Brussels, 20 November 2025

On 20 November, Solar Heat Europe (SHE), in its role as Solar Keymark (SK) Secretariat, took part in the Small Business Standards (SBS) Annual Event, “Small Business, Big Energy: Empowering SMEs in Renewables,” held in Brussels. The event highlighted the essential role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Europe’s clean-energy transition and placed a strong emphasis on their participation in standardisation processes.

SBS Secretary General Jon Echanove underlined that “standards are the invisible force behind competitiveness.” While SMEs are highly active in sectors such as solar thermal, their engagement in standardisation remains limited. Strengthening this involvement is vital to ensure that European standards adequately reflect the needs and realities of smaller manufacturers. As Echanove stressed, standards not only build consumer trust—illustrated by the Solar Keymark—but also support authorities by reducing regulatory fragmentation and providing a coherent technical basis for policy implementation.

SHE Managing Director Valérie Séjourné reiterated that SMEs form the backbone of the European solar thermal industry and often face administrative and financial burdens. She highlighted that standardisation and certification—particularly through the CEN/CENELEC Solar Keymark quality label—play a decisive role in improving market access, reducing compliance costs, and enhancing customer confidence. The SK’s recognition by Member States as a trusted reference for subsidy schemes demonstrates its concrete value for manufacturers, authorities, certification bodies, and testing laboratories alike. Ensuring a balanced approach between robust technical requirements and manageable costs remains essential for SMEs.

Speakers noted that although SMEs face challenges—such as additional administrative steps related to sustainability or limited resources to join standardisation committees—these hurdles remain manageable. Moreover, the costs of certifications significantly reduced compared to the past. The stability of existing standards and the support provided by SHE industry association and the SKN, including the Solar Certification Fund’s contribution to liaison work, help ease SME participation.

In conclusion, better supporting SME solar-thermal manufacturers is crucial for Europe’s pathway to full decarbonisation. Their contribution strengthens energy security, drives local economic growth, and ensures that high-quality, reliable renewable-energy solutions—embodied by the Solar Keymark—continue to flourish across Europe.