There are now 7 companies building solar cell components in Egypt, according to New and Renewable Energy Authority Head, Dr. Mohamed Al Sobky, reports Al Mal News.

Sobky said that that solar cell assembly was taking place in multiple locations. He noted the high cost of solar cell construction, due to the high power supplies required to build solar cells and panels. He stated that the NREA was manufacturing 25% of components in new wind power projects locally.

Demand and market size are among the factors which affect whether components are made locally, Sobky said. Egypt is seeking to expand renewables at a fast rate, and has implemented a feed-in tariff system to encourage renewables investment. However, an obstacle has been government policies which limit dollar financing for energy projects – a problem for renewables companies which must import virtually all equipment from abroad.