A new report by SolarPower Europe highlights the fundamental role of solar mounting systems within the continent’s energy value chain, at a pivotal moment for Europe’s energy security. These systems—used to install solar panels on the ground, rooftops, façades, and other surfaces—are emerging as an essential component in building the flexible energy system of the future.

According to the report, approximately 50% of large-scale solar projects in Europe use either fixed-tilt or tracking mounting systems, underscoring their technical and strategic importance. More than 40 European manufacturers are active in this segment, developing solutions for a wide range of applications, from agrivoltaic installations to solar carports.

“The mounting system sector is one of the most stable and long-standing segments of Europe’s solar industry,” said Leah Le Pénuizic, market analyst at SolarPower Europe. However, she also warned of growing pressure from non-European competitors, calling for the creation of dedicated customs codes and harmonised quality standards to protect the market and ensure product reliability.

One of the configurations highlighted in the report is the east-west panel orientation, an alternative that extends useful energy generation from morning through late afternoon, helping to reduce grid pressure during peak hours. In northern latitudes, vertical mounting also offers benefits by capturing sunlight at lower angles. Additionally, solar tracking systems can increase annual energy value (in €/MWh) by up to 30% compared to fixed-tilt systems.

SolarPower Europe warns that while the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) references tracking systems, its national-level implementation must also recognise the value of fixed systems, which make up the majority of Europe’s current production.

“We must ensure that this critical link in the European solar value chain is not lost in the reindustrialisation process,” said Dries Acke, Deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe. In this context, the report urges regulators to adopt robust standards in three key areas: structural integrity, transparency, and warranty guarantees, in order to build a unified European market for high-quality solar mounting systems.