[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

March 31, 2026

Approx. €5,000,000 per project; total call budget €15,000,000; up to 3 projects funded; project duration typically 36–48 months.

Supports R&I projects to develop long-lifetime, recyclable, Ag and In-free silicon PV modules with enhanced sustainability, repairability, and minimal environmental impact.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA) funds projects aimed at transforming the sustainability and performance of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules. The call focuses on extending module lifetimes up to 40 years, eliminating the use of critical raw materials (notably silver and indium), incorporating recycled silicon, and designing modules for recyclability and repairability without harmful substances. Additional priorities include developing robust testing methodologies, recycling standards, and field repair solutions, all to reduce environmental impacts, increase the circularity of PV technologies, and support the EU’s strategic autonomy in renewable energy. Projects are expected to deliver: - Ultra-low carbon footprint PV modules with reduced environmental impact. - Ag/In-free designs that enable recyclability and repairability. - Solutions to extend module lifetimes without compromising reliability. - New testing, recycling, and repair methodologies. - Contributions to a resilient and competitive European PV manufacturing base. --- ## Due Dates - **Full proposal deadline:** March 31, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Indicative budget per project:** ~€5,000,000 (lump sum funding) - **Total topic budget:** €15,000,000 - **Expected number of grants:** 3 - **Project duration:** Typically 36–48 months Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, covering all eligible costs for the completion of the proposed work packages. The funding rate for RIA actions is 100% of eligible costs. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** Any legal entity (universities, research organizations, companies, SMEs, public bodies, etc.) established in: - EU Member States (including their outermost regions) - Horizon Europe Associated Countries (list available in the [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)) - Certain low- and middle-income countries (see General Annex B) - **Consortium requirement:** Minimum of 3 independent legal entities from 3 different eligible countries (at least one from an EU Member State). - **Restrictions:** - Legal entities established in China are **not eligible** for this RIA under this destination. - Entities from Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible. - Projects must focus exclusively on civil applications. - **Gender Equality Plan:** Public bodies, research organizations, and higher education institutions from EU/Associated Countries must have a Gender Equality Plan in place at grant signature. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare your proposal:** - Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-12). - Use the [standard application form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Proposals must follow the instructions and page limits in the template (max 40 pages for full proposals, 45 for lump sum topics). - A detailed lump sum budget must be completed and uploaded ([template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_he-ls-euratom_en.xlsm)). 2. **Submission:** - Submit via the Portal before the deadline (March 31, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time). - Late or incomplete proposals will not be considered. 3. **Evaluation:** - Single-stage submission and evaluation. - Proposals evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation (see [evaluation form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)). - Thresholds: 3/5 per criterion, overall threshold 10/15. 4. **Grant Agreement:** - Lump sum grant agreement (see [model agreement](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf)). - Indicative timeline: evaluation results ~5 months after deadline; grant signature ~8 months after deadline. --- ## Additional Information - **Reporting and Dissemination:** Projects must report results to the EUPI-PV Partnership for KPI monitoring and are expected to develop a plan for dissemination, exploitation, and communication within 6 months of the project start. - **Open Science:** Compliance with Horizon Europe open science practices is required. - **Ethics & Security:** Proposals must address ethics and security self-assessment as per the application form. - **Standard annexes and guidance:** See links below for General Annexes, Programme Guide, and Online Manual. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-12) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes 2026–2027](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Detailed Lump Sum Budget Table](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_he-ls-euratom_en.xlsm) - [Model Grant Agreement (Lump Sum)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Resource | Link/Contact | |------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | European Commission (General) | +32 2 299 11 11 / [Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | ---

Long-lifetime and optimised use of materials in recyclable Ag and In-free Si PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

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