GTM: Middle East and Africa set for 170% growth in solar demand

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Source: GTM Research.

The Middle East and Africa is set to enjoy a year-on-year PV demand increase of 170%, according to GTM Research.

In its latest regional breakout, deployment is expected to land at 3.6GW this year spiking to 20GW in 2020. Cumulatively the region will install 83.7GW in the period 2018-2023.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

According to the report’s author, Ben Attia, there are currently 12.3GW of utility-scale solar contracted or under construction and a further 21GW in the pre-contract phase.

Major utility-scale tender programmes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE have boosted numbers and Attia expects Africa to contribute more than 6.4GW from 2020 onwards. Saudi and the UAE are expected to account for half of all the additional solar capacity installed out to 2023.

GTM Research expects the global solar market to decline to 85.2GW in 2018, driven by China’s decision to cap its two largest markets, utility-scale and Distributed Generation (DG) at the end of May.

1 September 2026
Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Intersolar Middle East and Middle East Energy are coming together to present the mega energy event for the MENA region. From April 7–9, 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre will host Intersolar Middle East Exhibition and Conference alongside the 50th Middle East Energy. Intersolar Middle East focusses on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, and energy storage systems. The combined event expects to attract more than 45,000 trade visitors from around the world and feature 1,900+ exhibitors.

Read Next

Premium
June 19, 2026
Module quality and reliability concerns, HJT, manufacturing in Africa and hail were among the key topics discussed at PV ModuleTech USA.
June 18, 2026
Aiko has signed a 1.2GW module supply deal with Infinity Power to supply modules for the latter’s Nefer Menya solar-plus-storage project.
June 18, 2026
Norwegian independent power producer (IPP) Scatec has reached financial close for the 120MW Sidi Bouzid II solar PV project in Tunisia.
May 19, 2026
Toyo Solar has posted a 177% increase in revenues in Q1 2026, after bringing online new cell and module manufacturing facilities.
May 18, 2026
Naqaa Sustainable Energy has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 2.7GW hybrid renewable energy project in Mahout and Duqm, Oman.
May 12, 2026
Ming Yang Smart Energy has secured an Ethiopian investment licence for a US$14.1 billion clean energy project, including 2.8GW of solar PV capacity.

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026
Schaumburg, Illinois
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026