Solar manufacturing is capital-intensive and operates on thin margins. ESMC works for EU financing that helps European factories scale up along the entire value chain – from silicon to modules.
Financing the Scale-up
Financing the Scale-up
Building gigawatt-scale factories for polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules requires large upfront investment. At the same time, solar manufacturing is driven by operating costs – energy, materials and labour – and European producers face competitors that benefit from massive state support. Investment aid alone is therefore not enough.
EU financing is being reshaped: the next Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028 is to include a European Competitiveness Fund, the Innovation Fund continues to support clean-tech manufacturing, and the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework allows Member States to support production capacity.
Our position
- A dedicated clean-tech manufacturing facility in the next MFF, with a solar window covering both investment (CAPEX) and, where justified, targeted and time-limited operating (OPEX) support.
- Temporary operating support under the state aid framework for all segments of the solar value chain.
- A stronger role for the European Investment Bank, including low-interest loans, guarantees and Made in Europe criteria for supported projects.
- Financing that is linked to demand: support works best where the Industrial Accelerator Act and the NZIA create a market for European products.
