Featured in Down to the wires 06-2024

Cultivating desert power

Though it already hosts several of the world’s largest solar installations, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s solar industry is still young, with limited local infrastructure and expertise. Project developers are learning quickly that building PV in harsh desert environments requires a careful eye on quality. New testing laboratories are looking to meet demand.

By

Mark Hutchins

10 Jun 2024

Philadelphia Solar manufactures cells and modules in Jordan. In 2023, the company said 60% to 70% of its modules were exported to North America, with the remainder largely bound for projects in the MENA region. | Photo: Philadelphia Solar

Across the MENA region, solar installations saw a 23% increase in 2023, according to the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA). Growth is set to accelerate, with MESIA forecasting today’s 32 GW will become 40 GW in 2024, and 180 GW by 2030. In December 2023, Saudi Arabia raised its 2030 solar target to 130 …

This article is part of pv+

Subscribe digitally to unlock exclusive investigative reporting, expert insights, in-depth analysis, and premium background coverage. Your subscription also includes full access to the digital edition of our magazine.