A comprehensive study by SolarPower Europe and Fraunhofer ISE has identified a viable pathway for Europe to reshore solar manufacturing, challenging China's current dominance in the global solar industry. The research found that European-made solar modules cost approximately 10.3 cents per watt more than Chinese imports, representing just a 14.5% price difference for the final electricity generated.
The study's findings come at a critical juncture for Europe's energy independence and industrial strategy. According to the analysis available at https://www.solarpowereurope.org, this relatively modest cost differential suggests that with appropriate policy measures, Europe could realistically rebuild a solar manufacturing industry that has largely shifted to China over the past decade. The research provides detailed calculations showing how strategic interventions could bridge this competitive gap.
The implications extend beyond mere cost considerations to encompass energy security, job creation, and technological sovereignty. As European policymakers grapple with the continent's energy transition, the study offers concrete data supporting the economic feasibility of domestic solar production. The timing is particularly significant given global supply chain vulnerabilities exposed in recent years and Europe's ambitious climate targets.
Industry observers note that successful reshoring would require coordinated policy action across multiple fronts, including manufacturing incentives, research funding, and trade measures. The study's detailed breakdown of cost components provides policymakers with specific targets for intervention. While the 14.5% price gap represents a challenge, it falls within range of what strategic industrial policy could reasonably address.
The potential revival of European solar manufacturing carries broader implications for the global clean energy landscape. It could create a more diversified and resilient supply chain while fostering innovation through increased competition. As North American companies like PowerBank Corporation explore opportunities in the evolving market, the study serves as both a roadmap and a call to action for European leaders determined to reclaim a strategic position in the clean energy economy.
