Solar panel production back to Europe

Cross-border collaboration needed

Besides obtaining high efficiencies a lot more is needed to enable large-scale manufacturing of solar cells and modules in Europe, with a strong Dutch contribution. Production costs must be reduced even further, the concept of mass customisation for integration must become a reality, and circularity will be crucial. Achieving these ambitions requires cross-border collaboration between knowledge institutions, companies, and governments.

With an ambitious plan, a large consortium of Dutch solar companies is going to give the solar industry a leading position in Europe. The consortium is bringing the plans together under the name: SolarNL. The aim is to build several factories in just a few years, building on ambitious innovation programmes and setting up the entire production chain on European soil.

In doing so, companies will work closely with research organisations. This should yield high-efficiency circular solar panels that take into account the specific requirements of the European and Dutch markets. TNO helps companies in the manufacturing industry develop and manufacture innovative products, improve existing products or processes and enter new markets.

From importer to exporter

A new generation of solar modules, to which TNO is currently making major contributions, will make the difference in the next decade. Simple, low-cost fixed panels will make way for new types of solar panels that are almost or entirely invisible and can be incorporated in all kinds of materials in any desired size and shape, making them easy to integrate into roofs, façades, windows, roads, noise barriers, and even cars. There will then potentially be a lot more surface area available for generating energy.

Mass customization – mass production of tailor-made products – is the future of integrated solar power. Creating a PV ecosystem to manufacture these high-end products in Europe, with the Netherlands as an important supplier of knowledge, equipment, and semi-finished products, but also of the final products, will make it possible to tap a broad market. From being an importer to having opportunities for exporting.

Smart combinations of solar cells and recycling

Large-scale manufacturing of cells and modules in the Netherlands is possible. The country already has significant production of modules! Our strength lies in creating innovative concepts that companies can further industrialise and then market. TNO has a unique knowledge position as regards combining solar cells into a solar panel in any desired shape, size, or colour and incorporating it into construction elements.

Strategic value chain

The European Commission has identified the solar energy sector as a strategic value chain. Producing close to home avoids shipping of solar panels across oceans, which reduces pollution and transport costs. The energy mix in Europe is also cleaner than in many other regions of the world, which further improves the already small carbon footprint of solar panels.

It also makes us less dependent on specific countries or regions. Moreover, we have everything here: high-level knowledge, innovative strength in innovation, and cutting-edge companies, which will enable us to become a major player again in the production of solar cells and modules.

Accelerate and scale up solar energy

The first steps have already been taken with the launch of the European Solar Initiative, supported by the European Commission. The motto is ‘accelerate and scale up’ and bring back manufacturing to Europe. Companies in various European countries are already expanding production of solar cells and solar panels, and new companies are starting up production.