In an era where renewable energy is reshaping the global landscape, PV Hardware (PVH) has emerged as a pivotal player in solar tracking and mounting solutions. PVH is a leader in deploying efficient solar technologies that withstand extreme environmental conditions. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s strong commitment to renewable energy, PVH established a manufacturing base in Saudi Arabia to tap into the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) markets. We sat down with the CEO of PV Hardware KSA Youssef El Sayed to discuss the motivations behind their expansion into Saudi Arabia, the challenges of meeting local certification requirements, and the significance of their Local Content Certification in both the company’s strategy and Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals.
1. Could you tell us about PV Hardware and why you chose Saudi for your factory location?
PV Hardware (PVH) is a global leader in solar tracking and mounting solutions, specializing in technologies that maximize solar energy production while withstanding challenging environmental conditions. We have over 35 GW of trackers installed worldwide, which power utility-scale solar farms across 35 countries.
Our decision to establish a factory in Saudi Arabia was strategic and purposeful. Saudi Arabia’s central location offers a gateway to the broader Middle East and North African (MENA) markets, aligning perfectly with PVH’s expansion goals in the region. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach towards renewable energy aligns well with our objectives. The Kingdom’s strong commitment to solar energy and infrastructure growth, as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, presented a prime opportunity to localize our manufacturing and reduce supply chain complexities, enhancing delivery times and boosting customer support in the region.
- How did PVH successfully obtain the Local Content Certification, and what is the significance of this achievement for the company?
Obtaining the Local Content Certification required a systematic approach focused on local engagement, investment, and adherence to the standards set by the Saudi government. PVH worked closely with local suppliers and partners to source materials within Saudi Arabia, contributing to the local economy and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s localization requirements. We also implemented specialized training programs to upskill the Saudi workforce in advanced manufacturing techniques, ensuring high-quality output that meets global standards. We have 40% of Saudi employees under our company and are highly proud of this.
Achieving the Local Content Certification is highly significant for PVH as it underscores our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic goals and sustainable development. The certification not only strengthens our competitive edge in the MENA region but also opens doors to government-supported projects and collaborations that prioritize local content, making PVH a trusted partner in the Kingdom’s energy transition.
- Given that PVH is a foreign company, were there any particular challenges in meeting the requirements for the Local Content Certification?
Yes, as a foreign entity, PVH faced unique challenges in adapting our operations to meet the rigorous requirements of the Local Content Certification. One primary challenge was the need to integrate local suppliers and labor while maintaining our international quality standards. Additionally, there was a steep learning curve in understanding the regulatory frameworks and aligning with local employment policies.
To address these challenges, we prioritized collaboration with local partners and invested in targeted training to ensure our team was well-prepared. Our adaptability and investment in local capacity-building enabled us to meet certification requirements while maintaining our quality and efficiency benchmarks.
- The certification requires a certain percentage of local employment. How has this impacted the factory’s performance, and how do you see this influencing future investments in Saudi Arabia?
Integrating local employment into our factory has had a positive impact on our operations. By hiring and training Saudi nationals, PVH has created a skilled workforce that understands both the technical requirements of solar tracking technology and the specific conditions of the Saudi market. This has not only enhanced the factory’s efficiency and responsiveness but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among local employees.
Looking forward, we believe this localized workforce will play a crucial role in our expansion within Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. This experience has reinforced our belief that local talent is invaluable for sustainable, long-term growth, and we intend to continue investing in workforce development, which will be a cornerstone of our future projects in the region.
- What is the significance of this certification in terms of sustainability, renewable energy, and the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030?
The Local Content Certification holds substantial importance for both PVH and the Kingdom’s vision for a sustainable future. By promoting local content, Saudi Arabia is fostering an ecosystem that supports renewable energy infrastructure while reducing dependence on imports, which aligns with the sustainability goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. For PVH, the certification means we are actively contributing to these goals by producing locally and reducing the carbon footprint associated with overseas manufacturing and logistics.
Additionally, as the Kingdom targets 50% of its energy mix from renewables by 2030, PVH’s localized presence enables us to play a direct role in building the necessary infrastructure. This certification is not only a testament to our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy but also a milestone that aligns us with Saudi Vision 2030’s broader economic and environmental objectives. Through this collaboration, we are committed to driving innovation and advancing sustainable energy solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
PV Hardware’s journey in Saudi Arabia exemplifies how a global company can successfully localize operations, align with national visions like Saudi Vision 2030, and create lasting impacts in the renewable energy sector. Through commitment to local content, workforce development, and sustainability, PVH is setting a strong example for integrating foreign expertise with local innovation. With a solid foundation in Saudi Arabia, PVH is poised to expand further in the MENA region, driving advancements in solar technology and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. The Local Content Certification not only signifies PVH’s success but also highlights the power of collaboration in realizing a cleaner energy landscape.
