Holosolis Secures TOPCon License from Trina Solar to Power 5 GW French Gigafactory

In the race to strengthen Europe’s energy independence, a major deal has just been sealed. Holosolis, a France-based solar manufacturer, has signed a licensing agreement with Chinese giant Trina Solar to use its highly efficient TOPCon solar technology. The move paves the way for Europe’s largest planned PV gigafactory: a 5 GW cell and module plant in Hambach, France.

This development not only strengthens Europe’s ability to manufacture its own solar technologies but also signals a turning point in the global competition for clean energy leadership.

What’s New (2025 Update)

• TOPCon licensing deal closed: Holosolis has secured rights to Trina Solar’s globally recognized TOPCon patent portfolio for Europe.

• 5 GW factory in France: Construction of a large-scale facility in Hambach is underway.

• Strong financing & demand: Over €200 million raised and 20 GW in customer commitments—securing production for the first five years.

• Policy recognition: The project holds “national interest” status from the French government, reinforcing its strategic importance.

Table of Contents

1. Why the TOPCon License Matters

2. Holosolis’ Gigafactory Ambitions

3. Financing, Policy, and Market Support

4. Europe’s Solar Manufacturing Revival

5. Case Study: Hambach as a New Energy Hub

6. Challenges and Risks Ahead

7. Conclusion: A Step Toward Energy Sovereignty

1. Why the TOPCon License Matters

TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology is one of the most efficient PV architectures available, offering higher conversion rates and better long-term stability than mainstream PERC cells.

By licensing Trina Solar’s patents, Holosolis avoids lengthy R&D cycles and costly IP disputes while ensuring that its panels meet global patent compliance standards. This agreement effectively gives Europe a shortcut to deploy advanced technology without starting from scratch.

2. Holosolis’ Gigafactory Ambitions

Holosolis plans to build a 5 GW annual capacity PV cell and module factory in Hambach, near Sarreguemines, France. This is enough capacity to supply millions of homes with clean energy annually.

CEO Bertrand Lecacheux emphasized that the project is not just about production—it’s about energy sovereignty. With supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during recent global crises, building a European-controlled supply base has become a top priority.

3. Financing, Policy, and Market Support

• €200M Secured: Holosolis has already locked in significant financing to kickstart construction.

• Permits & Grid Connection: All major legal and technical milestones are in place.

• 20 GW in LOIs: Letters of intent from customers cover five years of production, giving investors confidence.

• Government Backing: The French government has labeled the gigafactory a project of “national interest,” ensuring priority treatment in permits and energy integration.

4. Europe’s Solar Manufacturing Revival

Europe once led global PV manufacturing but lost competitiveness to Asia over the last decade. Now, with climate goals, energy independence, and carbon border adjustments driving policy, the region is staging a comeback.

The Holosolis–Trina partnership may serve as a blueprint for future European projects: leveraging Asian IP while anchoring production in Europe.

5. Case Study: Hambach as a New Energy Hub

Hambach was initially designated for a 4 GW factory by Norwegian company REC, but that project stalled. Now, Holosolis is repurposing the site for a bigger, faster, more integrated solar hub.

The strategic location—close to the French-German border—positions it as a central supply point for European solar demand, reducing dependence on imports.

6. Challenges and Risks Ahead

Despite progress, risks remain:

• Global price pressure: Chinese imports are still cheaper, creating a cost gap.

• Scale-up challenges: Moving from permits to full production will test Holosolis’ execution.

• Policy uncertainty: European subsidies and carbon tariffs will be crucial to competitiveness.

7. Conclusion: A Step Toward Energy Sovereignty

Holosolis’ licensing deal with Trina Solar is more than a commercial agreement—it’s a symbol of Europe’s intent to reclaim control over its renewable energy supply chains.

If successful, the Hambach gigafactory will become a cornerstone of Europe’s green industrial transition, providing local jobs, stable technology supply, and a cleaner future.

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Q1: What is TOPCon solar technology?
A: TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is a high-efficiency solar cell design offering better performance and durability than traditional PERC cells.

Q2: Why is Holosolis building a factory in France?
A: The Hambach location offers strategic access to European markets, government support, and an industrial site already prepared for solar manufacturing.

Q3: How much solar capacity will the factory produce?
A: The plant will have an annual production capacity of 5 GW—enough to power several million households.

Q4: How does this deal benefit Europe?
A: It strengthens Europe’s solar supply chain, reduces dependence on imports, and helps meet EU renewable energy targets.