Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in the US, marking a significant setback for the company amid ongoing financial struggles. The filing, submitted on June 27, 2025, estimates Meyer Burger's assets between $100 million and $500 million, with liabilities ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. The largest unsecured creditor is US Customs and Border Protection, owed $5.1 million in unpaid import duties.

The bankruptcy follows the abrupt closure of Meyer Burger's Arizona solar factory in late May, where all 282 employees were terminated as operations ceased. The facility, still in its ramp-up phase, had a planned annual production capacity of 1.4 gigawatts. The company cited a lack of funding as the primary reason for the shutdown, leaving the future of the Goodyear site uncertain.

Earlier in June, Meyer Burger's German subsidiaries also filed for insolvency, leading to layoffs at its Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Bitterfeld-Wolfen facilities, which employed 289 and 331 people, respectively. Only its Swiss and Americas subsidiaries remain operational. The company is currently negotiating with bondholders to restructure debt tied to convertible bonds maturing in 2027 and 2029.

Meyer Burger's financial troubles have been exacerbated by fierce competition from cheaper Chinese solar imports, which have undercut its market position. Despite securing nearly $40 million in bridge financing in December 2024, the funds proved insufficient to sustain operations. The company has requested an extension to delay its 2024 financial results as it continues restructuring discussions.

The bankruptcy filing underscores broader challenges in the solar manufacturing sector, particularly for Western companies grappling with pricing pressures from Asian competitors. Meyer Burger's collapse raises questions about the viability of domestic solar production in high-cost regions without robust policy support or financial incentives.