Key events

In 2020, the Swiss company Meyer Burger, which previously specialized in the production of equipment for the solar industry, announced the transition to the production of its own photovoltaic modules. In 2021, production facilities were launched in Germany. However, already in 2023, the company announced the transfer of part of the equipment to the United States to build a plant in Colorado with a capacity of 2 GW, citing more favorable conditions under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

In February 2024, Meyer Burger stopped producing modules in Germany due to unprofitability, and in August of the same year, it abandoned the construction of a plant in the United States for the same reason. On May 22, 2025, the company notified the closure of its plant in Arizona (1.4 GW) and the dismissal of 355 employees. The reason was the lack of financing and the termination of the contract with a key client – DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI).

Reasons for failure

Inability to compete with Chinese manufacturers

• China controls about 80% of the world’s solar module production, offering significantly lower prices.
• European and American production remains expensive due to high energy, labor, and logistics costs.

Dependence on government support

• In the EU, subsidies were insufficient to offset high costs.
• In the US, IRA incentives failed to ensure long-term project profitability.

Market instability

• The cancellation of a major contract with DESRI undermined the financial stability of Meyer Burger in the US.
• The Trump administration’s plans to cut tax incentives for renewable energy sources have increased uncertainty.

Current situation and prospects

Meyer Burger is trying to reorient itself to the European market, counting on support under the Italian Transizione 5.0 program. However:

• Europe remains dependent on Chinese imports despite the “green transition” policy.
• Local production of solar modules in the EU and the US is still uncompetitive without constant subsidies.

Conclusion

Meyer Burger’s attempts to establish production in the EU and the US have shown that even with government support, Western companies cannot withstand Chinese price competition. Without strict protectionist measures (tariffs, import restrictions) or a technological breakthrough, further localization of solar module production in these regions remains questionable.