Solar Cell Fabric Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, Segmented By Fabric, By Solar Cell, By Product Type, By End User, By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Description

The Global Solar Cell Fabric Market is projected to expand from USD 37.94 Billion in 2025 to USD 68.13 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 10.25%. Solar cell fabric is characterized as a flexible textile embedded with photovoltaic materials, such as thin-film or organic cells, enabling electricity generation within garments, architectural membranes, or portable structures. The market is primarily driven by the rising demand for lightweight, off-grid power solutions in the defense and outdoor sectors, alongside the architectural necessity for building-integrated photovoltaics that combine aesthetics with functionality. These drivers facilitate a transition toward versatile energy-harvesting surfaces that cannot be achieved with traditional rigid panels.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size 2025	USD 37.94 Billion
Market Size 2031	USD 68.13 Billion
CAGR 2026-2031	10.25%
Fastest Growing Segment	Nylon
Largest Market	Asia Pacific

A major obstacle hindering rapid growth is the technical difficulty of preserving electrical efficiency while ensuring mechanical durability against washing and abrasion. Despite this challenge, the sector benefits significantly from the capitalization of the wider solar industry. As reported by SolarPower Europe, global solar installations achieved a record 597 GW in 2024. This extensive industrial expansion provides the mature supply chain required to support the advancement of niche technologies such as solar cell fabrics.

Market Driver

Advancements in flexible and thin-film photovoltaic technologies are propelling the solar cell fabric market by enabling the manufacture of lightweight cells that integrate smoothly into substrates without losing structural integrity. Innovations in organic photovoltaics allow for the creation of pliable energy-harvesting apparel that rigid silicon modules cannot support, directly addressing the critical need for mechanical flexibility in textile applications. Highlighting this progress, Dracula Technologies announced in January 2024 the inauguration of its 'Green MicroPower Factory,' a facility designed to produce up to 150 million square centimeters of organic photovoltaic modules annually. Such scalability is vital for moving solar fabrics from experimental prototypes to commercially viable products.

The global transition toward sustainable and renewable energy further drives adoption by necessitating energy solutions that extend beyond standard rooftop installations. As industries aim for carbon neutrality, the requirement for ubiquitous power generation leads to the integration of photovoltaics into surfaces like awnings and emergency shelters, a shift supported by massive capital investment in the clean energy sector. According to the International Energy Agency's 'World Energy Investment 2024' report from June 2024, global investment in solar PV was projected to reach $500 billion in 2024. Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency noted that in 2024, solar energy comprised 73% of the renewable capacity growth from the previous year, ensuring a strong foundation for the future expansion of solar cell fabrics.

Market Challenge

The technical challenge of maintaining electrical efficiency while ensuring mechanical durability against washing and abrasion acts as a critical barrier to the Global Solar Cell Fabric Market. This inherent trade-off significantly limits commercial growth because the encapsulation layers needed to protect photovoltaic cells from the rigorous stress of laundering often degrade their energy conversion capabilities. Consequently, manufacturers struggle to produce textiles that are both functional for daily wear and capable of generating sufficient power, confining the technology to niche, temporary applications rather than mass-market consumer apparel or permanent architectural use.

This limitation prevents solar fabrics from securing a meaningful share of the broader solar energy sector, which demands high reliability and longevity. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. solar industry installed nearly 50 GW of new generation capacity in 2024. This substantial market volume is dominated by rigid technologies that offer guaranteed lifespans, highlighting the performance gap that fabric-based solutions currently fail to bridge. The inability to withstand abrasion and washing cycles without efficiency loss leaves solar fabrics unable to compete with these mature standards, directly impeding the sector's growth potential.

Market Trends

The expansion of solar fabric applications in architectural facades and awnings is transforming the construction landscape by enabling the activation of building envelopes that cannot support the weight of rigid panels. This trend establishes solar textiles as essential components in bioclimatic architecture, where tensile membranes and shading systems actively contribute to a building's energy balance while maintaining aesthetic fluidity. The adoption of these integrated solutions is accelerating as regional markets prioritize the decarbonization of the built environment through advanced regulatory frameworks. According to TaiyangNews in March 2025, Italy has emerged as a leader in this sector, achieving the largest installed capacity of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) with over 2.5 GW of deployments.

Simultaneously, the integration of photovoltaics into smart performance apparel is redefining the wearables market by embedding energy-harvesting capabilities directly into consumer goods and accessories. This development addresses the critical limitation of battery life in connected devices, utilizing advancements in light-sensitive polymers to harvest energy from ambient indoor and outdoor lighting. The sector is witnessing a rapid transition from prototype research to industrial-scale manufacturing, supported by substantial capital injections aimed at refining production efficiency. According to a November 2025 press release from Exeger, the company secured SEK 130 million from the Swedish Energy Agency to accelerate the industrialization and scale-up of its flexible indoor solar cell technology.

Key Market Players

The Solar Cloth Company Ltd
Konarka Technologies, Inc.
PowerFilm Solar Inc.
ShadePlex
Pvilion
HELIATEK
Solivus Limited
ENGIE Utilities Company
First Solar Inc.
SunPower Corporation

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Solar Cell Fabric Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Solar Cell Fabric Market, By Fabric

Nylon
Polyester
Acrylic
PVC
Others

Solar Cell Fabric Market, By Solar Cell

Silicon
Thin-film
Perovskite
Organic
Quantum Dots
Multijunction
Concentrated
Others

Solar Cell Fabric Market, By Product Type

Consumer Wearable
Drapes
Others

Solar Cell Fabric Market, By End User

Residential
Non-Residential

Solar Cell Fabric Market, By Region

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Solar Cell Fabric Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Solar Cell Fabric Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Fabric (Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic, PVC, Others)
- 5.2.2. By Solar Cell (Silicon, Thin-film, Perovskite, Organic, Quantum Dots, Multijunction, Concentrated, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Product Type (Consumer Wearable, Drapes, Others)
- 5.2.4. By End User (Residential, Non-Residential)
- 5.2.5. By Region
- 5.2.6. By Company (2025)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Fabric
- 6.2.2. By Solar Cell
- 6.2.3. By Product Type
- 6.2.4. By End User
- 6.2.5. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Fabric
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Product Type
    - 6.3.1.2.4. By End User
- 6.3.2. Canada Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Fabric
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Product Type
    - 6.3.2.2.4. By End User
- 6.3.3. Mexico Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Fabric
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Product Type
    - 6.3.3.2.4. By End User

7. Europe Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Fabric
- 7.2.2. By Solar Cell
- 7.2.3. By Product Type
- 7.2.4. By End User
- 7.2.5. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Fabric
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Product Type
    - 7.3.1.2.4. By End User
- 7.3.2. France Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Fabric
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Product Type
    - 7.3.2.2.4. By End User
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Fabric
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Product Type
    - 7.3.3.2.4. By End User
- 7.3.4. Italy Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Fabric
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Product Type
    - 7.3.4.2.4. By End User
- 7.3.5. Spain Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Fabric
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Product Type
    - 7.3.5.2.4. By End User

8. Asia Pacific Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Fabric
- 8.2.2. By Solar Cell
- 8.2.3. By Product Type
- 8.2.4. By End User
- 8.2.5. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Fabric
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Product Type
    - 8.3.1.2.4. By End User
- 8.3.2. India Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Fabric
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Product Type
    - 8.3.2.2.4. By End User
- 8.3.3. Japan Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Fabric
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Product Type
    - 8.3.3.2.4. By End User
- 8.3.4. South Korea Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Fabric
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Product Type
    - 8.3.4.2.4. By End User
- 8.3.5. Australia Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Fabric
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Product Type
    - 8.3.5.2.4. By End User

9. Middle East & Africa Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Fabric
- 9.2.2. By Solar Cell
- 9.2.3. By Product Type
- 9.2.4. By End User
- 9.2.5. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Fabric
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Product Type
    - 9.3.1.2.4. By End User
- 9.3.2. UAE Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Fabric
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Product Type
    - 9.3.2.2.4. By End User
- 9.3.3. South Africa Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Fabric
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Product Type
    - 9.3.3.2.4. By End User

10. South America Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Fabric
- 10.2.2. By Solar Cell
- 10.2.3. By Product Type
- 10.2.4. By End User
- 10.2.5. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Fabric
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Product Type
    - 10.3.1.2.4. By End User
- 10.3.2. Colombia Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Fabric
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Product Type
    - 10.3.2.2.4. By End User
- 10.3.3. Argentina Solar Cell Fabric Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Fabric
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Solar Cell
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Product Type
    - 10.3.3.2.4. By End User

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Solar Cell Fabric Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. The Solar Cloth Company Ltd
- 15.1.1. Business Overview
- 15.1.2. Products & Services
- 15.1.3. Recent Developments
- 15.1.4. Key Personnel
- 15.1.5. SWOT Analysis
15.2. Konarka Technologies, Inc.
15.3. PowerFilm Solar Inc.
15.4. ShadePlex
15.5. Pvilion
15.6. HELIATEK
15.7. Solivus Limited
15.8. ENGIE Utilities Company
15.9. First Solar Inc.
15.10. SunPower Corporation