MANZ AG engineering firm set up modules in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Damam) and Qatar to test its technology against the region's harsh desert climate, where wind, dust and severe heat usually have negative effects on efficiency. In September 2012, Manz AG's CIGS module demonstrated record-breaking efficiency as high as 14.6 percent. After testing for several years Manz AG's solar panels proved less sensitive to dust. Data collected showed that conversion from the sun's energy was 10 percent higher from Manz's panels as compared to those of its competitors. Mohamed Alammawi, Vice-President of Sales, Middle East and North Africa, Manz AG, said “we at Manz AG, have a passion for efficiency. We lay a strong emphasis on research and development, which has enabled us to play a significant role in reducing the cost of manufacturing end products even while raising manufacturing process and product efficiency. It was essential for us to offer a solution that really meets the regional market needs.” Noting that the Middle East's desert is characterized by dust – which can seriously hamper power generation capacity of solar panels, he said “Manz AG's solar panels perform 10 percent better than others in the same environmental conditions.” — SG
