How does the EU support the European solar PV manufacturing sector?

Over the last years, the EU has taken initiatives to strengthen its support to the European solar PV manufacturing sector, which includes several globally competitive companies in several steps of the value chain.

Should the EU adopt a 40 percent self-sufficiency benchmark for solar panels?

The EU has agreed in principle a non-binding 40 percent self-sufficiency benchmark for solar panels and other identified strategic technologies, to be approached or achieved by 2030. However, for the solar sector specifically, there is no strong economic justification for an import-substitution approach.

Will the European Parliament block solar panel imports from China?

Two policies are working their way through the European parliament that could lead to obstacles for solar panel imports from China: the corporate sustainability due diligence directive and the forced labour regulation. Both will require agreement between the parliament and the EU’s 27 member states.

How many solar panels are there in the EU in 2021?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in 2021 the estimated installed solar PV capacity in the EU was over 158 GW, compared with over 306 GW in China and almost 94 GW in the US. China is currently the world's leader in solar energy production.

What is the European Solar charter?

The European Solar Charter, signed on 15 April 2024, sets out a series of voluntary actions to be undertaken to support the EU photovoltaic sector. Solar energy, in particular photovoltaics (PV), is currently the fastest growing renewable energy source in the EU.

What is the EU solar energy strategy?

The EU solar energy strategy proposed under the REPowerEU plan aims to make solar energy a cornerstone of the EU energy system. Boosting renewable energy is also an important part of the European Green Deal in the context of the green transition towards climate neutrality.