Europe’s PV Manufacturing Capacity Could Reach 88.2 GW

Europe’s photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity could increase to around 88.2 gigawatts (GW) by 2027–2030, up from 24.2 GW currently, including 13.2 GW in Turkey, according to solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) services firm Sinovoltaics “Europe Solar Supply Chain Map – Edition 1, 2026” which was released on Wednesday.

The report provides an overview of the European solar PV landscape and covers the PV value chain from metallurgical-grade silicon (MGS), polysilicon, ingots and wafers to solar cells and PV modules. It also tracks manufacturing locations, production capacities and project status.

The company reports that current European PV module manufacturing capacity stands at 24.2 GW, while announced projects could bring total capacity to approximately 88.2 GW by 2027–2030. Compared with its previous edition, the map includes five new manufacturers and projects: Solar Organic Centro España, Solar Fabrik GmbH, RESiLICON, Astronergy and JTPV/Schmid-Pekintaş.

Upstream manufacturing also has a substantial pipeline, the report noted. Current European solar cell capacity stands at 5.3 GW, while announced projects could raise capacity to 65.2 GW. Wafer manufacturing capacity currently stands at 1.2 GW, compared with 46.7 GW of announced capacity.

Sinovoltaics said further investment in cell, wafer and polysilicon manufacturing will be needed to strengthen Europe’s domestic PV supply chain.

However, the sharp increase in announced capacity does not necessarily translate into equivalent operational production, with many projects still in the planning or construction phase.

Projects can be at different stages, including planning, financing, construction, commissioning and operation, with timelines subject to financing, permitting, equipment deliveries and market conditions. Their successful delivery will depend on continued policy support, access to financing and sufficient market demand.

Compared with its previous edition, Sinovoltaics said the focus has shifted toward expanding manufacturing capacity, announcing new factories and increasing investment across the PV value chain.

While execution risks remain, the overall direction suggests that Europe is gradually rebuilding its domestic PV manufacturing ecosystem through investment in both downstream module production and upstream manufacturing. This transition reflects Europe’s broader efforts to strengthen supply-chain resilience while supporting long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness, the company observed.