As a leading manufacturer of monocrystalline high-performance modules, LONGi Solar has signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the Tunisian project developer SHAMS Technology for a long-term cooperation. LONGi Solar and SHAMS Technology will develop PV projects in African markets where SHAMS has an active partner network. As a first step, the two companies are planning a 10 MW project in Kasserine located in the west-central part of Tunisia.
Africa to become third-largest PV market in the future
"In many regions of Africa, the electricity infrastructure is still underdeveloped. We see great potential: Instead of fossil energy, African countries are focusing on generation from renewable sources", says Richard For, Vice President of LONGi Solar. "In addition, the continent has sufficient solar radiation and enough space for the installation of large photovoltaic systems. We expect Africa to become the world's third largest market for PV systems in the medium term."
"We are very proud of the partnership with LONGi Solar. Thanks to the cooperation, we can offer customers very high-quality solar modules and services from one of the world market leaders for highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells and modules", states Mejdi Kilani, CEO of SHAMS Technology. The company already has a partner network of local installers in important African markets, which simplifies the commissioning of contracts for projects and makes local implementation considerably easier.
Ambitious expansion targets for Tunisia
The first joint project with an output of 10 MW is planned in Tunisia, where LONGi Solar and Shams will offer high-efficiency monocrystalline photovoltaic modules under the "SHAMS-LONGi" brand. The country has set itself the target of installing a total of 200 MW of photovoltaic capacity by 2022. LONGi Solar and SHAMS have the ambition to supply and install half of this capacity.