Regional solar growth unfazed by US tariffs: The MENA region’s solar PV sector is expected to maintain strong momentum despite pressures caused by US tariffs on Chinese solar imports, Zawya reported on Sunday, citing Wood Mackenzie analyst Sohan Gwalani. The firm expects 100 GW of direct current solar PV capacity in MENA by 2029, equating to roughly 77 GW of alternating current grid power.

A catalyst for shifting solar supply chains closer to home: Regional solar players are prioritizing strategic supply chain localization and long-term alliances over reacting to US policy, with many looking to leverage Chinese expertise through direct partnerships, particularly in North Africa, Gwalani added. With new capacity in the pipeline, MENA could move beyond energy independence to becoming a net solar panel exporter.

Gulf states lead: GCC countries are still making solar projects viable despite high upfront capital costs, with countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar rolling out incentives for developers, including land at no charge, low interest rates, and long-term power purchase agreements. These incentives have sometimes led to feed-in solar tariffs as low as USD 13-15 per MWh, and in some cases undercutting the Levelized Cost of Energy. However, these feed-in tariffs are incrementally increased over time, reflecting long-term benefits for developers, Gwalani added.

Nevertheless, solar module prices are expected to rise from around USD 0.8/W to USD 0.11/W by the end of 2025, and potentially reach USD 0.13/W by 2027, Clean Energy Associates analyst Joseph Johnson told pvmagazine last Thursday.

DATA POINT- Solar PV capacity in MENA is set to reach 115 GW by 2030 — but only if all national targets are met, according to Dii’s MENA Energy Outlook 2025(pdf). The current pipeline of announced, under-construction, and already operational projects totals around 75 GW — meaning an additional 40 GW still needs to be planned, financed, and executed within the next five years to stay on track.

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