Struggling for a Solar Future: Meyer Burger Faces a Battle in the USA and Germany
Meyer Burger Faces Uncertainty in U.S. Market
In the world of solar energy, Meyer Burger, a Swiss solar tech company, is currently grappling with financial and operational crises in the USA and Germany.
Current Situation
U.S. Operations:
After sacking 282 employees, Meyer Burger halted production at its Goodyear, Arizona solar module plant in May 2025. The factory, with an annual capacity of 1.4 GW, was initially slated to produce HJT solar modules. Alas, these ambitious plans never came to fruition due to a lack of funding. The plant's future remains uncertain [1][3][4].
The shutdown followed the termination of a master purchase agreement with DESRI, a major American solar developer, which was critical for Meyer Burger's US expansion and subsequently impacted the company's viability [4]. In June 2025, Meyer Burger (Holding) Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S., indicating its dire financial straits with estimated liabilities between $500 million and $1 billion and only $435,000 in cash available [5].
German Subsidiaries:
Shortly after the US plant closure, Meyer Burger’s German subsidiaries - Meyer Burger (Industries) GmbH and Meyer Burger (Germany) GmbH - filed for insolvency proceedings in late May 2025. In spite of ongoing efforts to keep these sites running, insolvency administrators now oversee the proceedings [2].
Even as insolvency filings were made, some operations continued: Meyer Burger (Switzerland) AG in Thun, Switzerland, and Meyer Burger (Americas) Ltd. still exist, but layoffs have occurred. The solar cell manufacturing facility in Thalheim, Germany, with 331 employees, and the technology development site in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, with 289 employees, are subject to these proceedings [2].
Financial Issues and Restructuring Negotiations:
Meyer Burger has requested an extension for presenting its 2024 financial results due to ongoing financing and restructuring discussions [2]. Additionally, the company is engaged in talks with an ad-hoc group of bondholders concerning the restructuring of convertible bonds due in 2027 and 2029, suggesting an attempt to manage its debt burden and financial obligations [1].
Future Plans and Outlook
The immediate future of Meyer Burger's U.S. manufacturing site remains ambiguous, subject to restructuring outcomes and potential new financing or strategic partnerships [1].
The termination of the Colorado solar cell manufacturing facility project signifies a strategic retreat from expensive expansions in favor of continuing solar cell production in Germany, considered more financially viable in current market conditions [4].
Meyer Burger's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the U.S. allows for the reorganization of debts and business operations under court supervision, potentially opening avenues for creditor negotiations, restructuring, or sale to strategic investors [5].
Given the company's current challenges in the solar industry, marked by competition and financial pressures, its uncertain future serves as a cautionary tale for firms undertaking rapid expansion in challenging market and supply chain environments [5].
Sources: ntv.de, jki/dpa
- Solar Energy
- Solar Industry
- USA
- In the solar industry, the uncertain future of Meyer Burger, a Swiss solar tech company, raises questions about the company's employment policy and community policy, as they navigate financial crisis in both the USA and Germany.
- The financial struggles of Meyer Burger, a key player in the solar energy sector, highlight the importance of industry-specific financing policies and the potential impact of such challenges on employment policies within the sector, particularly in the USA and Germany.
