The UAE solar energy market is among the fastest-growing globally, valued at USD 1.19 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4.66 billion by 2031 at 21.5% CAGR.¹ Installed solar capacity is expected to grow from 6.91 GW in 2025 to 11.25 GW by 2030 at 10.24% CAGR,² supported by aggressive government targets including the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 (75% clean energy) and Energy Strategy 2050 (50% clean energy).

The MENA region forecasts 180 GW of solar capacity by 2030, with the UAE as a regional leader.³ The country plans to invest AED 150 to 200 billion through 2030 to triple renewable energy capacity from 14.2 GW to 19.8 GW. Wood Mackenzie projects MENA solar manufacturing capacity could reach 44 GW by 2029, with the region achieving solar module self-sufficiency by 2026.³

This licence supports the UAE's drive to localise solar manufacturing and assembly, reducing dependence on imports and creating regional supply chains for the GCC market.

2710.97 - Solar Panels Assembling

Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed solar panels assembling business, assembling photovoltaic modules from solar cells, glass, EVA, backsheet, and frame components for the UAE and regional renewable energy markets.

Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹

What Does the Solar Panels Assembling Licence Cover?

•             Solar PV module assembly: assembling crystalline silicon panels from solar cells, glass, EVA, backsheet, and frame.

•             Bifacial and TOPCon panel assembly: assembling next-generation high-efficiency modules.

•             Customised solar panels: sizes and configurations for specific projects, residential rooftops, and commercial installations.

•             Quality testing and certification preparation: EL testing, IV curve testing, and certification sample preparation.

•             Packaging and project-ready delivery: palletising and preparing panels for shipment to project sites.

Who Is This For?

•             Solar panel assemblers serving UAE and GCC renewable energy projects.

•             Module manufacturers targeting utility-scale and rooftop solar installations.

•             Custom solar producers serving project-specific size and configuration requirements.

•             Sustainability-focused entrepreneurs entering the renewable energy supply chain.

Activity Scope

This licence covers solar PV panel assembly. It does not cover solar cell manufacturing (a separate, more capital-intensive industrial activity) or solar installation services on construction sites.

In short: if you assemble finished solar panels from cells and components, you are in. If you manufacture raw solar cells from silicon, you need different industrial licensing. Installation work has its own activity code (4322.97).

Licensing & Compliance

Standard free zone licensing applies. Solar panels sold in the UAE require Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) certification and IEC 61215 (crystalline silicon modules) and IEC 61730 (safety) compliance.⁴ Equipment for solar power generation enjoys zero-rated VAT and tax/duty advantages within the first ten years of certification.⁴

Cost & Investment

Setup costs at Dubai South Business Hub start from approximately AED 18,000 to AED 30,000 per year for licence and industrial warehouse package. Equipment investment is significant, module assembly lines, lamination presses, and testing equipment require considerable capital. Use the cost calculator for tailored pricing.

Setup Steps

1.          Verify name with company name check.

2.          Select Solar Panels Assembling (2710.97) from the business activities directory.

3.          Choose industrial warehouse package matching production scale.

4.          Submit passport copies, MOA, lease, and equipment specifications.

5.          Receive licence within 7 to 15 working days.

6.          Process visas for technical staff.

Why Dubai for Solar Panels Assembly?

The UAE's aggressive renewable energy targets and regional leadership in solar create exceptional market conditions for assemblers. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax-free imports of solar manufacturing equipment, zero-rated VAT on solar generation equipment, and direct logistics access for both component imports and finished module distribution. UAE government investment of AED 150 to 200 billion in renewable energy through 2030 underwrites long-term demand growth.

References

1.          BlueWeave Consulting, UAE Solar Energy Market: blueweaveconsulting.com/uae-solar-energy-market

2.          Mordor Intelligence, UAE Solar Energy Market: mordorintelligence.com/uae-solar-energy-market

3.          Carbon Credits, MENA Solar Growth 2025: carboncredits.com/mena-solar-growth

4.          PV Know How, UAE Solar Panel Manufacturing: pvknowhow.com/solar-report/uae

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this licence cover?

Assembly of solar PV modules from cells, glass, EVA, backsheet, and frame components, including bifacial and TOPCon panels.

Can I manufacture solar cells under this licence?

No, solar cell manufacturing is a separate, much heavier industrial activity. This licence covers panel assembly only.

What certifications are needed for UAE sale?

Solar panels must meet ESMA certification and IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards. Certification is arranged separately based on testing.

How much does setup cost?

From AED 18,000 to AED 30,000 annually for licence and industrial warehouse package. Production equipment is a significant additional investment.

Are there tax incentives for solar manufacturing?

Yes, solar power generation equipment and materials are zero-rated for VAT and may qualify for tax/duty advantages within the first ten years of certification.

How long does setup take?

7 to 15 working days for licence issuance. Industrial facility commissioning takes longer.

Do I need third-party approval?

Standard free zone approval is typically sufficient for the licence. Product certifications are arranged separately.

What size panels can I assemble?

Custom sizes and configurations are within scope, including utility-scale, commercial rooftop, and residential modules.

Can I serve UAE government solar projects?

Yes, with appropriate certifications and tendering qualifications. Major buyers include DEWA, EWEC, ADNOC, and Masdar.

What facility space is required?

Module assembly lines need dedicated warehouse space, typically several thousand square metres for full production capability.

Can I sponsor staff visas?

Yes, visa quotas scale with facility size.

Is the licence renewable annually?

Yes, annual renewal is standard.

Can I add solar installation services later?

No, solar installation has a separate code (4322.97). It can be added as a compatible activity at renewal subject to free zone rules.