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Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant
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The Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant is one of the largest photovoltaic projects in Jordan and a key component of the national strategy to harness solar resources. Located in the Ma'an Governorate, a region with some of the highest solar irradiation rates in the world, the facility spans an area of approximately two square kilometers. With a capacity of 52.5 megawatts (AC), the plant generates clean electricity for tens of thousands of households. It was constructed using advanced thin-film technology from First Solar, which is particularly efficient in the hot and dusty conditions of the Jordanian desert. Since its commissioning in 2016, Shams Ma'an has contributed significantly to diversifying Jordan's energy mix and reducing reliance on fuel imports. The project highlights Jordan's ambition to become a regional hub for renewable energy and to actively pursue international climate goals.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Asma’ Allah Circle · Aqaba Circle · Ma'an Khirbet es-Samra
- Nearby: Ma'an (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 15 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The impressive Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant represents a truly monumental technological shift, serving as one of the largest regional photovoltaic installations actively reducing Jordan's foreign energy dependence.
Visiting
While fundamentally an industrial fenced zone with restricted and regulated entry, specialized pre-arranged technical tours are sometimes granted for relevant educational or serious professional engineering groups.
Where to view it
Curious passing motorists traveling safely along the nearby Desert Highway can very easily witness the panoramic, gleaming expanse of countless solar panels stretching seemingly infinitely across the flat sands.
Local products
In the historically rich surrounding governorate, tourists will primarily discover exceptionally animated Bedouin textiles, expertly woven local crafts, and hearty authentic traditional Jordanian hospitality and cuisine.
Active season
The facility impressively harvests abundant and relentless solar radiation continuously throughout the very hot year, but the surrounding arid region is exponentially more pleasant to visit during the temperate winter months.
Nearby
Given its highly strategic geographic location, observing the vast solar fields represents a thought-provoking modern contrast before or right after journeying south to explore the legendary, world-famous ancient stone city of Petra.
Geography
Facts
- Generates enough power to supply approximately 35,000 average homes.
- Utilizes over 600,000 advanced First Solar thin-film modules.
- Spans a land area of 2 million square meters (200 hectares).
- Successfully operational since October 2016.
- Part of the Ma'an Development Area's renewable energy cluster.
- Displaces approximately 90,000 metric tons of CO2 per year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shams Ma'an Solar Plant?
One of Jordan's largest solar energy projects, utilizing the strong desert sun.
Where exactly is the solar plant located?
Near the city of Ma'an in southern Jordan.
Can you visit the facility?
For security reasons, the grounds are not open to the public.
How much energy is produced?
The plant has a capacity of about 52.5 megawatts.
Which attraction is closest?
The ancient city of Petra is about an hour's drive from Ma'an.
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant: where is it located?
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant is located in Jordan.
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Asma’ Allah Circle, Aqaba Circle, Ma'an Khirbet es-Samra.
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant is one of the largest photovoltaic projects in Jordan and a key component of the national strategy to harness solar resources.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
The Siq
The narrow canyon is the dramatic main entrance to the ancient city of Petra.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The famous Treasury is the most iconic monument of Petra.
Royal Tombs of Petra
This imposing row of tombs is carved into the rock face of Jabal al-Khubtha.
Great Temple of Petra
This vast monumental complex is located in the center of Petra.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra and requires climbing over 800 steps.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
This remote site north of Petra once served as a suburb for passing merchants.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)
This mountain is the highest peak in the Petra area.
More places
Sharah Mountains
A striking mountain massif near Petra, characterized by deep valleys and steep cliffs.
Jabal al-Madhbah
A significant mountain in Petra, used by the Nabataeans as a sacred sacrificial site at the summit.
Petra
The ancient rock city carved from pink sandstone by the Nabataeans is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Shobak Castle
A Crusader castle situated on a conical mountain, offering a dramatic and rugged appearance.
Jabal Harun
The highest peak in the Petra region, traditionally considered the burial site of Moses' brother Aaron.
🗺️
Eshidiya Phosphate Mine
Jordan's largest phosphate mine in the Ma'an Governorate, providing large quantities of raw materials for fertilizers.
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO)
A joint venture that produces phosphoric acid from local phosphate ores for export to India.