Insolvency shock for Brandenburg: Last solar glass factory closed!

Insolvency shock for Brandenburg: Last solar glass factory closed!

In a sad turn of events, Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg (GMB) in Tschernitz has filed for bankruptcy. The solar glass manufacturer was the last of its kind in Europe for years and plays a central role in the domestic solar industry. With the closure of GMB, around 250 jobs are at risk. The majority of the 243 employees are already on short-time work, which further exacerbates the worrying situation. Economics Minister Daniel Keller is affected and speaks of competitive disadvantages in Europe that led to bankruptcy, while District Administrator Harald Altekrüger describes the closure as a “serious setback” for the region, which is already blessed with few industries. Agrar Today reports that the bankruptcy application was filed with the Cottbus district court.

The reasons for bankruptcy are complex. Managing director Nico Succolowsky cites the difficult economic situation of the European solar industry. The GMB also draws attention to the competitive conditions, which are made even more difficult by subsidized products from China. The production of solar modules in Germany is no longer considered profitable for many companies - a circumstance that is also reflected in the market, as shown by a sharp drop in demand since the beginning of 2024. In fact, industry experts are reporting a wave of bankruptcies that has hit the solar and PV industry. According to Fr.de, companies such as Eigensonne and Amia Energy have already filed for bankruptcy after the solar energy market shrank significantly in 2024.

Consequences for the region and support for employees

The situation is not only economically dramatic; The social impact is also immense. The insolvency administrators work closely with the works council and the unions to examine possible prospects for the employees. District Administrator Altekrüger has already promised support and emphasized that the region will lose a key to the energy transition if the only solar glass producer closes. Keller also refers to the discussions with the federal government about tariffs on Chinese solar products and the desired resilience bonus, which was passed without much support.

Against this backdrop, unrest in the solar industry is expected to increase over the next 12 to 36 months. A survey of installers found that over two-thirds reported a decline in demand. Solar panel prices have fallen pathologically due to cut-throat competition from cheaper products from Asia, leaving only about 6% of the market in Europe and the US. The majority, around 94%, come from Asian countries. Despite this gloomy outlook, some industry experts remain optimistic - they expect the market to gradually recover by 2030, although the growth rates of 2022 and 2023 are unlikely to return.

The solar industry is therefore facing a crucial fork in the road. The sharp increase in demand for renewable energies, especially after the Ukraine war and the associated energy crisis, remains a glimmer of hope. However, experts see the need for urgent political measures to secure domestic production and thus take an important step towards an independent energy supply, while RBB24 sheds light on the depressing reality of structural losers in European competition.