Supporting European Solar Manufacturing

Adjust the State Aid rules under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework to also cover the running cost of factories, particularly electricity prices (opex), and reduce complexity of access and implementation under point 86 (matching aid). With the right political will, it could be implemented very swiftly.

Allow for specific “resilience auctions” in Member States. This is essential to provide offtake visibility for solar systems with higher EU added value. Resilience auctions could be set up within weeks, even before NZIA formal adoption. 

Engage the EIB in supporting an existing and ready-to-go pipeline of solar manufacturing projects in the EU, for example by offering zero-interest financing with no additional collateral required to obtain the loan, providing "oxygen" to these companies at the starting gate. 

Accompany national financing with an EU-level financial tool for solar manufacturing, like a Solar Manufacturing Bank, linked to the Innovation Fund or a new EU Sovereignty Fund. 

Accompany industrial policy measures with clear market access standards that reflect Europe’s ESG values to create a level playing field. 

Consider state guarantees and credit lines for European solar PV manufacturers that are struggling to survive under the current challenging market conditions.

We suggest the the Commission should set up a Special Purpose Vehicle for a total of 200 million EUR for buying up stock of European manufacturers (estimated around 600-700 MW), in the short-term to secure their liquidity.