European Solar Charter

The Solar Charter is an important moment of recognition of solar’s incredible growth in Europe. The continent’s governments have made a high-level promise to our manufacturers, recognising their critical role in the strategic supply chains of today and tomorrow. Discover the Charter and its signatories here. Nevertheless, we continue to urge rapid action and concrete measures at national and EU level to support manufacturers. This means rolling out resilience criteria in public procurement and auctions as soon as possible, unlocking subsidy support, and establishing dedicated EU financing for solar. 

Also this month, the leadership of the solar sector in Europe was reinforced at SolarPower Europe’s annual assembly in Brussels, with the re-appointment or new election of 10 of the Association’s Board positions and the restructuring of Board governance. With our newly fortified Board, the SolarPower Europe Secretariat is looking forward to continuing our work together, acting as one voice for the solar sector in Europe, and paving the way toward our solar-led future. 

SolarPower Europe’s members also voted to update the governance structure of the Board, with the total number of Board Seats growing from 15 to 20.  This recognises the growth of the sector and SolarPower Europe, which has grown from 120 members in 2015, to over 300 today. A minimum seat threshold means that the continued representation of manufacturers and smaller solar companies is guaranteed within our Governance. Our new Board structure, also further formalises the valuable contribution of national solar associations, with the Chair and Vice-Chair of SolarPower Europe National Association Committee holding reserved seats.  

In the same week, we held our annual National Associations Strategy Day, where members of solar associations across Europe joined us in Brussels to exchange on how to address challenges being faced by the sector, and take solar to the next level in Europe. 

A key topic of the day was the European Elections which are fast approaching. Make sure to listen to our latest podcast episodes where we discuss the Solar For Europe Manifesto, and talk to MEPs about what’s next in store for solar at EU level. You can also find out more about how to support the European Parliament’s #UseYourVote campaign here.