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

March 31, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Total budget: €15,000,000 | Typical grant: ~€5,000,000 per project | Duration varies by project

Supports research and innovation to develop long-lifetime, recyclable, Ag- and In-free silicon PV modules for sustainable solar energy.

--- ## Description This European Commission grant under Horizon Europe targets the advancement of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems by supporting research and innovation projects focused on silicon-based solar cells and modules that are free from critical raw materials such as silver (Ag) and indium (In). The call emphasizes eco-design, sustainability, and circularity—including the use of recycled silicon waste, recyclable and repairable module designs, and the extension of PV module lifetimes up to 40 years without compromising reliability or weather resilience. Projects should aim to: - Develop new PV cell and module architectures using recycled content and free from harmful substances (e.g., Pb, F). - Enhance recyclability and repairability of modules. - Establish adapted testing methodologies and recycling standards. - Provide technical solutions for in-field module repair. - Reduce environmental impact and support the EU's green and digital transitions by minimizing dependence on critical raw materials. Successful proposals will contribute to a stronger, more resilient European economic base and support the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget: €15,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: Approximately €5,000,000 (lump sum) - Indicative number of projects funded: 3 --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities (public or private bodies, research organizations, universities, companies, etc.) established in EU Member States or associated countries (see [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](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) for full list). - Consortia are required; single-applicant proposals are not eligible. - Non-EU/non-Associated Country participants may be eligible if specific provisions are made (check the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission process 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?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The call opens on December 18, 2025. - Applications must adhere to the proposal page limits and layout as described in the Application Form (see [template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)). - Eligible costs will be funded as a lump sum. - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds are detailed in [Annex D](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). - For guidance, refer to the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must report results to the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV) for KPI monitoring. - If using satellite-based earth observation or navigation data, applicants must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. - Intellectual property rules and grant agreement details are set out in the Model Grant Agreement ([Lump Sum MGA](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf)). - For partner search, use the [Partner Search tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Page (Full Details & Submission)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-12?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](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) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | European Commission General | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [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) | ---

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

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