Desert Technologies is set to invest SAR 750 million (USD 200 million/EUR 183.4 million) in establishing a 5-GW Solar Factory in Jeddah’s third industrial zone, located on Saudi Arabia's west coast.
Desert Technologies and Modon Partner to Build Solar Factory in Jeddah
Desert Technologies—a leading Saudi renewable energy company and one of the nation’s first to manufacture and export solar panels—has signed a partnership agreement with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, "Modon." Together, they will establish an industrial complex in Jeddah’s third industrial city.
This solar factory with an investment of 750 million Saudi Riyals (200 million USD) is set to produce solar panels and cells with an annual capacity of up to 5 GW. The project aims to meet the rising local demand for solar energy solutions and bolster Saudi Arabia's position in the global non-oil export markets.
In 2021, Modon unveiled plans to establish 23 new factories across Saudi Arabia to enhance the country's domestic solar PV manufacturing capacity, including thin-film solar panels, inverters and metal tripods to strengthen the supply chain. The initiative aims to provide over 360,000 square meters of space in 12 industrial cities, including the three industrial cities in Jeddah.
The Facility is One of Saudi Arabia’s Largest Solar Factory in Jeddah
The planned facility will be located in Jeddah’s third industrial zone on land provided by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, "Modon." Spanning 170,000 square meters, it will feature advanced production lines with a capacity of 2 GW for solar panels and 3 GW for solar cells, making it one of the Kingdom's largest photovoltaic manufacturing centers.
Largest Solar Factory in Jeddah (Image: Collected)
This solar project strengthens Desert Technologies’ position as a key player in the development and production of renewable energy technologies within Saudi Arabia.
New Project Boosts Sustainable Energy and Vision 2030 Goals
Mr. Khaled Sharbatly, CEO of Desert Technologies highlighted the project as a major milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy. He emphasized that the facility will utilize cutting-edge manufacturing technologies aligned with global quality standards to serve the local market and boost Saudi exports. Sharbatly added that this initiative reflects the strategic collaboration between public and private sectors, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals by strengthening the renewable energy value chain and localizing advanced industries in the Kingdom.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to localize manufacturing technology and drive the growth of green energy in Saudi Arabia. Other projects in this series include the establishment of production facilities for solar panels, wind turbines and battery energy storage systems (BESS)—highlighting the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and fostering sustainable practices. Saudi Arabia aims to locally produce 75% of renewable energy components by 2030 as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.