Image:Trinasolar
Trinasolar is set to deliver 1.4 GWh to 1.6 GWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity across Italy in 2026, focusing on scheduled product deliveries rather than formally signed contracts, according to Gonzalo de la Viña, Trinasolar’s President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
De la Viña confirmed Italy’s strategic importance to the company’s European business landscape. Currently ranking as Trinasolar’s second-largest BESS market and third-largest solar module market, Italy is poised for robust annual growth. The firm targets approximately 2 GW of solar module supply in the Italian market this year, holding a steady 15% to 20% market share in both the local BESS and solar module sectors. Trinasolar is also awaiting outcomes from Italy’s newly opened MACSE storage capacity auction to further expand its local footprint.
Looking ahead to European manufacturing layout, Trinasolar is actively evaluating potential sites for a new BESS production facility on the continent, with France and Spain emerging as prime candidates. The site selection is based on comprehensive assessments of local political stability, economic conditions and labor market advantages. By contrast, Germany has been ruled out due to excessive manufacturing costs, while Hungary’s political environment concerns have diminished its investment appeal. Notably, the company has no plans to build solar module factories in Europe for the time being.
De la Viña explained the rationale behind the cautious European manufacturing strategy, noting that regional manufacturing costs remain 30% to 50% higher than those in China. Despite existing import duties, importing core materials from China and Southeast Asia remains more cost-effective for Trinasolar. Beyond cost factors, Europe’s lack of a complete and competitive battery supply chain, coupled with higher labor and operational expenses, further hinders local manufacturing competitiveness.
To strengthen and diversify its European supply chain, Trinasolar has adopted a dual sourcing strategy for core components. The company procures power conversion systems (PCS) from Spanish manufacturer Power Electronics, while continuing to supply its self-developed, China-manufactured PCS products to European clients.
As another key layout in Europe’s solar manufacturing sector, Trinasolar holds a minority stake in France’s 5 GW HoloSolis solar manufacturing project. It provides professional technology licensing and technical support for the initiative, which is scheduled to kick off production in the third quarter of 2028 upon the completion of ongoing fundraising activities.
