Sharp quits solar business in Europe, citing “challenging conditions”

Japanese electronics giant Sharp has announced that its European solar business, Sharp Energy Solutions Europe (SESE), will close after 30 years of operation. 

Citing “challenging conditions in the European solar market”, Sharp said last week that its solar division, which is a part of Sharp Electronics GmbH in Hamburg, Germany, would cease operations on March 31, 2025. 

“Until then, the solar division will remain responsible for managing any ongoing projects, orders, or final requirements for its range of solar panels and related products,” the company said in a statement to the press. 

From April 1 onwards, German parent company Sharp Electronics GmbH will continue to provide customer service and will manage and support product and power output guarantees, which will remain valid for the duration of the guarantee period. 

Sharp had previously provided solar solutions in the region for 65 years, including 30 years through SESE. During that time, Sharp delivered more than 50 million solar PV panels worldwide

Sharp added that its decision to close its European solar subsidiary “does not impact any other part of Sharp’s operations in Europe or Sharp’s remaining solar business.”