- Can you highlight some of the unique challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered while operating in Egypt’s Solar Industry?
Trina Solar, founded in 1997, operates several factories in both China and overseas. The company has achieved remarkable success in the solar industry, with a cumulative shipment of solar modules exceeding 150GW. In 2023, our production capacity stands at an impressive 95GW.
Trina Solar has earned accreditation from international institutions for its advanced technology, reliable products, and strong financial performance. The company continues to hold its Tier 1 status as a PV module manufacturer, as affirmed in the Bloomberg NEF 3Q 2023 Global PV Market Outlook. For the past seven years, it has consistently scored 100% in the BNEF Bankability Survey and has received a AAA ranking in PV Tech’s PV Module Tech Bankability report for five consecutive years. Additionally, RETC has recognized Trina as an Overall High Achiever for four consecutive years, while PVEL has ranked it as a Top Performer for nine consecutive years.
The Egyptian market holds immense potential for solar businesses, and Trina Solar has been at the forefront since 2014, becoming the first PV module supplier to operate there. We have successfully supplied hundreds of MW for utility-scale projects, commercial and industrial installations, as well as residential applications.
The primary challenge currently facing the Egyptian market is related to financing schemes. However, market news and updates suggest that solutions to this challenge are on the horizon, and we anticipate a resolution in the near future.
- In your experience, what role do you see the Egyptian people playing in driving the adoption of solar technology? Are there any notable success stories or examples of community involvement?
The Egyptian population displays a strong enthusiasm for embracing new technologies and a deep passion for integrating renewable energy into their daily lives. We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the implementation of solar projects across a wide range of applications, including residential homes, private complexes, industrial facilities, agricultural farms, as well as water pumping and irrigation systems.
We anticipate witnessing a substantial increase in the adoption of solar projects and their continued growth in the coming decade. This growing interest and commitment from the Egyptian people towards renewable energy bode well for the future of solar energy in the region.
- Can you share any innovative technological solutions or advancements your company has implemented to overcome specific challenges in the Egyptian market?
Trina Solar played a pivotal role as the supplier for the inaugural utility-scale project in the Benban Solar Park in 2017, boasting an impressive capacity of 64MWp. This pioneering solar endeavor served as a catalyst, inspiring other investors and developers to embark on their own solar projects within the Benban Solar Park. Today, this collective effort has resulted in an astounding generation capacity of 1.7GW.
Furthermore, we have provided support for numerous solar water pumping projects, each of which has had a profound and direct impact on expanding agricultural areas by facilitating the reclamation of previously barren desert lands.
- What specific products or solutions does your company offer for the solar industry in Egypt, and how do they contribute to the local market’s growth?
Trina Solar achieved a remarkable global milestone in 2020 by becoming the first supplier to introduce the 500Wp series PV Modules. The Egyptian market emerged as a key player, accounting for the majority of sales in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region during that year. Following the success of the 500Wp modules, Trina Solar expanded its offerings to include modules with capacities of 550Wp, 600Wp, 660Wp, and 690Wp, in both backsheet and bifacial technologies. This strategic move has contributed significantly to reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and shortening the return on investment (ROI) period.
In addition to our solar PV modules, we provide Tracker systems, fixed structures, and battery storage systems tailored for residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and utility-scale projects. Our extensive portfolio includes a wide range of reference projects from around the world.
To ensure the successful implementation of our solar modules with various technologies in local projects, we have established a network of authorized local distributors in Egypt. These partners play a vital role in assisting local customers in choosing the right solutions for their specific needs and ensuring the effective deployment of Trina Solar products.
- Could you outline any partnerships or collaborations you have initiated with local entities, including government bodies or other industry players, to support the growth of solar energy in Egypt?
We collaborate closely with local entities and engage with all stakeholders to enhance awareness and emphasize the significance of implementing additional solar projects. Our goal is to reduce the CO2 footprint and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
- Looking ahead, what is your vision for the role of solar energy in Egypt’s energy mix, and how does your company plan to contribute to this vision?
We are eagerly anticipating a significant role in the green hydrogen projects that have been recently announced for the Egyptian market. We are committed to allocating our resources to deliver the latest technology products that will be required for these promising projects in the near future.
