Belga Solar, a solar panel manufacturer, seeks to position itself as a strategic player within the European photovoltaic industry. With a production capacity of 100 megawatts per year, the company is moving forward with a clear strategy of internationalization, investing in innovation, and defending the industry against Chinese competition, which severely impacts the European market.

“Starting in 2022, we are investing in production capacity and our internationalization. We are opening a new plant in Luxembourg together with the SOCOM group: Solar Cells Luxembourg,” emphasized Sébastien Mahieu, Managing Director of Belga Solar, in an interview with Strategic Energy Europe. The company began operations in 2007 and is currently seeking to strengthen its solar panel production and installation services, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

The company is Europe’s leading B Corp-certified solar panel manufacturer, which reinforces its environmental, social, and governance commitment. Along these lines, one of the pillars of its strategic plan is the total lifecycle sustainability of its products. With its production base in Belgium, the company follows a clear strategy: to maximize the European content of its panels. “We want to have as many European components as possible. Our equipment is Italian, from Ecoprojetti, and that represents a more costly decision, but it’s part of our mission,” Mahieu emphasizes.

He adds: “We seek to have a complete view of the life cycle, from the selection of materials to the end of use. That’s why we focus on strategic alliances to boost our R&D.”

International Expansion and European Content

One of the company’s fundamental pillars is its international vision. In addition to expanding into the Latin American market with projects in Ecuador, Belga Solar is seeking strategic partners to continue scaling its global presence.

At the same time, the company maintains a firm defense of European production. “We want to contribute to our clients’ transition and the reindustrialization of Belgium and Europe because we believe it is essential to maintain industrial jobs and knowledge of the photovoltaic industry on the continent. This is a fundamental technology for the future of energy sovereignty. Therefore, this is where we really need to be able to produce it,” the executive analyzes.

And he emphasizes that when they invest in their production line, they do so with European manufacturers to support the entire photovoltaic industry in the region.

“Today, it is very difficult to find solar cells produced in Europe. And we firmly believe that all the small manufacturers that still exist in Europe are the best foundation for reactivating a complete photovoltaic industry,” he points out.

Confronting Chinese Dumping: “Today’s Market Is Unfair”

Competition with Asian manufacturers—especially Chinese ones—has generated significant distortions in the European market, where price has become the sole deciding factor in public tenders. “Today, nearly 98% of photovoltaic installations in Europe are made with Chinese panels,” warns Mahieu.

It’s worth remembering that US President Donald Trump recently imposed reciprocal tariffs of 20% on all products from the European Union (EU) and 145% on China, generating uncertainty globally.

In this regard, Mahieu points out that all European industries fear the massive influx of cheap Chinese products into Europe, but that the solar industry has been experiencing this for the past two years with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the US, which made it more difficult for Chinese producers to sell there, and they redirected their products to the European continent.

“As long as we don’t establish quotas, minimum prices, or anything like that, as long as we don’t protect our market, we won’t protect our industry, and great chaos will break out in Europe,” he points out. He asserts that one of the key measures would be to establish minimum prices per watt peak, which would allow European producers to access a fairer market. Although they are not opposed to competition, they demand fairness: “I am not against Chinese products. But if we trade, it has to be on equal terms. And today, it isn’t.”

Mahieu estimates that the European market represents €20 billion a year, of which only €400 million is supplied by producers on the continent. The EU’s goal is to achieve 40% local production, which would mean a jump to 8 billion. “Today, no one believes this goal is achievable without measures. But the opportunity is there,” he maintains.

“We need to implement policies that allow us to achieve this goal. I think in Europe, we act when there’s a crisis; otherwise, we don’t act enough. And today, we’re in a trade crisis. We need to act and understand that we have the power to negotiate with the largest counterparties,” notes the Belga Solar representative.

Specialized Production, Innovation, and BIPV

Belga Solar is distinguished by its production focus on Topcon panels, available in standard backsheet and glass-on-glass versions. It also develops customized solutions in BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaic) technology, especially for architectural and agricultural projects. The company was the first in Europe to offer mono-crystalline half-cut technology in 2020, with 400 Wc.

The factory in Belgium is powered by carefully selected components and follows its own recipe. “We are not a large manufacturer, and that has been positive over the years. Our small scale allows us to maintain quality, flexibility, and adapt quickly,” Mahieu emphasizes.

New plug-and-play product: direct access to self-consumption

One of the notable innovations on the Belgian market is the recent launch of a plug-and-play system, a product designed for residential users seeking efficient and direct self-consumption.

“It’s an 800-watt product with a microinverter. It can be installed at home without the need for professional intervention and can generate up to 1,000 kWh per year,” explains Mahieu, which covers a large part of basic consumption. We originally developed the product for the French market because the technology was still banned in Belgium, but its legalization in April opens a new market opportunity. “It’s simple, accessible, and we’re looking to export it to other markets,” he emphasizes.

Two models will be offered: a “Smart” model, equipped with a monocrystalline solar panel, ideal for a first experience with solar energy.

And the “Premium” model, equipped with two monocrystalline solar panels, offering a maximum power output of 800 W, in compliance with Belgian regulations.

“These stations allow for a reduction in energy consumption by up to 30%, directly powering household appliances without the need for a battery or modifications to the electrical panel,” the company notes.

Sector Outlook: Crisis, Opportunities, and Urgent Decisions

2024 has been a critical year for European manufacturers. Current market rules have left many in difficult situations. “Most of my colleagues in Europe had a bad 2024. We need urgent decisions from Brussels,” Mahieu emphasizes.

Looking ahead, Belga Solar will continue to focus on innovation, international expansion, and defending the European market.

“We want to have a global vision of the entire life cycle of the products we manufacture here. We have the goal of internationalization. We want to continue pursuing this. We see great potential and that foreign companies are requesting our products. We also want to continue developing innovation, boosting R&D a little more, and seeking strategic partners to achieve this,” the specialist concludes.