In the near future, approximately 100,000 solar panels will be produced in Luxembourg each year, which corresponds to one fifth of all panels installed in the country.
Luxembourgish company SOCOM has joined forces with Belgian company Enocells to produce photovoltaic panels at two sites in Luxembourg and Belgium. In the Grand Duchy, €5 million are to be invested in a new production unit that will open on the former site of cigarette manufacturer Heintz Van Landewyck in Hollerich, in September.
SOCOM hopes to hire around 20 employees for its new facility and from 2026 onwards, production capacity is expected to increase further. The Hollerich site can be used for the next seven years.
Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot joined the presentation of the merger on Wednesday, commenting that the government fully supports such sustainable projects and wants to see them successfully implemented. Also present was Minister for Energy Claude Turmes, who stressed the importance and usefulness of photovoltaic installations and said that production in Luxembourg can now be profitable for a company like SOCOM.
Compared to competition from Asian markets, a Luxembourgish panel will be €15-18 more expensive but will produce more electricity, said SOCOM president Marc Thein. Through collaboration with Belgian company Evocells, SOCOM wants to consolidate the purchase of raw materials and ensure the functioning of the necessary supply chains.
A single panel is estimated to cost €180-200 in total and the use of material from Europe will be prioritised.
