Ecoprogetti has expanded a PV production line in Morocco to 1 GW, creating the largest solar module manufacturing facility in North Africa. The upgraded line, operated by Almaden Morocco, features advanced TOPCon technology to meet growing demand in African and global solar markets.
Doubling PV Production Capacity
Italian solar equipment manufacturer Ecoprogetti has successfully expanded a PV production line for Almaden Morocco, bringing its capacity to 1 GW. Located in the northern city of Al Hoceima, the plant is now the largest solar module manufacturing facility in Morocco and across North Africa.
This expansion doubles the facility’s previous production capacity of 500 MW. The upgrade is a significant achievement for both Ecoprogetti and Almaden Morocco, positioning the plant as a key player in the African solar energy market.
The enhanced production line features advanced tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) G12 18BB half-cut cell technology. This glass-glass module configuration ensures maximum efficiency and superior quality, allowing the facility to meet the demands of both African and global solar markets.
Ecoprogetti began the expansion project in July, with operations scheduled to start by the end of October. This milestone builds on a partnership between Ecoprogetti and Almaden Morocco that began in 2018 with the delivery of the initial 500 MW production line.
Strengthening Solar Energy Leadership
The upgraded PV production facility solidifies Morocco’s position as a renewable energy leader in North Africa. The country’s abundant solar resources, combined with its commitment to sustainable development, make it an ideal location for large-scale solar manufacturing.
In a statement, Ecoprogetti highlighted the facility’s importance, noting that the expansion will not only serve Morocco but also boost PV production for global markets. The project aligns with Africa’s broader renewable energy goals, which focus on addressing energy shortages and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ecoprogetti’s work in Morocco is part of its larger effort to develop the solar industry across Africa. In addition to the 1 GW facility in Morocco, the company has installed a 150 MW PV production line in Nigeria for LPV Technologies.
The Nigerian facility, which is the first fully automated solar panel production line in the country, can be expanded to 300 MW. It produces over 317,000 panels annually, at a rate of 40 panels per hour. By using TOPCon and PERC cell technologies, the facility ensures high-quality solar modules for the Nigerian market.
Innovations in PV Production Technology
The expanded PV production line in Morocco incorporates the latest innovations in solar manufacturing. The use of TOPCon G12 18BB half-cut cells ensures higher energy efficiency, longer module lifespans, and improved performance in various environmental conditions.
Glass-glass modules—a key feature of the new production line—offer additional durability and resistance to wear and tear. These modules are particularly suited for regions with high temperatures and challenging weather conditions, making them ideal for deployment across Africa.
Ecoprogetti’s partnership with Almaden Morocco demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in advancing renewable energy. The two companies have worked closely to scale up solar manufacturing capacity, leveraging Ecoprogetti’s expertise in production technology and Almaden’s local knowledge.
Ecoprogetti also continues to expand its presence in other global markets. In November, the company completed Oman’s first solar panel production line and supplied a glass-glass solar panel production line to India’s SAEL. These projects underscore Ecoprogetti’s commitment to supporting solar energy development worldwide.
Ecoprogetti’s expansion of Morocco’s PV production line to 1 GW marks a significant milestone for the solar energy sector, establishing new benchmarks for efficiency and quality in solar manufacturing. Through additional projects in Nigeria and other regions, the company is helping advance the global growth of PV production. These efforts highlight the vital role of solar energy in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future worldwide.
