Morocco is advancing its solar manufacturing capabilities with plans to build a major solar panel factory in Berrechid, near Casablanca. The factory is set to produce 3.5 GW of solar panels annually, primarily targeting export to other African countries and cementing Morocco’s role as a continental leader in renewable energy.
Morocco solar factory in Berrechid
Morocco is making significant strides in its solar manufacturing capabilities with plans to build a major solar panel factory in Berrechid, near Casablanca. The country’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, recently announced that the factory will produce 3.5 GW of solar panels annually. This ambitious project will focus on exporting panels to other African countries, strengthening Morocco’s position as a leader in renewable energy on the continent.
The factory is set to be located in the industrial zone of Berrechid, a city in the Casablanca-Settat region managed by the Moroccan Agency for the Development of Logistics (AMDL). Minister Benali noted that the project is progressing well, with potential investors already showing interest. In addition to solar panels, the factory will likely produce other photovoltaic (PV) equipment, which involves a complex supply chain. The strategic decisions around sourcing solar materials in Morocco: local vs. global guide will be crucial for the project’s success and cost-effectiveness.
Expanding Solar Manufacturing Capacity in the Morocco solar factory
Morocco has been steadily expanding its solar manufacturing capacity in recent years. The country currently has a solar panel factory near Casablanca, operated by the Chinese company Sunlight, which produces 200 MW of solar panels annually. In 2021, Morocco also announced the construction of a solar PV panel production plant in the Tangier Tech City industrial zone, with an initial capacity of 200 MW per year.
In 2022, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Moroccan company Green Energy Park (GEP) to develop a 2 GW solar panel factory. This planned factory was intended to focus on producing bifacial solar panels and include a research and development center to support innovation.
However, this project has faced delays, and Minister Benali recently announced that the initial agreement between MASEN and GEP has been canceled. Despite this setback, Morocco remains committed to expanding its solar manufacturing capacity through a resilient, phased investment approach. The new factory in Berrechid is expected to play a key role in this effort, building on the fundamental basics of solar panel manufacturing to achieve industrial scale.
Importance of Solar Manufacturing in Morocco solar factory
Solar manufacturing is a critical component of Morocco’s renewable energy strategy. The country has set ambitious goals, aiming to have 52% of its electricity mix come from renewables by 2030, with solar playing a pivotal role. This national vision is supported by robust government frameworks like the Industrial Acceleration Plan, which offers incentives to bolster the sector. You can learn more about this in our guide to the PAI plan.
By developing a strong domestic solar manufacturing sector, Morocco can not only support its own energy transition but also export solar products to other countries. The nation’s political stability, advanced infrastructure—including the strategic Tanger Med port—and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) make it an ideal hub for Pan-African exports. The growing demand across the continent, evidenced by trends like how Benin solar imports Triple in 2023: remarkable growth, highlights the vast market potential.
Morocco is already a leader in solar energy generation in Africa, home to the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the largest solar power plants in the world. The development of a 3.5 GW solar factory in Berrechid will further solidify Morocco’s position as a hub for both solar manufacturing and renewable energy innovation, a significant development in the global solar report.
The new solar factory in Berrechid is a critical step forward in Morocco’s renewable energy journey. With a production capacity of 3.5 GW, the factory will significantly boost the country’s manufacturing capabilities. This project aligns with the vision to become a leader in renewable energy in Africa and contribute to the global fight against climate change by helping address the continent’s energy needs, where over 600 million people still lack reliable power.
To understand the intricacies of establishing such a facility, from the required solar panel raw materials to the complete solar panel manufacturing process, further resources are available. If you’re interested in mastering these concepts, consider enrolling in our free e-course on solar manufacturing.
