Solar module manufacturer Holosolis plans to establish a photovoltaic module gigafactory in France, with an annual capacity of 5 GW. The gigafactory is set to commence production in 2025, enabling the production of 10 million photovoltaic modules which can meet the energy needs of one million European homes.

Full operations of the plant are scheduled to begin in 2027.

China currently dominates the global photovoltaic module market with an 80% share, while the European Union accounts for only 3%.

Following a thorough review process, Holosolis chose France for the know-how and availability of the workforce, the quality of its infrastructure, and the low-carbon nature of the energy made in the country. The site secured for the gigafactory is across 50 hectares, offering expansion space as new technologies and manufacturing capacities are integrated.

Jan Jacob Boom-Wichers, CEO of Holosolis, said, “We will manufacture the most energy-efficient modules, incorporating the latest photovoltaic technologies, with the lowest carbon footprint and highest social standards. Scale effects and line automation will allow for a competitive cost to rival the global giants in the industry. Our modules will be aimed at three main markets: residential roofing, industrial and commercial roofing, and agrivoltaics.”

Holosolis is already planning to create other solar module production plants in Europe.

Holosolis was founded by EIT InnoEnergy, a cleantech and sustainable energy company supported by the European Union; the IDEC Group, a real estate firm; and TSE, a solar energy producer specializing in agrivoltaics.

Diego Pavía, CEO of EIT InnoEnergy, said, “Holosolis is expected to contribute over 15% towards the alliance’s goal of achieving an annual capacity of 30 GW by 2025. This target translates to approximately €60 billion (~$64.6 billion) of yearly new GDP in Europe.”

The gigafactory holds strategic significance within the European Union’s Green Deal Industrial Plan and is a flagship initiative of the European Solar and Photovoltaics Industrial Alliance (ESIA).

The gigafactory will complement Europe’s REPowerEU plan, which aims to install 600 GW of solar energy by 2030.