Omani PV Manufacturer AACE Switches to TOPCon

Why It Matters

Transitioning to TOPCon positions AACE to deliver higher‑efficiency modules, enhancing its competitiveness in a fast‑growing Middle‑East solar market and supporting Oman’s goal of domesticizing clean‑energy supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• AACE's Salalah plant produces 300 MW of PERC modules annually
• Facility will shift to TOPCon technology by year‑end
• AACE will explore back‑contact and busbarless designs
• Partnership with Pure International Investment targets export markets

Pulse Analysis

Oman is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for solar manufacturing, driven by ambitious government renewable‑energy targets and a surge in large‑scale solar projects. The opening of AACE’s 300 MW facility in the Salalah Free Zone adds significant capacity to the region’s value chain, complementing the nearby polysilicon plant that is the largest outside China. By locating production close to both raw material sources and export ports, AACE can reduce logistics costs and improve project delivery timelines for international developers seeking reliable supply.

The planned migration from PERC to TOPCon technology reflects a broader industry shift toward higher‑efficiency cell architectures. TOPCon cells typically achieve conversion efficiencies above 23%, offering better energy yield per hectare—a critical advantage for utility‑scale installations where land costs are high. AACE’s interest in back‑contact and busbarless designs further signals a commitment to next‑generation modules that minimize shading losses and simplify manufacturing. These upgrades, supported by Ecoprogetti’s fully automated production line, position the plant to meet evolving performance standards and attract premium‑price contracts.

Strategically, AACE’s export‑oriented model, bolstered by its collaboration with Pure International Investment, aims to capture market share in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Localizing module production enhances supply‑chain resilience, a key consideration as geopolitical tensions and raw‑material price volatility affect global solar markets. As Oman continues to incentivize domestic manufacturing, AACE’s technology upgrades and market‑access partnerships could set a benchmark for other entrants seeking scalability and long‑term relevance in the competitive global PV arena.