Image: Trinasolar

Chinese solar manufacturer Trinasolar has signed a patent license agreement with French module manufacturing startup Holosolis, granting the company access to Trinasolar’s TOPCon solar cell technology.

The agreement allows Holosolis to utilize Trinasolar’s tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patent portfolio in Europe and establish a European production line based on the technology. The two companies are also exploring further collaboration, including potential initiatives to strengthen the European solar supply chain.

Holosolis announced plans in 2023 to build a 5 GW module assembly plant in France. In January 2025, the company secured both the building permit and environmental authorization for the facility, which is expected to commence construction in 2026. The plant will be located in the Moselle department, bordering Luxembourg and Germany.

According to CEO Bertrand Lecacheux, the company has received “strong support” from the market, with over 20 GW of letters of intent for its modules—enough to secure production for the first five years.

“In just over a year, we have secured over €200 million (US$232 million) in financing and achieved critical milestones, from permits and land acquisition to grid access and industrial design,” said Lecacheux.

CTO Oliver Schultz-Wittmann added: “By obtaining this licence, we ensure that our products are both innovative and aligned with global IP standards, offering reliable, high-performance solar solutions made in Europe.”