Chinese solar panel manufacturers are targeting the Middle East, North
Africa, and South Asia markets, with large-scale investment in renewable
energy expected to drive a rapid increase in demand for imported
technology. Local demand has underpinned the rise of China’s
solar energy industry, but faced by a slowdown in domestic solar energy
projects and reduced subsidies, manufacturers are looking to increase
their already large export trade as the key to future growth. Emerging
markets offer some of the strongest opportunities, particularly in
regions with high levels of solar intensity. According to
Analysis by Frost and Sullivan for the World Future Energy Summit (WFES)
and Solar Expo, to be held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 16-19, the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will increase their installed solar
capacity 50-fold between 2015 and 2025. Saudi Arabia alone has announced
plans for an additional 9.5 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Outside the
GCC, India is targeting 175 GW by 2022, including 100 GW of solar.
