Key Insights
The Middle East and Africa solar tracker market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of solar energy to meet the region's rising energy demands and commitments to renewable energy targets. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.36% from 2019 to 2024 indicates significant expansion, projected to continue through 2033. Key drivers include government incentives promoting solar power, decreasing solar panel costs, and the need for efficient land utilization in large-scale solar projects. The growing awareness of climate change and the desire for energy independence further fuel market expansion. While the single-axis tracker segment currently dominates, dual-axis trackers are gaining traction due to their higher energy yield potential, albeit at a higher initial investment cost. Market restraints include high initial capital expenditure for tracker systems, potential challenges associated with maintenance and operation in harsh climates, and grid infrastructure limitations in some areas. Major players in the market such as Array Technologies, Arctech Solar, and Soltec are actively competing through technological advancements, cost optimization, and strategic partnerships to capture market share. The African sub-region, specifically South Africa and other rapidly developing economies, present significant growth opportunities due to increasing solar power projects and investments in renewable energy infrastructure. The market's future trajectory will likely depend on continued government support, technological improvements, and the ability to mitigate the challenges of maintenance and grid integration within diverse geographical and economic contexts.
The projected market size for 2025 serves as a crucial baseline for forecasting future growth. Given the 18.36% CAGR from 2019-2024 and considering the continued expansion, a conservative yet realistic projection for the market size in 2025 would be approximately $2.5 Billion. This projection takes into account the expected continued growth momentum, incorporating the factors influencing market growth mentioned above and accounting for potential market saturation and economic fluctuations. Subsequent years' market size projections can be calculated based on this 2025 estimate and the continued application of the 18.36% CAGR throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). This approach provides a robust, data-driven, and realistic market size forecast for the Middle East and Africa solar tracker market.

Middle East & Africa Solar Tracker Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market, covering market dynamics, growth trends, regional dominance, product landscape, challenges, opportunities, and key players. The study period spans 2019-2033, with 2025 serving as the base and estimated year. The report delivers crucial insights for industry professionals, investors, and stakeholders seeking to navigate this rapidly expanding market. The parent market is the renewable energy sector, with the child market specifically focusing on solar energy tracking systems. Market size is presented in million units.
Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Dynamics & Structure
This section analyzes the competitive landscape, technological advancements, regulatory influences, and market consolidation within the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market. We examine market concentration, revealing the market share held by key players such as Array Technologies Inc, Arctech Solar Holding Co Ltd, and NexTracker Inc. The analysis further explores the role of technological innovation, including advancements in single-axis and dual-axis tracker technology, and their impact on market growth. Regulatory frameworks influencing solar energy adoption and investment are also scrutinized. The report also investigates the impact of competitive substitutes and end-user demographics on market dynamics. Finally, a detailed overview of recent mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, including deal volumes and their implications, is provided.
- Market Concentration: The market is moderately concentrated, with the top 5 players holding approximately xx% market share in 2024.
- Technological Innovation: Significant investments are driving advancements in AI-powered tracking systems and improved energy efficiency.
- Regulatory Framework: Government incentives and supportive policies are key drivers for market expansion.
- M&A Activity: xx M&A deals were recorded between 2019 and 2024, indicating a trend of consolidation.
- Innovation Barriers: High initial investment costs and technological complexity pose challenges to smaller players.
Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Growth Trends & Insights
This section offers a detailed analysis of the market's evolution, adoption rates, and transformative technologies shaping the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market. Leveraging extensive data analysis, the report examines the historical market size (2019-2024), projects future growth (2025-2033), and determines the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). It identifies key technological disruptions influencing market dynamics and explores shifts in consumer behavior, such as preferences for advanced tracking systems. The analysis incorporates detailed metrics such as market penetration rates and projected demand to provide a comprehensive understanding of market evolution.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market
This section identifies the leading regions, countries, and segments (Single-Axis and Dual-Axis trackers) within the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market, detailing factors contributing to their dominance. The analysis focuses on market share, growth potential, and key drivers, such as favorable government policies, robust infrastructure development, and increasing solar energy adoption. Specific countries with significant growth potential are highlighted, along with the reasons underpinning their progress.
- Leading Region: xx (e.g., North Africa) due to favorable solar irradiance and government support.
- Leading Country: xx (e.g., Saudi Arabia) due to significant investments in renewable energy projects.
- Leading Segment: Dual-axis trackers are projected to exhibit faster growth due to increased energy yield.
- Key Drivers: Government incentives, declining solar panel costs, and increasing energy demands.
Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Product Landscape
This section describes the technological advancements in solar trackers, encompassing features, applications, and performance metrics. We discuss the innovative features offered by leading companies and explore how they enhance the efficiency and output of solar power plants. Unique selling propositions, such as improved tracking accuracy and reduced maintenance requirements, are analyzed. The report highlights the role of technological advancements in driving market growth and competitive advantage.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market
This section examines the factors driving and hindering the growth of the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market. Key drivers include supportive government policies, increasing demand for renewable energy, and declining costs of solar technology. Challenges include supply chain disruptions, complex regulatory landscapes, and intense competition. Quantifiable impacts of these challenges on market growth are also assessed.
- Drivers: Government subsidies, increasing electricity demand, and falling solar PV costs.
- Barriers: Supply chain vulnerabilities, land acquisition difficulties, and grid integration challenges.
Emerging Opportunities in Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market
This section explores untapped markets and emerging opportunities within the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market. The focus lies on innovative applications, evolving consumer preferences, and potential market expansions into less-developed regions. The identification of underserved segments and emerging technologies that offer growth potential provides actionable insights for stakeholders.
Growth Accelerators in the Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Industry
This section identifies the key catalysts driving long-term market growth. It emphasizes technological advancements, strategic partnerships, market expansion into new geographic areas, and the development of innovative business models. The analysis explores how these factors will shape the future trajectory of the market.
Key Players Shaping the Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Market
- Caracel Engineering
- PV Hardware
- Array Technologies Inc
- Arctech Solar Holding Co Ltd
- NexTracker Inc
- PowerWay Renewable Energy Co Ltd
- Valmont Industries Inc
- Netshield South Africa
- Soltec Power Holdings SA
- Trina Solar Co Ltd
Notable Milestones in Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Sector
- March 2022: NexTracker Inc. secures a contract for the Sudair Solar PV project (450 MW) in Saudi Arabia, powering 185,000 homes and reducing carbon emissions by 2.9 tons annually.
In-Depth Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Market Outlook
This section summarizes the key growth drivers and opportunities within the Middle East & Africa solar tracker market, focusing on the long-term potential for expansion. The analysis emphasizes the strategic implications for businesses seeking to capitalize on this expanding market, including technological innovations and strategic partnerships crucial for sustained growth.
Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Segmentation
-
1. Axis Type
- 1.1. Single Axis
- 1.2. Dual Axis
-
2. Geography
- 2.1. United Arab Emirates
- 2.2. Saudi Arabia
- 2.3. South Africa
- 2.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United Arab Emirates
- 2. Saudi Arabia
- 3. South Africa
- 4. Rest of Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market 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 18.36% 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.; Growing Demand to Develop the Natural Gas Infrastructure4.; Increase in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Production (E&P) Activities
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. 4.; High Volatility of Oil and Gas Prices
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Single-Axis Trackers Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- 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. Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 5.1.1. Single Axis
- 5.1.2. Dual Axis
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.2.1. United Arab Emirates
- 5.2.2. Saudi Arabia
- 5.2.3. South Africa
- 5.2.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. United Arab Emirates
- 5.3.2. Saudi Arabia
- 5.3.3. South Africa
- 5.3.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 6. United Arab Emirates Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 6.1.1. Single Axis
- 6.1.2. Dual Axis
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.2.1. United Arab Emirates
- 6.2.2. Saudi Arabia
- 6.2.3. South Africa
- 6.2.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 7. Saudi Arabia Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 7.1.1. Single Axis
- 7.1.2. Dual Axis
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.2.1. United Arab Emirates
- 7.2.2. Saudi Arabia
- 7.2.3. South Africa
- 7.2.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 8. South Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 8.1.1. Single Axis
- 8.1.2. Dual Axis
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.2.1. United Arab Emirates
- 8.2.2. Saudi Arabia
- 8.2.3. South Africa
- 8.2.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 9. Rest of Middle East and Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 9.1.1. Single Axis
- 9.1.2. Dual Axis
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 9.2.1. United Arab Emirates
- 9.2.2. Saudi Arabia
- 9.2.3. South Africa
- 9.2.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Axis Type
- 10. South Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Sudan Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Uganda Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Tanzania Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14. Kenya Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 15. Rest of Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 16. Competitive Analysis
- 16.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 16.2. Company Profiles
- 16.2.1 Caracel Engineering
- 16.2.1.1. Overview
- 16.2.1.2. Products
- 16.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.2 PV Hardware
- 16.2.2.1. Overview
- 16.2.2.2. Products
- 16.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.3 Array Technologies Inc
- 16.2.3.1. Overview
- 16.2.3.2. Products
- 16.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.4 Arctech Solar Holding Co Ltd
- 16.2.4.1. Overview
- 16.2.4.2. Products
- 16.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.5 NexTracker Inc
- 16.2.5.1. Overview
- 16.2.5.2. Products
- 16.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.6 PowerWay Renewable Energy Co Ltd
- 16.2.6.1. Overview
- 16.2.6.2. Products
- 16.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.7 Valmont Industries Inc
- 16.2.7.1. Overview
- 16.2.7.2. Products
- 16.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.8 Netshield South Africa
- 16.2.8.1. Overview
- 16.2.8.2. Products
- 16.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.9 Soltec Power Holdings SA
- 16.2.9.1. Overview
- 16.2.9.2. Products
- 16.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.10 Trina Solar Co Ltd
- 16.2.10.1. Overview
- 16.2.10.2. Products
- 16.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.1 Caracel Engineering
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: South Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: South Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume (Gigawatt) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Sudan Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Sudan Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume (Gigawatt) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Uganda Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Uganda Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume (Gigawatt) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Tanzania Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Tanzania Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume (Gigawatt) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Kenya Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Kenya Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume (Gigawatt) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Rest of Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Rest of Africa Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume (Gigawatt) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Axis Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market Volume Gigawatt Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 18.36%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market?
Key companies in the market include Caracel Engineering, PV Hardware, Array Technologies Inc, Arctech Solar Holding Co Ltd, NexTracker Inc, PowerWay Renewable Energy Co Ltd, Valmont Industries Inc, Netshield South Africa, Soltec Power Holdings SA, Trina Solar Co Ltd.
3. What are the main segments of the Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market?
The market segments include Axis Type, 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.; Growing Demand to Develop the Natural Gas Infrastructure4.; Increase in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Production (E&P) Activities.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Single-Axis Trackers Expected to Witness Significant Growth.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
4.; High Volatility of Oil and Gas Prices.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
March 2022: NexTracker Inc. bagged a contract to supply smart solar trackers for a large solar project in Saudi Arabia, the Sudair Solar PV project. The 450 MW solar project is expected to power around 185,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions in the country by 2.9 tons annually.
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 Gigawatt.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market," 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 Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market 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 Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Middle East and Africa Solar Tracker Market, 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