategy. The Global Gateway strategy aims to mobilise €300 billion for strategic infrastructure projects, including in the energy sector. It supports European partners around the world in meeting their climate, energy, and development goals.
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ISMI was launched in Brussels in March 2025 in the presence of representatives from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. (hcn)
