A large fraction of all the world's manufactured solar panels overwhelmingly come from Asia. The importance of solar power for the energy transition combined with the introduction of the next generation of solar panels means it is time to bring production back to our continent. Think of modules that can be invisibly incorporated into buildings, transport and infrastructure and have a high efficiency. Plenty of opportunities for the Dutch and European manufacturing industry.
Collaboration needed
Besides obtaining high efficiencies a lot more is needed to enable large-scale manufacturing of solar cells and modules in Europe, with a strong Dutch contribution. Production costs must be reduced even further, the concept of mass customisation for integration must become a reality, with circularity as an important precondition. Achieving these ambitions requires far-reaching collaboration between knowledge institutions, companies, and governments across the entire value chain.
Regional approach in Noord-Brabant
The Noord-Brabant region is already working hard to realise this innovative manufacturing industry. The Brabant Development Company (BOM), knowledge institutions and companies are developing concepts, supported by the province of Noord-Brabant, to realise factories with the latest technology in this area. We are building further on ambitious innovation programmes and this stands alongside ambitious plans such as the major consortium of Dutch solar companies SolarNL. TNO helps companies in the manufacturing industry develop and manufacture innovative products, improve existing products or processes and enter new markets.
