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Strategic Analysis
This Innovation Action (IA) under the EUPI-PV Partnership targets the commercialization of tandem PV technologies, addressing critical gaps in scalability, reliability, and efficiency. The winning angle lies in demonstrating industrial readiness (TRL 7) with a clear path to market, aligning with the EU Solar PV Industry Alliance and Net-Zero Industry Act. Focus on European competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and GHG emissions reduction will resonate with evaluators.
TRL → 7
Demonstrate tandem technologies with similar lifetimes to Si and higher efficiencies (beyond the Si limits);
Demonstrate interface and thin-film large scale engineering;
Demonstrate production processes and equipment ready for large scale deployment.
Increase the potential for commercialisation of tandem PV technologies creating a competitive technological know-how for the European PV industrial base;
Contribute to the objectives of the EU Solar PV Industry Alliance;
Support the execution of the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda.
Energy producers have access to efficient and competitive European renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies with a solid knowledge base and are able to deploy them to enhance the EU’s energy security and reach its climate neutrality objectives, in a sustainable way in environmental and socioeconomic terms, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Technology providers have access to European, competitive, resilient, reliable, sustainable, and affordable value chains of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies including emerging ones, and with strong export potential to supply both the EU internal and global markets. They benefit also from circular renewable energy technologies that are safe and sustainable by design with reduced and diversified external dependence on critical raw materials.
Economic sectors benefit from better integration of renewable energy and renewable fuel-based solutions that are, among others, competitive, cost-effective, efficient, flexible, reliable, and sustainable. Such integration is facilitated through digitalisation and integration of artificial intelligence of renewable energy technologies that provide network stability and reliability.
European industries benefit from a reinforced export potential of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies, also through international partnerships, and become more competitive in innovative renewable energy technologies in Europe and globally.
European citizens have access to an energy market that is fair and equitable, more resilient, uses all different types of local renewable energy resources, and is less dependent on fossil fuels imports. Citizens experience less fuel and energy poverty, and also benefit from new employment and upskilling opportunities. Local communities benefit from a more decentralized, affordable, and secure energy system and from multiple uses of land and water.
technologies that are safe and sustainable by design with reduced and diversified external dependence on critical raw materials
highThis policy emphasizes the need for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) criteria in industrial processes, particularly for reducing dependence on critical raw materials. Tandem PV technologies must prioritize material substitution, recyclability, and circular economy principles to align with this policy.
Evaluators will expect proposals to demonstrate concrete strategies for reducing critical raw material usage, such as alternative materials, thin-film engineering, and life-cycle assessments. Quantifiable KPIs (e.g., % reduction in critical raw materials) are essential.
REPowerEU plan
highThe REPowerEU plan aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and enhance energy security. Tandem PV technologies can contribute by increasing renewable energy generation capacity and efficiency.
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that demonstrate scalable solutions for rapid deployment of tandem PV technologies, with clear links to energy security and decarbonization targets. KPIs such as tCO2e mitigated and renewable energy capacity added are critical.
EU Solar Energy Strategy
highThe EU Solar Energy Strategy sets ambitious targets for solar energy deployment, including 600 GW of solar PV capacity by 2030. It emphasizes innovation, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience in the European PV sector.
Evaluators will expect proposals to align with the strategy's goals, particularly in enhancing European competitiveness and accelerating market uptake of tandem PV technologies. Demonstrating cost competitiveness and scalability is key.
Net-Zero Industry Act
highThe Net-Zero Industry Act aims to scale up manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU, including solar PV. It sets a target of 40% of the EU's annual deployment needs to be met by domestic production by 2030.
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that demonstrate industrial readiness (TRL 7) and scalable production processes for tandem PV technologies. Clear pathways to commercialization and market deployment are essential.
EU Solar PV Industry Alliance
highThe EU Solar PV Industry Alliance brings together stakeholders to strengthen the European PV value chain, from raw materials to recycling. It focuses on innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Evaluators will expect proposals to demonstrate strong industrial participation and collaboration with alliance members. Alignment with the alliance's objectives, such as supply chain resilience and circular economy principles, is critical.
solar energy joint research and innovation agenda
highThe solar energy joint research and innovation agenda outlines R&I priorities for the European PV sector, including tandem technologies, durability, and scalability. It aims to foster collaboration between research and industry.
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that align with the agenda's priorities, particularly in advancing tandem PV technologies and bridging the gap between research and industry. Demonstrating innovation and knowledge transfer is key.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Demonstrate tandem technologies with similar lifetimes to Si and higher efficiencies (beyond the Si limits); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Demonstrate interface and thin-film large scale engineering; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Demonstrate production processes and equipment ready for large scale deployment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Increase the potential for commercialisation of tandem PV technologies creating a competitive technological know-how for the European PV industrial base; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Contribute to the objectives of the EU Solar PV Industry Alliance; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Support the execution of the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Energy producers have access to efficient and competitive European renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies with a solid knowledge base and are able to deploy them to enhance the EU’s energy security and reach its climate neutrality objectives, in a sustainable way in environmental and socioeconomic terms, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Technology providers have access to European, competitive, resilient, reliable, sustainable, and affordable value chains of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies including emerging ones, and with strong export potential to supply both the EU internal and global markets. They benefit also from circular renewable energy technologies that are safe and sustainable by design with reduced and diversified external dependence on critical raw materials. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Economic sectors benefit from better integration of renewable energy and renewable fuel-based solutions that are, among others, competitive, cost-effective, efficient, flexible, reliable, and sustainable. Such integration is facilitated through digitalisation and integration of artificial intelligence of renewable energy technologies that provide network stability and reliability. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4European industries benefit from a reinforced export potential of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies, also through international partnerships, and become more competitive in innovative renewable energy technologies in Europe and globally. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5European citizens have access to an energy market that is fair and equitable, more resilient, uses all different types of local renewable energy resources, and is less dependent on fossil fuels imports. Citizens experience less fuel and energy poverty, and also benefit from new employment and upskilling opportunities. Local communities benefit from a more decentralized, affordable, and secure energy system and from multiple uses of land and water. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1technologies that are safe and sustainable by design with reduced and diversified external dependence on critical raw materialsThis policy emphasizes the need for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) criteria in industrial processes, particularly for reducing dependence on critical raw materials . Tandem PV technologies must prioritize material substitution , recyclability , and circular economy principles to align with this policy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2REPowerEU planThe REPowerEU plan aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy , reduce fossil fuel dependence , and enhance energy security . Tandem PV technologies can contribute by increasing renewable energy generation capacity and efficiency . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3EU Solar Energy StrategyThe EU Solar Energy Strategy sets ambitious targets for solar energy deployment , including 600 GW of solar PV capacity by 2030 . It emphasizes innovation , competitiveness , and supply chain resilience in the European PV sector. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4Net-Zero Industry ActThe Net-Zero Industry Act aims to scale up manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU, including solar PV . It sets a target of 40% of the EU's annual deployment needs to be met by domestic production by 2030. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5EU Solar PV Industry AllianceThe EU Solar PV Industry Alliance brings together stakeholders to strengthen the European PV value chain , from raw materials to recycling . It focuses on innovation , competitiveness , and sustainability . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6solar energy joint research and innovation agendaThe solar energy joint research and innovation agenda outlines R&I priorities for the European PV sector, including tandem technologies , durability , and scalability . It aims to foster collaboration between research and industry. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Current tandem PV technologies face challenges in large-scale production, including high manufacturing costs, low yields, and lack of standardized equipment. This hinders commercialization and market uptake.
The PV industry relies heavily on critical raw materials (e.g., silver, indium), which are scarce, expensive, and subject to geopolitical risks. This threatens supply chain resilience and increases production costs.
Existing tandem PV technologies struggle to achieve efficiencies beyond silicon limits while maintaining long-term durability and lifetimes comparable to silicon PV. This limits their attractiveness for large-scale deployment.
Europe lags behind global competitors (e.g., China, USA) in the commercialization of advanced PV technologies, including tandem cells. This undermines energy security and industrial leadership in the renewable energy sector.
Companies involved in the production of photovoltaic modules and equipment, seeking to adopt tandem technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Organizations responsible for renewable energy generation and distribution, interested in deploying high-efficiency tandem PV technologies to meet decarbonization targets.
Industrial partners providing production equipment and tools for PV manufacturing, aiming to develop and commercialize scalable solutions for tandem technologies.
Academic and research institutions working on advanced PV technologies, including tandem cells, thin-film engineering, and interface optimization.
Public authorities and regulatory bodies shaping energy and industrial policies, including the EU Solar PV Industry Alliance and Net-Zero Industry Act stakeholders.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Demonstrate tandem PV technologies with higher efficiencies, leading to increased renewable energy generation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. This contributes to the EU's climate neutrality objectives and energy security.
Strengthen the European PV industrial base by creating competitive technological know-how and IP portfolios. Foster export potential and job creation in the renewable energy sector.
Reduce external dependence on critical raw materials through material substitution and circular economy principles. Enhance supply chain resilience and cost competitiveness of European PV manufacturers.
Facilitate the adoption of tandem PV technologies across economic sectors (e.g., agriculture, construction, transport) through cost-effective and efficient solutions. Support decentralized energy systems and local energy communities.
Create new employment opportunities and upskilling programs in the European PV industry, particularly in manufacturing, R&D, and installation. Contribute to just transition and social inclusion.