Chinese solar panels manufacturer Chang Zhou Almaden has announced its plan to set up a new factory in Dubai as reported by Arabian Business.com.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), governing body for the Dubai Silicon Oasis has signed an agreement with this Chinese firm producing photovoltaic anti-reflective coated glass to conduct its new manufacturing and training facility.
The plant will have a capacity to produce up to 400,000 panels annually. The facility is projected to be completed by early 2015.
The total capital cost of the factory is expected to be AED110 million ($29.9 million), marking Almaden’s foray into the MENA region.
The Almaden plant will produce specialized super thin dual glass PV panels, meant for residential buildings, car parking areas, green houses, roof tops and solar farms, customized for Dubai’s desert climate.
As the company claims, the ultra-thin dual glass PV panel has been designed for the hot summers of the Middle East allowing minimal power loss in high humidity and high temperature environments, especially.
In addition, it will have a training centre that will cater to increasing awareness on green energy and sustainable solutions for the MENA region.
The Middle East is rapidly gaining international attention as an emerging market for solar energy, which led to high uptake for innovative technologies. Dubai offers an international platform with comprehensive regional reach, providing Almaden a perfect location to establish its regional manufacturing facility, commented, Mohammad Alzarooni, vice chairman, CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, during GITEX Technology Week.
Solar is definitely the energy source for the future and although there are huge challenges facing the industry, Almaden wants to create an impact on the market with the improved eco-friendly technology, competitive pricing and quality standards, noted, Jinxi Lin, chairman, Chang Zhou Almaden.
Almaden already operates in United States, Germany, Australia and China providing panels for solar installation.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com