Europe solar manufacturing capacity projected to reach 88.2 GW by 2030

Europe is poised for a significant expansion in solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing capacity, with projections suggesting an increase from the current 24.2 GW to 88.2 GW between 2027 and 2030. According to a report by Sinovoltaics, the continent is shifting focus toward building a more independent supply chain by investing in upstream components such as solar cells, silicon wafers, ingots, and polysilicon.

Turkey has emerged as a major player in the region, possessing 13.2 GW of operational solar module manufacturing capacity. This figure exceeds the combined capacity of Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, which totals less than 9.7 GW. Turkey’s manufacturing is driven by over 20 producers, including Kalyon PV/Hanwha Q Cells, CW Enerji, Kıvanç Enerji, and Schmid-Pekintaş.

Due to a domestic demand of approximately 4 GW, much of Turkey’s capacity is directed toward exports. Turkish manufacturers, such as HT Solar and Smart Solar Technologies, are increasingly targeting the US market, benefiting from trade policies that impose tariffs on Chinese-origin products and duties on certain Southeast Asian nations while exempting Turkish-made modules.