Africa & Middle East

Saudi-based industrial conglomerate Al-Afandi Group has signed a property contract with the Yanbu Royal Commission in Saudi Arabia for the first phase what is hoped to become a 1GW integrated module factory.

Nanjing-based PV manufacturer China Sunergy (CSUN) is to target the Middle East and Africa after signing a joint venture with UAE’s Z-One Holding.

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has indirectly taken a major interest in PV equipment specialist centrotherm.

Global corporate funding in the solar industry reached US$25.3 billion in 2015, with a record year for residential and commercial solar, according to consultancy firm Mercom Capital.

The former VP of Solar Grid Storage has predicted average Balance of Systems (BoS) costs for energy storage will drop from around US$670 to less than US$400 per kilowatt in the next five years.

Solar PV module cleaning systems firm Ecoppia said its autonomous, waterless cleaning technology had been certified for use on First Solar’s thin-film modules.

A round-up of solar news from throughout the holiday period including SunEdison deals, Qatar's next solar steps and the verdict in Heraeus' patent case.

Spanish engineering firm TSK and Abu Dhabi-based Enviromena have been selected to build what is expected to be Jordan’s largest PV power plant.

Integrated PV module manufacturer Trina Solar will divide its downstream project development business to two separate entities.

The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) is tendering for developers to take part in a 350MW solar PV project located at Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.