Green Energy Solutions Power Egypt with Solar

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Arab Republic of Egypt

Capital: Cairo

Total Population: Approximately 111 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Egypt is located in North Africa, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Sudan border in the south, and bordered by Libya, Sudan, and Israel. It also spans the Sinai Peninsula, making it part of both Africa and Asia. With vast deserts, minimal rainfall, and intense sunlight, Egypt has one of the highest solar potentials in the MENA region. Its strategic location between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe makes it a key regional energy hub for solar development and export.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt enjoys exceptional solar irradiation, particularly in the Upper Egypt, Western Desert, and Sinai regions. The country’s expansive terrain receives direct sunlight for most of the year.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Annual Solar Irradiation: Ranges from 5.5 to 7.0 kWh/m²/day

  • Sunshine Hours: Over 3,500 hours annually, among the highest globally

  • Top Locations: Aswan, Kom Ombo, Luxor, New Valley, and parts of the Sinai

This makes Egypt highly suitable for utility-scale solar farms, off-grid desert electrification, and commercial rooftop systems.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Egypt, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt has a hot desert climate, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C in summer (especially in southern regions), and cooler winters along the coast and Nile Valley.

  • Northern regions (Alexandria, Cairo): Hot summers, mild winters

  • Southern and inland deserts: Very hot, arid, and dry

To manage high temperatures:

  • Use low-temperature coefficient PV modules

  • Ensure airflow under panels via tilted or elevated racking systems

  • Install well-ventilated inverter enclosures

Despite the heat, solar output remains strong due to consistent sunlight and low humidity.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt has a well-developed national grid with over 99% electrification. The grid is managed by the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) and its subsidiaries. While electricity access is widespread, the country faces rising demand, driven by population growth, industrialization, and urban expansion.

To diversify its energy mix and reduce fossil fuel dependence, Egypt is investing heavily in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, aiming for 42% renewables by 2035.

Major achievements include:

  • Benban Solar Park: One of the largest solar complexes in the world (1.65 GW)

  • Introduction of independent power producers (IPP) and net metering mechanisms

Preferred System Type in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt’s solar infrastructure supports all types of solar deployment across different sectors:

  • Utility-Scale Projects: For national grid and export (e.g., Benban Solar Park)

  • Grid-Tied Rooftop Systems: Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings

  • Hybrid Systems: Used in hotels, factories, and remote sites with backup generators

  • Off-Grid Systems: Ideal for rural settlements, desert farms, border posts, and telecom towers

Energy storage is becoming more relevant for backup and time-shifting energy use, especially in off-grid and industrial zones.

Dust and Sand Factor in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt experiences moderate to high dust levels, particularly in desert and arid regions such as the Western Desert, Sinai, and Upper Egypt. Dust storms are common during the Khamsin season (spring).

To maintain performance:

  • Clean panels every 2–4 weeks, or more often in exposed locations

  • Use tilted installations to reduce soiling

  • Consider anti-soiling coatings and robotic cleaning for large-scale plants

Dust management is a key factor in maintaining output, especially for desert-based solar farms.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt has very low rainfall and low humidity in most areas. Coastal zones like Alexandria and the Nile Delta experience seasonal humidity (up to 70–80%), while southern and desert areas remain extremely dry year-round.

To ensure durability:

  • Use sealed (IP65/IP66) inverters and charge controllers

  • In coastal regions, implement humidity-resistant wiring and connectors

  • Ensure proper grounding and ventilation to avoid overheating in hot inland zones

Overall, Egypt’s dry climate is generally favorable for solar system longevity.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Arab Republic of Egypt

Salt corrosion is a concern in coastal areas, particularly along the Mediterranean coast (Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh) and Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh).

To mitigate salt damage:

  • Use marine-grade aluminum or anodized racking

  • Select stainless steel fasteners

  • Apply anti-corrosion coatings on exposed electronics and junction boxes

  • Conduct routine inspections near the sea

Inland areas such as Aswan, Luxor, and Fayoum face minimal salt-related concerns.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt is one of Africa’s most proactive countries in renewable energy development, with strong government support and international investment:

  • Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035 targets 42% renewables

  • Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and IPP models encourage private sector participation

  • Net metering in place for small and medium-sized rooftop systems

  • Large-scale projects supported by IFC, World Bank, EIB, and AfDB

  • No import duties on solar panels and inverters under registered programs

Clear regulations and project financing tools have made Egypt a regional leader in solar investment.

ROI on Solar Systems in Arab Republic of Egypt

With high irradiation, rising electricity demand, and supportive policies, Egypt provides attractive ROI for both small- and large-scale solar projects.

  • ROI Period: Typically 3 to 5 years for rooftop and commercial systems

  • Post-ROI Benefits: Long-term savings, energy independence, and improved power reliability

  • Key Sectors: Real estate, agriculture, industrial zones, hospitality, and public buildings

Solar systems enhance property value and offer a hedge against future tariff increases.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Arab Republic of Egypt

Egypt stands as a top-tier solar market in Africa and the Middle East, with abundant sunshine, a growing energy sector, and strong government support. From desert farms to city rooftops and global-scale solar parks, solar energy is a critical driver of Egypt’s sustainable growth.

Solarvance offers desert-hardened, high-efficiency solar solutions ideal for Egypt’s climate. Whether supporting a factory in the Delta, a village in Upper Egypt, or a resort on the Red Sea, we provide reliable, durable, and cost-effective solar systems to power Egypt’s clean energy future.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.

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