PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1877421
PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1877421
Solar Cell Films Market size was valued at US$ 15,345.67 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2025 to 2032.
Solar cell films are thin, flexible photovoltaic layers used to convert sunlight into electricity for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Increasing adoption of renewable energy and government incentives for sustainable power have expanded production, with over 120 gigawatts of solar capacity installed globally in 2024. High installation costs and efficiency limitations of certain thin-film technologies challenge widespread adoption. However, innovations in perovskite and tandem solar cell films are creating opportunities for enhanced energy output and lower material consumption. Collaborations like Oxford PV partnering with Hanergy Thin Film Power to scale perovskite modules illustrate how technological advancements and strategic alliances are shaping the market landscape.
Solar Cell Films Market- Market Dynamics
Technological Innovations and Strategic Partnerships Accelerate Solar Cell Films Adoption
Rising global demand for renewable energy and government incentives for sustainable power adoption are accelerating the use of solar cell films. In 2024, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported that over 50 gigawatts of new solar capacity were installed, emphasizing support for building-integrated photovoltaics. Technological breakthroughs in perovskite and tandem solar films are improving energy efficiency while reducing material usage. Collaborations such as Oxford PV partnering with Hanergy Thin Film Power to scale perovskite modules highlight industry efforts to enhance performance and accessibility. These initiatives are expanding applications across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, creating opportunities for more flexible and high-performance solar energy solutions.
The Global Solar Cell Films Market is segmented on the basis of Product Type, Installation Type, Power Range, Application, End User, and Region.
The market is divided into five categories based on product type: Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Films, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) Films, Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) Films, Perovskite Solar Films, and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs). Perovskite solar films hold the highest priority due to their efficiency and flexibility, followed by CIGS films for commercial and utility applications. CdTe and GaAs films serve niche high-performance needs, while amorphous silicon (a-Si) films have moderate adoption in cost-sensitive and small-scale installations.
The market is divided into five categories based on Installation Type: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), Building-Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV), Ground-Mounted, Rooftop-Mounted, and Floating Solar Installations. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) lead adoption due to aesthetic integration and energy efficiency benefits, followed by rooftop-mounted systems for residential and commercial use. Ground-mounted installations support utility-scale projects, while building-applied photovoltaics (BAPV) and floating solar installations are emerging with moderate priority.
Solar Cell Films Market- Geographical Insights
The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key hub for solar cell film adoption, driven by rising energy demand and supportive government policies. In 2024, Trinasolar, a leading Chinese company, partnered with Oxford PV to advance perovskite-on-silicon tandem modules for commercial deployment. Japan's Solar Frontier expanded its production capacity through a collaboration with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), focusing on CIGS thin-film technology. Additionally, South Korea's LG Electronics acquired stakes in local solar start-ups to enhance flexible solar panel manufacturing. These initiatives highlight strategic alliances and investments across the region, fostering technological innovation and broader deployment of solar cell films in residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Solar Cell Films Market- Country Insights
China leads the solar cell films market, supported by strong government incentives and large-scale renewable energy projects. In September 2024, Oxford PV began commercial distribution of its perovskite-on-silicon tandem modules, shipping 72-cell modules (~24.5% efficiency) to U.S. customers and showcasing record module efficiencies in collaboration with Sunmaxx. Additionally, LONGi Green Energy expanded its research partnerships with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to improve thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Trina Solar acquired a local start-up specializing in flexible solar panels, strengthening its position in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). These strategic collaborations, acquisitions, and research initiatives demonstrate China's commitment to advancing solar cell film technologies, fostering innovation, and supporting large-scale adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
The competitive landscape for solar cell films is consolidating as technological breakthroughs prompt strategic deals and partnerships, which accelerate commercialization and lower production costs. Oxford PV's work with Sunmaxx to produce a perovskite-silicon photovoltaic-thermal module demonstrated record module-level performance, prompting manufacturers to seek similar tandem solutions. Corporates are acquiring the capacity to secure supply chains, exemplified by FREYR's purchase of Trina Solar's U.S. module manufacturing assets to scale domestic production. Research collaborations are also shifting industry focus toward perovskite and large-area top cells; LONGi's co-operation agreements with national research institutes show manufacturers pursuing lab-to-fab routes to improve thin-film yield and stability. These mergers, acquisitions, and joint developments are driving faster market entry for advanced thin-film and tandem modules while intensifying competition on efficiency and cost.
In June 2025, VTT developed a biodegradable solar cell module that attaches to plant leaves, powering low-energy agricultural sensors. Made from bio-based thin films, it decomposes naturally, supporting sustainable farming and precise environmental monitoring.
In August 2024, the University of Oxford unveiled an ultra-thin perovskite solar cell achieving over 27% efficiency. Its multi-junction design captures a broader light spectrum, enabling versatile applications on buildings and everyday objects while advancing renewable energy technology.