Syria Launched Its First 60MW Solar Panel Production Line at Hassia Industrial Park in 2017

Back in 2017, Syria took a notable step toward energy independence by establishing its first fully automatic solar panel production line inside the Hassia Industrial Park. The facility, rated at 60MW annual capacity, was built entirely according to Chinese manufacturing standards — a first for the country.

A Strategic Move Amid Energy Challenges

At the time, Syria's power infrastructure had suffered years of damage. Grid electricity was unreliable across many regions. The decision to invest in local solar panel manufacturing was driven by practical necessity as much as policy ambition. Rather than relying solely on imported panels, the country opted to build domestic production capability from the ground up.

The Hassia Industrial Park, located near Homs, was selected as the site due to its existing industrial infrastructure and logistical access.

Why Chinese Standards Were Adopted

Chinese solar manufacturing standards were chosen for several reasons. By 2017, China already dominated global solar equipment supply, offering mature technology at competitive pricing. The fully automatic production line covered key processes including cell stringing, layup, lamination, framing, and testing — all integrated under one roof.

Adopting a proven standard also meant shorter commissioning timelines and access to a well-established supply chain for raw materials and spare parts.

Regional Significance

The establishment of this facility marked Syria as one of the few countries in the Middle East with domestic solar module manufacturing capability at that time. While the 60MW capacity was modest by global standards, it represented a meaningful step for a nation working to rebuild its energy sector.

The project also demonstrated growing confidence among Middle Eastern and North African countries in Chinese photovoltaic manufacturing technology — a trend that has only accelerated in the years since.