Chinese solar companies are heading to the Middle East in droves, driven by a huge market for renewable energy and long hours of sunshine, after facing growing challenges in Europe and North America.

Companies such as “Junda” and “GCL Technology” are among the leaders in this trend, having recently announced plans to expand their operations in the region.

The Middle East offers many advantages to Chinese solar producers, including rapid growth in demand for solar energy in the region as Arab countries seek to diversify their energy sources and achieve sustainability goals; long hours of strong sunshine, making it an ideal location for solar power generation; and fewer trade restrictions than Europe and the United States.

Demand for solar energy in the Middle East is estimated to reach 29–35 gigawatts by 2027, driven by economic growth, urban expansion, and an increasing focus on sustainability.

Saudi Arabia is one of the key markets for solar energy in the region, aiming to achieve 60 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, including 40 gigawatts of photovoltaic power.