European Solar Charter - The plan to support the European photovoltaic manufacturing industry has been approved

On 15 April, after the informal meeting of the Commission “Energy” Council, 23 Member States - including Italy - have officially signed the ESC (European Solar Charter), with the purpose of promoting the European solar industry.

European Solar Charter, objectives

The document is a further crucial step forward, in the journey to support, foster and expand the European photovoltaic industry, and it calls on the signatories to address the urgent needs of the European photovoltaic manufacturing sector. Indeed, the ESC lays the foundations for a shared direction of EU economic efforts and initiatives, to strengthen the sector on a European scale.

The programme focuses on the plan to create and energise an EU solar value chain, to significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions and limit the dependence of old continent States on fossil fuel, gas, and solar product supplies source outside Europe. The goal is a resilient, sustainable and competitive value chain. 

Actions to strengthen 'Made in EU' photovoltaic production

The initiative stems from the desire to provide concrete answers to short-term concerns for the European supply chain’s resilience, and also to address long-term concerns to contrast the dependence on non-EU suppliers and stabilize the fluctuations of solar panel prices compared to the current situation.

So, what does the European Solar Charter provide for? A series of actions that the European Commission, EU Member States and representatives of the solar photovoltaic value chain should prioritize, to ensure that the green transition and European industrial goals go hand in hand. Firstly, through an early and rapid implementation of the provisions of the Net Zero Industry Act. Indeed, the Charter defines support programmes and criteria for allocating public procurement and renewable energy tenders, not linked to price, but rather to key parameters, such as sustainability, resilience and responsible business engagement.

Secondly, the plan urges key market players - from distributors to installers and wholesalers - to include resilient and quality solar modules produced in the EU in their catalogue. Another key guideline is the use of all available EU funding opportunities to facilitate the necessary investments for domestic photovoltaic production.

3SUN, leading the way to bring the EU into the global photovoltaic market

Signing off this programme marks a significant step in the right direction to support the European photovoltaic industry, paving the way for a 'Made in EU' photovoltaic sector, driven by common intentions and capable of fostering the market globally.  

To achieve these ambitious results, the Solar Charter has and will involve the most important players in the solar energy industry. In this sense, a leading role will be played by several Italian companies, with Enel and 3SUN at the forefront, alongside industry associations such as the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC), the SolarPower Europe (SPE) and the European Solar PV Industry Alliance (ESIA)

With 3GW’s future annual production of high-performance and undisputed quality photovoltaic modules, 3SUN will be the largest solar module factory in Europe, - a project that represents Europe's flagship initiative in the energy transition and independence process, acting as a catalyst for the revitalisation of the European photovoltaic value chain, while reducing Europe's dependence on foreign photovoltaic panel manufacturers.  

And not only that. What makes 3SUN unique in the European context is its strong technological and innovative character. We are a company that develops ever more innovative and competitive photovoltaic technologies. By putting our recognised professionalism and ability to innovate at the service of this ambitious European and global plan, our Gigafactory is getting ready to launch solar modules that will enable the EU market to take a decisive turn towards ever greater shared sustainability.