SPE and ESMC urge the EU to introduce urgent production-linked support beyond the NZIA framework
The groups warn that Europe’s strategic sovereignty, jobs, and manufacturing base risk collapse without stronger and immediate incentives
They propose 5 measures, including a 2030 Action Plan and a new cleantech manufacturing fund
SolarPower Europe (SPE) and the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) have urged policymakers in the European Union (EU) to make a ‘bold and immediate’ commitment to strengthen support for domestic solar PV manufacturing, beyond the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA). In a joint letter ahead of the September 30, 2025, Ministerial meeting, the groups warn Europe’s strategic sovereignty is at risk without stronger production-linked incentives and financing.
The 2 organizations warn that relying solely on the NZIA risks factory closures, job losses, and weakened strategic sovereignty, even as the bloc targets to achieve at least 30 GW of domestic solar PV manufacturing capacity by 2030 under the European Solar PV Industry Alliance (ESIA) (see European Solar PV Industry Alliance Formally Established).
In the joint letter, the groups say that having this target is not enough, but it also requires additional, urgent, and coordinated political support.
“We are seeing a wave of industrial closures and bankruptcies – a situation that must be addressed and turned around. At the same time, the measures need to ensure that the impact on electricity prices for final users, including energy intensive users whose global competitiveness is at stake, is moderate,” state ESMC and SPE, while referring to a spate of bankruptcies, including that of Meyer Burger (see Meyer Burger To Sell US Module Production Equipment To Waaree).
Specifically, they outline the following 5 key measures for EU leaders to secure Europe’s solar manufacturing future:
Establish a European PV Industry 2030 Action Plan that will act as a political roadmap to rebuild and expand solar manufacturing capacities along the full value chain.
Revise EU public procurement legislation to reward resilience, cybersecurity, and EU content, ensuring “Made in Europe” solar is included in public procurement.
Set up a new cleantech manufacturing fund under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with a dedicated facility for solar covering both CAPEX and OPEX support.
Expand temporary OpEx support under Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) to all solar supply chain segments to prevent further factory closures and retain skilled workers.
Expand the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) to provide low- or zero-interest loans, counter-guarantees, and “Made in Europe” criteria for supported projects. It should offer low-interest loans to project developers that procure Europe-produced modules and inverters.
The associations demand a clear political signal from the policymakers and want them to use the Ministerial meeting and the European Solar PV Industry Alliance (ESIA) Annual Forum to come up with a concrete action plan.
“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.
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