A plant to manufacture specialised PV panels to help meet rising demand in the GCC and wider Middle East and perhaps beyond will be constructed at the high-tech park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, in the first quarter of 2015.

The facility, set up by photovoltaic anti-reflective coated glass producer Chang Whou Almaden, will have an adjoining training facility. Capacity at the Dh110 million ($29.9 million) plant will be 400,000 panels per year. It has been allotted space of 15,000 sq m at the park.

The training centre will focus on raising awareness on green energy and sustainable solutions for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, a statement said. The announcement of the plant and training facility was made following the signing of a deal by the DSO Authority (DSOA) and Chang Whou Almaden.

Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, vice chairman and CEO of DSOA, said: “We welcome Chang Zhou Almaden to the high-tech park and look forward to a symbiotic partnership with the world’s largest producer of anti-reflective glass.

“The Middle East is rapidly gaining international attention as an emerging market for solar energy. This has led to high uptake for innovative technologies. Dubai offers an international platform with comprehensive regional reach, providing Almaden the perfect location to establish its regional manufacturing facility.”

At the DSO plant, Almaden will produce specialised super-thin dual-glass PV panels to suit the desert climate, especially for residential buildings, car parking areas, green houses, roof tops and solar farms. 

Jinxi Lin, chairman of Chang Zhou Almaden, said: “Solar is definitely the energy source for the future and although there are huge challenges facing the industry, we believe Almaden will create an impact on the market with our improved eco-friendly technology, competitive pricing and quality standards.

“Our ultra-thin dual glass PV panel has been especially designed for the hot summers of the Middle East allowing minimal power loss in high humidity and high temperature environments. We are glad to make our entry into this region with our facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis.”