U.S. Solar Films Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Frontsheet, Backsheet), By Polymer Type (Fluoropolymer, Non-fluoropolymer), By Thickness, By Film Type, By Application, By End-use, And Segment Forecasts 2023 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The U.S. solar films market size was estimated at USD 839.6 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030. The market in the U.S. is witnessing substantial growth, mainly driven by several key factors, including escalating awareness of renewable energy, supportive government incentives, continuous technological advancements, environmental consciousness, cost-saving potentials, enhanced energy security, seamless integration into various architectural designs, and surging consumer demand, collectively steering the U.S. market towards a promising and sustainable future.

The market in the U.S. encompasses various types of films, including Frontsheet, Backsheet, and Encapsulation films. Frontsheet films, often made of transparent materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or fluoropolymer, are essential for protecting solar cells from environmental factors while allowing sunlight to pass through. Backsheet films, typically constructed from materials like polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), provide insulation and protection to the rear side of solar panels, safeguarding them from moisture and physical damage.

Encapsulation films, commonly composed of EVA or other advanced polymers, play a crucial role in sealing and protecting the solar cells within the panel. They shield against moisture ingress and maintain the structural integrity of the solar module. These distinct film types are integral components of the U.S. solar industry's growth, as advancements in each category contribute to increased efficiency, durability, and overall performance of solar panels, bolstering the nation's transition towards renewable energy sources.

Type Insights

Based on type, the encapsulation solar films segment dominated the U.S. market in 2022 with more than 65% revenue share. Encapsulation films play a critical role in protecting delicate solar cells from moisture, dust, and physical damage. Their ability to effectively seal and safeguard the solar modules ensures the long-term durability and reliability of solar installations, a crucial consideration for both consumers and commercial projects.

Moreover, encapsulation films contribute to the enhanced energy efficiency and performance of solar panels. By providing a protective layer that keeps environmental elements at bay, they help maintain the integrity of solar cells over time, preventing degradation and maximizing energy output. This increased efficiency translates to higher energy production and cost savings for solar panel owners, making encapsulation films a preferred choice in the U.S. market. In addition, the growing awareness of the importance of solar panel longevity and efficiency has driven the demand for high-quality encapsulation materials, further solidifying their dominant position in the U.S. market.

Polymer Type Insights

Based on polymer type, the fluoropolymer segment dominated the U.S. market in 2022 with more than 64% revenue share. This is attributed to several key factors. Fluoropolymers, such as polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), offer exceptional durability and weather resistance. They are capable of withstanding complicated exposure to adverse conditions such as UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and wetness, making them ideal for solar panel applications that are frequently subjected to diverse weather elements.

Moreover, the high transparency and excellent light transmission properties of fluoropolymers allow for efficient light capture by solar cells. This property enhances the overall efficiency of solar panels, leading to higher energy generation, which is a critical factor in the preference for fluoropolymer-based solar films. The longevity of these materials reduces maintenance costs and enhances the long-term performance of solar installations, making them a favored choice for both residential and commercial solar projects in the U.S.

Film Type Insights

Based on film type, the clear (non-reflective) film type segment dominated the U.S. market in 2022 with more than 30% revenue share. Clear solar films offer an aesthetically pleasing solution for solar installations, particularly in residential and commercial settings where visual appeal is essential. Unlike reflective films, clear films are designed to maintain the appearance of windows, facades, and other architectural elements while harnessing solar energy. This makes them a favored choice for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications, where the integration of solar technology into the design of structures is a key consideration. The ability to seamlessly blend solar panels with the building's aesthetics is a compelling reason for the dominance of clear solar films.

Clear solar films also address concerns related to glare and light pollution. In urban and densely populated areas, excessive glare or reflection from solar panels can be disruptive and lead to discomfort for occupants of nearby buildings. Clear films are engineered to reduce reflection and minimize glare, ensuring a more comfortable environment both inside and outside the building. This attribute is crucial for regulatory compliance and community acceptance, further bolstering the preference for clear (non-reflective) solar films in the U.S. market. The combination of aesthetic appeal, seamless integration, and reduced glare makes clear solar films a standout choice for a variety of solar installations, contributing to their dominance in the U.S. market.

Thickness Insights

Based on thickness, the less than 100 mm thickness segment dominated the U.S. market in 2022 with more than 45% revenue share. These thinner solar films are more lightweight and flexible, making them highly versatile and easy to work with. This flexibility allows for their integration into various applications, including curved surfaces and building materials, which is particularly important for architectural and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installations. The adaptability and ease of installation of thinner films have made them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial solar projects.

Moreover, solar films with thicknesses below 100 mm are increasingly finding applications in consumer electronics, wearable technology, and portable power solutions. Their slim profile allows for integration into smartphones, smartwatches, and other mobile devices, offering on-the-go charging capabilities powered by ambient sunlight. Wearable solar technology, such as solar-powered watches and fitness trackers, exemplifies the adaptability and convenience of these thin films. Portable solar chargers equipped with such films provide outdoor enthusiasts with a compact and efficient means of powering their devices while exploring remote locations. As the demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient technology solutions continues to grow, solar films with a thickness of less than 100 mm remain a critical enabler, driving innovation and sustainability across diverse sectors in the U.S.

Application Insights

The construction industry is increasingly embracing sustainable building practices and green technologies. Solar films represent an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution that aligns perfectly with these goals. Architects, builders, and property developers are incorporating solar films into building designs to meet energy efficiency standards, reduce environmental impact, and achieve energy cost savings over the long term. This growing emphasis on sustainability in construction has driven the demand for solar films as an integral component of green building initiatives.

Furthermore, the versatility of solar films in construction applications plays a significant role in their dominance. Solar films can be seamlessly integrated into architectural elements such as windows, facades, and roofing materials, offering a dual purpose of energy generation and aesthetic enhancement. This versatility appeals to property owners, as it allows them to harness solar energy without compromising the architectural integrity or visual appeal of their buildings. Construction projects often have larger surface areas that can be effectively utilized for solar energy generation, making solar films a practical and space-efficient choice. As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns become more pronounced, construction professionals and property owners are increasingly turning to solar films as a sustainable and economically viable solution, solidifying their dominance in the U.S. market.

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the commercial end-use industry segment dominated the U.S. market in 2022 with more than 39% of revenue share. The commercial sector has been increasingly focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. Solar films offer an attractive solution for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs simultaneously. Commercial buildings often have large surface areas that can be effectively covered with solar films, allowing for significant electricity generation on-site. This not only helps companies reduce their reliance on traditional grid power but also contributes to meeting sustainability goals and environmental regulations, which have become increasingly important for businesses in recent years.

Moreover, the commercial sector's dominance is tied to the economic benefits associated with solar films. As energy costs continue to rise, businesses are looking for ways to reduce operational expenses. Solar films provide a means to generate clean and renewable electricity, resulting in long-term cost savings on energy bills. Moreover, many governments and states offer financial incentives and tax credits to businesses that invest in solar energy technologies, making the adoption of solar films a financially sound decision for commercial enterprises. The combination of sustainability goals, cost savings, and financial incentives positions the commercial sector as a significant driver of growth in the U.S. market, and this trend is expected to continue as businesses increasingly prioritize renewable energy solutions.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The U.S. market is fragmented with the presence of various key players. Major players compete based on production capacity expansions, product portfolio developments, and methods to implement new technologies in the manufacturing of solar films.

The raw materials used in the manufacture of solar films along with their affiliated costs play a significant role in determining the price of the product. As a result, the prices of raw materials such as polymers, adhesives, and specialized coatings are expected to play a vital role in the market over the forecast period. Many established and emerging players are engaged in the capacity expansion of their manufacturing facilities to consolidate their fixed costs by catering to increased demand from end-use applications.

For Instance, in June 2023, First Solar launched the world's first advanced thin-film semiconductor bifacial solar panel, initiating a limited production run. This pioneering technology will be showcased at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany, through the pre-commercial Series 6 Plus Bifacial solar module.

U.S. Solar Films Market Report Scope

U.S. Solar Films Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts volume and revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. solar films market report based on type, polymer type, thickness, film type, application, and end-use:

• Type Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meter; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Frontsheet

  • Backsheet

  • Encapsulation

• Polymer Type Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meter; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Fluoropolymer

  • Non-fluoropolymer

• Thickness Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meter; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Less than 100 mm

  • 100 mm to 500 mm

  • More than 500 mm

• Film Type Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meter; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Clear (Non-reflective)

  • Dyed (Non-reflective)

  • Vacuum coated (Reflective)

  • High-performance Films

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meter; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Construction

  • Automotive

  • Marine

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meter; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Utility

  • Residential

  • Commercial

  • Industrial

  • Military