Shams Maan Power Generation Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant

Project Overview

First Solar started construction on the 52.5 megawatt (MW) AC Shams Ma’an Power Generation solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Jordan’s Ma’an region, in June 2015. First Solar provided engineering, procurement and construction services, their advanced PV modules mounted to First Solar’s single axis tracker, and operations & maintenance services. The project is owned by a consortium that includes Diamond Generating Europe Limited, a subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Corporation; Nebras Power Q.S.C., a subsidiary of the Qatar Electricity & Water Company, and The Kawar Group. Jordan’s National Electric Power Company has signed a long-term Power Purchase agreement for the entire output of the plant.

The 52.5MW solar PV power plant is part of the ambitious Ma’an Development Area initiative and supplies an estimated 160 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Equivalent to approximately one percent of Jordan’s annual energy output.

During construction, the project generated approximately 500 jobs. Now completed, the 52.5MW power plant is expected to displace more than 90,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to removing about 20,000 cars from the road every year.

The electrical power is generated with First Solar’s advanced technology, photovoltaic modules. First Solar’s modules have a superior temperature coefficient, and spectral response in humid climates which offer an energy yield advantage over crystalline silicon modules. The modules are mounted on First Solar’s Single Axis Tracker which allow the plant to generate over 20 percent more energy than fixed mounting systems.

The project is the largest photovoltaic plant in Jordan and among the largest in the Middle East.