JinkoSolar, a prominent player in the solar industry, has unveiled plans to establish a joint venture with a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Vision Industries Company (VIC) for the creation of an advanced solar cell and module factory. The proposed facility, which represents an investment of approximately US$1 billion, is set to be a paragon of digitalization, efficiency, and eco-friendliness, capable of producing an impressive 10GW of TOPCon solar cells and modules annually.
Slated to be operational by 2026, the factory will be situated in Oxagon, within the futuristic NEOM city. The construction and design of the plant will mirror the sophisticated smart factories of JinkoSolar in its home country, featuring cutting-edge technology such as robotic automation, automated guided vehicles (AVGs), and high-bay warehouses, supplemented by camera-based monitoring systems. Committed to sustainability, the factory will be powered entirely by renewable energy, sourced both from local providers and from solar panels installed on-site.
The ambitious project is set to initiate production of the world’s inaugural 27% efficiency solar cells in the first half of 2026, followed by the manufacturing of its first TOPCon module in the latter half of the year.
Dany Qian, JinkoSolar’s Vice President, anticipates that the joint venture, in partnership with PIF and VIC, will become a hub for both local and international expertise, ultimately providing employment for roughly 3,000 individuals at the state-of-the-art plant.
Qian further highlighted that the facility will employ digital design tools and methods, allowing for real-time, remote monitoring of operations within the workshops, production lines, and infrastructure. This futuristic approach will enable seamless collaboration and discussion of production statuses with counterparts in China. Moreover, the plant will integrate maintenance, logistics, and manufacturing procedures within a unified IT framework, ensuring a harmonious and interconnected production environment.
