Solar Energy and ICEP
The Netherlands only gets an average of 1,500 hours of sunshine per year. Still, Dutch researchers and businesses have been leading the international solar energy sector for decades. The solar energy sector is also known as the photovoltaic or PV sector. The Netherlands does high-level research in this sector and turns new knowledge into practical uses. These include the advancement and refinement of industrial production processes or innovative ways to allow for the use of solar energy.

Innovative solutions in the solar energy sector
The Dutch solar energy sector develops innovative solutions and designs with built-in solar panels. Solar panels can be installed on top of buildings, on building facades, on soundproof barriers, alongside roads and on water. The Netherlands is also good at creating machines that make solar panels.
Attractive markets for solar energy
The following international markets are particularly attractive for Dutch business:
- Europe
- Middle Eastern and Northern Africa region (MENA);
- Gulf region (Gulf Cooperation Council - GCC);
- India.
Promoting exports
The Zon PV export group is a joint venture set up by more than 30 companies in the Dutch solar energy sector. The group was founded together with TKI Urban Energy and the interest group FME. Its aim is to promote exports.
Would you like to know more about solar energy?
If you would like to know more about this topic, please email Kenneth Colijn.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs