Promising opportunities for the solar manufacturing industry in the Netherlands and Europe

Just 15 years ago, Europe was the undisputed leader in the development and manufacturing of photovoltaic products, such as solar cells and solar panels. However, China now commands a market share of no less than 75% of solar panels and between 85-97% of the intermediate products in the PV solar energy value chain.

The report "Sustainable Solar Energy", published today by Invest-NL in collaboration with consulting firm Roland Berger, highlights these promising prospects. Key learnings from the National Growth Fund are reflected in this report. With a (partially) conditional allocation of € 312 million from the fund, and an additional € 100 million in collaboration with Invest-NL as loans, these developments are of great importance for the Dutch PV industry. They also attract private investments and offer prospects for a more sustainable future.

One of the main points emphasised in the report is the enormous economic potential for the Dutch manufacturing industry surrounding high-value solar PV products such as new generation solar cells (HJT, perovskite, and tandem), high-quality production equipment (like roll-to-roll technology), and integrated PV products such as lightweight and roof-integrated solar panels. This knowledge exists within knowledge institutions, and we can now valorise it into our own industry. Invest-NL has previously been actively involved in these developments, such as through its investment in Exasun.

It is clear that an easily price-competitive model is not an obvious option for Europe, given the low production costs in China and the cost reductions driven by government support, such as the 38% decrease in the United States. Therefore, the focus in Europe will be on manufacturing high-quality, high-efficiency, and low-carbon solar cell applications. European manufacturers will focus on delivering sustainable and efficient solutions, creating new development opportunities. The Netherlands plays a crucial role here, as it has extensive knowledge of high-quality production processes that can be utilised to further develop the solar industry.

With the support of the National Growth Fund programme and the growing awareness of sustainability and efficiency, the Dutch and European PV manufacturing industry is on the verge of a promising breakthrough. By continuing to invest in innovation and sustainability, European producers can strengthen their position and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.