- DAS Solar will open its first European factory in Mandeure, France, in June 2024, with a €109 million investment, creating 450-600 jobs.
- The facility will produce 3 GW of solar panels annually, supporting Europe’s push for local renewable energy manufacturing.
- The plant is part of DAS Solar’s strategy to expand globally. France was chosen over Germany and Spain due to strong local support.
DAS Solar, a Chinese photovoltaic company, will open its first European factory in Mandeure, France, in June 2024. The €109 million investment will create 450 to 600 jobs in the Doubs region, near Montbéliard.
The plant will feature three assembly lines, with a total production capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels per year. This makes it one of Europe’s most extensive solar panel manufacturing facilities. The factory aims to meet the rising demand for locally produced solar products in the European Union.
Shi Si, Vice President of DAS Solar, explained that the investment is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its European supply chain. At the new site, the company plans to produce solar cells, cables, connectors, and panels. The factory will also work closely with local and Chinese partners, which could create up to 2,500 jobs.
DAS Solar, founded in 2018, currently operates 14 factories in China. Its combined production capacity across these sites reaches 55 GW, and its workforce is 8,900 employees. This new facility in France represents a significant step in the company’s global expansion.
After DAS Solar considered other European countries, including Germany and Spain, France was chosen for the project. The company cited the strong support from French authorities and local communities as critical factors in its decision. The French government has been actively facilitating the project, aligning with its efforts to strengthen energy sovereignty within the EU.
The factory will produce a significant amount of solar panels, helping to reduce Europe’s reliance on imports from China. The project could also help address the EU’s growing need for renewable energy technologies. As Europe works to transition to cleaner energy, local production of photovoltaic products is crucial for energy security.
China dominates the global solar panel market. It produces approximately 80% of the world’s solar panels, and Chinese companies occupy all ten spots in the global solar panel manufacturing rankings. 2023 China’s solar panel exports hit a record €45 billion.
However, China’s dominance in the solar industry has raised geopolitical concerns. The United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Chinese solar panels, citing market manipulation and unfair pricing concerns. Meanwhile, the European Union is investigating whether Chinese manufacturers benefit from excessive government subsidies. These measures aim to counter China’s influence in the global market and protect European manufacturers.
Despite these tensions, DAS Solar’s new factory in France is expected to strengthen Europe’s energy sovereignty. It is part of a broader push to increase local manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, reducing the EU’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
DAS Solar’s expansion into Europe reflects a more significant trend of Chinese companies seeking to establish a more substantial presence in global markets. DAS Solar is positioning itself to play a vital role in Europe’s transition to clean energy by building a factory in France.
The new plant will contribute to the local economy, and help meet Europe’s renewable energy goals. It is a significant move in the global shift toward cleaner energy and the diversification of solar panel production. As Europe faces increasing pressure to boost its renewable energy capacity, DAS Solar’s investment could impact the region’s energy future.