Active Working Groups
In order to create a favorable political environment and support the PV manufacturing industry in Europe, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) initiated three working groups, on the topic of Policy mapping, EcoDesign and Energy Labelling and EU Recovery funds and IPCEI.
Policy Mapping Working group mission
The initiative was instigated by Lucas Weiss (Voltec Solar) and introduced by Carsten Rohr (vice-chair of the ESMC). This working group aims at identifying relevant policies (already in place, under development or potential new policies) impacting the PV market demand and more importantly European PV manufacturers.
A survey was conducted rating the impacts of these policies, either positive or negative on the PV industry. The results obtained through this survey will serve as a basis for future policy recommendations to promote European solar manufacturing.
EcoDesign Working group mission
The European Commission is considering environmental policies for PV and are considering the mandatory policies EcoDesign for modules and inverters and Energy Labelling for PV systems, in addition to voluntary Eco-Label and Green Public Procurement.
Following the JRC preparatory study, ESMC initiated a Joint Mission Group under ETIP-PV to join forces with Solar Power Europe, PV Thin and IECRE (IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications) to engage in the policy development process and provide expert input.
The work of the Joint Mission Group is structured in 4 working groups:
- WG I – EcoDesign PV Modules
- WG II – EcoDesign Inverters
- WG III – Energy Label
- WG IV – Sustainability Criteria
The concrete objective of this Joint Mission Group is to produce an Expert Input Paper with a common position towards the European Commission in the initiative of setting up sustainable product policy instruments (criteria development of the EC policies). This paper was issued in march 2021, see below.
Latest working group publications
Carsten Rohr
ESMC Co-Chair
For more information:
carsten.rohr@norsun.solar
Expert input paper – EcoDesign and energy labelling for photovoltaic modules, inverters and systems in the EU
The concrete objective of this Joint Mission Group is to produce an Expert Input Paper with a common position towards the European Commission. This paper was issued in march 2021.
EU Recovery Funds and IPCEI Working group mission
The PV industry might be able to emulate the success of the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) for the battery and other industries of strategic importance. It would elevate PV to be considered as a strategic industry in Europe and would allow public subsidies to exceed state aid limitations.
This working group launched in 2021 will aim at shaping a PV industry IPCEI at European Level bringing together European manufacturers and National Governments with the aim to enable co-financing of PV industry development in Europe.
Latest working group publications
Johan Lindahl
ESMC Industry Advisor
For more information:
lindahl@esmc.solar
Policy statement – Appeal for RRF commitment
Download the Policy statement Solar manufacturing renaissance in Europe — appeal for RRF commitment where ESMC advocates for RRF to take the strategically important PV industry in consideration.
Industrial policy letter
Download a letter to commissioner Thierry Breton and commissioner Kadri Simson that advocates for a IPCEI for PV manufacturing signed by eight Member States.
Our latest activity in the working groups
One of ESMCs core missions is to stay updated on the latest news of the PV industry. Below, you can find the latest press releases on ESMC activities. Beside these published announcements, ESMCs working groups are involved in public consultation rounds on the central policy topics.
ESMC member MCPV secures €10 million grant for module factory in Spain
Our member company MCPV has received a €10 million grant to support the development of a 2.5 GW solar module production facility in Tudela, Spain. The funding marks an important milestone in MCPV’s mission to build a robust, next-generation solar manufacturing base in Europe. “We are very grateful for this…
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Open Letter to Borussia Dortmund: Solar Energy Partnership does Harm the Values of Renowned Football Club
Carsten Rohr ESMC Co-Chair For more information: carsten.rohr@norsun.solar Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs, is facing criticism for partnering with the Chinese company JA Solar to power its stadium and facilities with solar energy. In an open letter to BVB Managing Director Carsten Cramer, Carsten Rohr, Co-Chair…
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ESMC Board Elections: Co-Chair Carsten Rohr re-elected, Laura Sartore newly elected Vice-Chair
Continuity and strong signals for the further development of the European Solar Industry: this is what the ESMC board of directors, elected by the members of the manufacturers' association at their Annual General Meeting on March 10, 2025, stands for. The co-chair Carsten Rohr, Chief Commercial Officer of NorSun, was…
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