Emirates Solar Industry Association
Beach Rotana,, United Arab Emirates

1. Promote solar power in the UAE
2. Organize networking opportunities for solar professionals
3. Produce reports on the latest technologies, standards, and product certifications
4. Assist in the development of policies intended to strengthen the local solar industry

Who is part of MESIA?

• MESIA  has  over  100  local  &  international  prospective  members, including Founder  members: ABB, ALSA, Amonix, Apricum, Bird & Bird, BP Solar, Chadbourne & Parke, Enviromena, First Solar, Masdar, Power-­One, Schott Solar, Schneider  Electric, Siemens, Standard & Chartered, Sunpower, Taylor Wessing, Viessmann, Vinson  &  Elkins.
• Memeber companies are from all segments of the value chain, such as engineering, professional services, manufacturing and contracting companies.
• Any company that is involved in the Middle East solar industry is welcome to join MESIA.

• Being a member of MESIA gives you access to:
• Solar-focused workshops, lectures and briefings
• High-level networking opportunities
• Exposure to key stakeholders in both the public and private sector
• White-papers and research reports on topics related to solar technology policies

MESIA was born when a group of solar pioneers came together with the aim of giving life to the vast potential for solar in the Middle East. The group was led by Vahid Fotuhi from BP Solar and Prof. Georgeta Vidican from Masdar Institute. After a hugely successful launch event on November 23, 2009, the group established a steering committee made up of the key players in the local solar market.

These players went on to become the Founding Members of MESIA and they included: Enviromena, Alsa Solar Systems, Chadbourne & Parke, Masdar, Standard Chartered Bank, First Solar, Siemens, Power One, SCHOTT Solar and Schneider Electric. Along the way, the group experienced many technical, financial and operational challenges. Such an initiative had never been undertaken in the MENA region and there was resistance on many levels. But the team remained true to their passion for solar and pressed ahead.

Thanks to their hard work and perseverance, the Founding Members successfully laid the roots of what would emerge as the largest and most respected solar association in the MENA region.

Mission

The Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. Its mission is to expand the use of solar power in the Middle East, to strengthen the local solar industry, and to facilitate business opportunities for its members.

Objectives

MESIA aims to create a solar community in the Middle East and to provide networking opportunities for Middle East solar professionals through briefings and conferences, and actively participating in national and international tradeshows.

Through the production of research reports on solar technology, standards, and product certifications, MESIA intends to create awareness and advance education among various groups of stakeholders. We actively publish white-papers and research reports on topics related to solar technology and policy issues, in collaboration with local universities, other industry associations, education and research institutions, government, and with business related entities.

MESIA offers advice and input to policy-makers on policies, standards, and product certifications. The vision of MESIA is to become one of the key players the Middle East Governments turn to when investigating or assessing new solar ideas or initiatives in the Middle East, in order to get an opinion from the ‘industry’ sector. In a broader approach, MESIA is seen as a neutral but knowledgeable organisation representing the interests of solar energy in the Middle East.