Europe’s climate push fails to stem crisis in solar industry

FILE PHOTO: German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck talks with Meyer Burger Technology Chief Executive Gunter Erfurt as he tours one of its factories in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, July 29, 2022. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo

BERLIN: Europe’s solar industry is facing its deepest crisis in more than a decade as steep competition from China erodes manufacturing in the sector, rendering the continent’s hope of greater energy independence even more wishful.

More solar panels were installed than ever before across the European Union (EU) last year in a boon for the bloc’s climate goals.