Key Insights
The Middle East solar energy market, encompassing technologies like Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), is experiencing robust growth, driven by ambitious government targets for renewable energy adoption, abundant sunshine, and increasing concerns about energy security and climate change. The region's substantial investment in large-scale solar projects, coupled with decreasing technology costs and supportive regulatory frameworks, fuels a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 11% from 2019-2033. Significant expansion is expected in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states, largely due to their substantial financial resources and strategic focus on diversifying their energy mix. Israel and Egypt are also contributing to market growth, though perhaps at a slightly slower pace, driven by their respective national energy strategies. While challenges such as land acquisition, grid infrastructure limitations, and financing complexities exist, these are being actively addressed through public-private partnerships and innovative financing models. The market segmentation reveals a dominance of PV technology, likely accounting for over 80% of the market share, due to its lower initial investment cost and easier scalability compared to CSP. However, CSP projects, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance, are anticipated to witness consistent growth due to their potential for thermal energy storage and integration with other energy systems.
The forecast period (2025-2033) will witness a considerable expansion in the installed capacity of both PV and CSP systems across the Middle East. Leading players like JinkoSolar, First Solar, and Canadian Solar are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities, engaging in significant project development and partnerships with local entities. Government incentives, including feed-in tariffs and tax breaks, further stimulate market activity. Technological advancements, such as higher efficiency solar panels and improved energy storage solutions, are also contributing to the growth trajectory, making solar power a more viable and competitive energy source compared to traditional fossil fuels. The market's future is optimistic, with potential for significant job creation and economic diversification across the Middle East, making it a key area for global solar energy investment.
Solar Energy Industry in the Middle East: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the burgeoning solar energy industry in the Middle East, offering invaluable insights for investors, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a focus on 2025, this report unveils the market dynamics, key players, technological advancements, and future growth potential of this rapidly expanding sector. Uncover crucial data on market size (reaching xx Million USD by 2025), CAGR, and segment-specific performance for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).

Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Market Concentration & Dynamics
This section analyzes the competitive landscape of the Middle East's solar energy market, assessing market concentration, innovation, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics. We delve into the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, end-user trends, and the presence of substitute products. Market share data for key players is presented, along with an analysis of the number of M&A deals over the study period (2019-2024). The report examines the role of government policies and regulations in shaping the market.
- Market Concentration: The Middle East solar market exhibits a [High/Medium/Low - choose one based on data] level of concentration, with [Number] major players controlling approximately [Percentage]% of the market share in 2025.
- Innovation Ecosystems: The region is witnessing a rise in innovative solar technologies, driven by [mention specific initiatives or research centers].
- Regulatory Frameworks: Government initiatives and supportive policies are crucial to market growth, playing a vital role in attracting investment and accelerating adoption.
- Substitute Products: Competition comes from other renewable energy sources such as wind power; the report quantifies this level of competition.
- M&A Activities: During the historical period (2019-2024), [Number] significant M&A deals were recorded, indicating [mention the trend – consolidation, expansion etc.]. This activity is expected to continue into the forecast period.
- End-User Trends: A growing demand from [mention sectors - residential, commercial, industrial] is driving market growth.
Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Industry Insights & Trends
This section offers a detailed analysis of the market growth drivers, technological advancements, and evolving consumer behavior shaping the Middle East's solar energy sector. We present a comprehensive view of the market size, growth rate, and key trends driving expansion. The impact of technological disruptions and shifts in consumer preferences on the industry's trajectory is also examined. The report projects a market size of xx Million USD by 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Key Markets & Segments Leading Solar Energy Industry in Middle East
This section identifies the dominant regions, countries, and segments within the Middle East solar energy market. A detailed analysis focusing on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is provided. The report highlights the reasons behind the dominance of specific markets.
- Dominant Regions/Countries: [Name of country/region] is the leading market due to [reasons, e.g., supportive government policies, abundant sunlight, investment incentives].
- Technology Segments:
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV): Drivers include decreasing PV module costs, increasing energy demand, and government support for renewable energy.
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Growth is driven by [mention specific factors].
Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Product Developments
This section analyzes the latest product innovations, applications, and their market relevance. We highlight technological advancements and the competitive advantages they offer to key players. The section identifies emerging trends in product development and the impact on market competition.
Challenges in the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Market
The Middle East solar energy sector faces various challenges. These include regulatory hurdles resulting in project delays, supply chain issues impacting project timelines and costs, and intense competition impacting profitability. These challenges are quantified wherever possible to provide a clear picture of their impact on the market.
Forces Driving Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Growth
Several factors are driving the growth of the Middle East's solar energy industry. These include technological advancements (e.g., improved efficiency of solar panels), favorable economic conditions (e.g., government subsidies and tax incentives), and supportive regulatory frameworks (e.g., renewable energy targets).
Long-Term Growth Catalysts in Solar Energy Industry in Middle East
Long-term growth is further accelerated by continuous innovation in solar technology, strategic partnerships between international and local companies, and expansion into new markets within the region.
Emerging Opportunities in Solar Energy Industry in Middle East
Emerging opportunities include the expansion of solar energy into new sectors (e.g., agriculture, desalination), the development of innovative financing models, and the integration of solar energy with other renewable energy sources.
Leading Players in the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Sector
- JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd
- First Solar Inc
- Enerwhere Sustainable Energy DMCC
- Canadian Solar Inc
- JA SOLAR Co Ltd
- Hitachi Energy Ltd
- ACWA POWER BARKA SAOG
- Trina Solar Ltd
- Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd
- Alsa Solar Systems LLC
- Enviromena Power Systems
Key Milestones in Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Industry
- January 2023: Jinko Power Technology Co., Ltd. achieved financial close and commenced construction of its 300 MW Saad Solar PV Project. Commissioning is scheduled for Q4 2024.
- January 2023: Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) announced the Manah 1 and 2 solar energy projects (USD 777 Million), involving approximately 2 million solar PV panels and generating 1,000 MW by the end of 2025.
Strategic Outlook for Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Market
The Middle East solar energy market presents significant long-term growth potential, driven by increasing energy demand, government support, and technological advancements. Strategic opportunities exist for companies to capitalize on this growth by focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and expansion into new markets. The market is poised for considerable expansion in the coming years.
Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Segmentation
-
1. Technology
- 1.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- 1.2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
-
2. Geography
- 2.1. Saudi Arabia
- 2.2. United Arab Emirates
- 2.3. Oman
- 2.4. Rest of the Middle East
Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Segmentation By Geography
- 1. Saudi Arabia
- 2. United Arab Emirates
- 3. Oman
- 4. Rest of the Middle East

Solar Energy Industry in Middle East REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of > 11.00% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. 4.; Increasing Demand for Renewable Energy4.; Supportive Government Policies
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. 4.; High Cost Compared to Alternatives like Thin Films
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Projects to Drive the Market
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 5.1.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- 5.1.2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.2.1. Saudi Arabia
- 5.2.2. United Arab Emirates
- 5.2.3. Oman
- 5.2.4. Rest of the Middle East
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. Saudi Arabia
- 5.3.2. United Arab Emirates
- 5.3.3. Oman
- 5.3.4. Rest of the Middle East
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 6. Saudi Arabia Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 6.1.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- 6.1.2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.2.1. Saudi Arabia
- 6.2.2. United Arab Emirates
- 6.2.3. Oman
- 6.2.4. Rest of the Middle East
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 7. United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 7.1.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- 7.1.2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.2.1. Saudi Arabia
- 7.2.2. United Arab Emirates
- 7.2.3. Oman
- 7.2.4. Rest of the Middle East
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 8. Oman Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 8.1.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- 8.1.2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.2.1. Saudi Arabia
- 8.2.2. United Arab Emirates
- 8.2.3. Oman
- 8.2.4. Rest of the Middle East
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 9. Rest of the Middle East Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 9.1.1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
- 9.1.2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 9.2.1. Saudi Arabia
- 9.2.2. United Arab Emirates
- 9.2.3. Oman
- 9.2.4. Rest of the Middle East
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 10. United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Saudi Arabia Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Qatar Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Israel Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14. Egypt Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 15. Oman Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 16. Rest of Middle East Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 17. Competitive Analysis
- 17.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 17.2. Company Profiles
- 17.2.1 JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd
- 17.2.1.1. Overview
- 17.2.1.2. Products
- 17.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.2 First Solar Inc
- 17.2.2.1. Overview
- 17.2.2.2. Products
- 17.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.3 Enerwhere Sustainable Energy DMCC
- 17.2.3.1. Overview
- 17.2.3.2. Products
- 17.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.4 Canadian Solar Inc
- 17.2.4.1. Overview
- 17.2.4.2. Products
- 17.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.5 JA SOLAR Co Ltd
- 17.2.5.1. Overview
- 17.2.5.2. Products
- 17.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.6 Hitachi Energy Ltd
- 17.2.6.1. Overview
- 17.2.6.2. Products
- 17.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.7 ACWA POWER BARKA SAOG
- 17.2.7.1. Overview
- 17.2.7.2. Products
- 17.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.8 Trina Solar Ltd
- 17.2.8.1. Overview
- 17.2.8.2. Products
- 17.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.9 Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd
- 17.2.9.1. Overview
- 17.2.9.2. Products
- 17.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.10 Alsa Solar Systems LLC
- 17.2.10.1. Overview
- 17.2.10.2. Products
- 17.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.11 Enviromena Power Systems
- 17.2.11.1. Overview
- 17.2.11.2. Products
- 17.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 17.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 17.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 17.2.1 JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Saudi Arabia Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Saudi Arabia Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Qatar Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Qatar Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Israel Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Israel Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Egypt Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Egypt Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Oman Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Oman Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Rest of Middle East Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Rest of Middle East Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume (Gigawatte) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 48: Solar Energy Industry in Middle East Volume Gigawatte Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East?
The projected CAGR is approximately > 11.00%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East?
Key companies in the market include JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd, First Solar Inc, Enerwhere Sustainable Energy DMCC, Canadian Solar Inc, JA SOLAR Co Ltd, Hitachi Energy Ltd, ACWA POWER BARKA SAOG, Trina Solar Ltd, Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd, Alsa Solar Systems LLC, Enviromena Power Systems.
3. What are the main segments of the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East?
The market segments include Technology, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
4.; Increasing Demand for Renewable Energy4.; Supportive Government Policies.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Projects to Drive the Market.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
4.; High Cost Compared to Alternatives like Thin Films.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
January 2023: Jinko Power Technology Co, Ltd achieved financial close and commenced construction of its 300 MW Saad Solar PV Project in the kingdom. The project is scheduled for commissioning in Q4 2024. The scope of the full-wrap EPC contract includes design, supply, construction, warranty, initial operation, and maintenance of the project.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in Gigawatte.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Solar Energy Industry in Middle East," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Solar Energy Industry in Middle East, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence