Solar PV Glass Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Glass Type (3.2 mm, 2 mm), By End-User (Residential, Commercial), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Solar PV Glass Market was valued at US$ 20,266.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 28,523.1 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the china solar pv glass market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 9,871 million by 2031. The market refers to the global industry involved in the production, distribution, and application of specially designed glass used in photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This energy glass is engineered to protect solar cells while allowing optimal sunlight transmission and enhancing overall energy conversion efficiency.

Solar PV glass typically includes tempered, anti-reflective, and high-transmittance glass types, serving as a critical component in both crystalline silicon and thin-film solar modules. It is used across various installation types, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. The Solar PV glass has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by increasing global demand for renewable energy and ongoing investments in solar infrastructure. As governments and private sectors aim to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate targets, solar energy adoption is accelerating, directly influencing the demand for PV glass. Technological advancements, including bifacial modules and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), are further expanding the scope of solar glass applications.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) glass is a type of glass that converts solar energy into electricity using solar cells. It is installed on the roofs or facades of buildings to generate enough energy to power the entire structure. An increase in the demand for solar photovoltaic panels installation in developed and developing countries, coupled with a decrease in PV module prices and a rise in rooftop solar installation demand, particularly from the residential sector, are a few factors driving the solar photovoltaic module installation volume.

Moreover, technological advancements are revolutionizing the solar PV industry, enhancing efficiency and affordability. Innovations in panel designs, energy storage, and smart grid technologies are making solar power more accessible and reliable. The integration of AI and machine learning is optimizing energy production and reducing costs. In November 2023, perovskite tandem solar cells set a new world record for efficiency, surpassing the previous record set just months earlier.

According to Mercom Capital Group, the top ten utility-scale solar developers accounted for 145 GW of projects between July 2022 and June 2023, with Total Energies leading at 41.3 GW capacity. Despite challenges like supply chain limitations and permitting obstacles, government support initiatives are expected to transform the energy industry. M&A activity is predicted to increase significantly in 2024. Researchers have made progress with multi-junction PV cells, achieving efficiencies of over 45%. Bifacial solar panels, which capture light on both sides, show 30-40% higher efficiency when combined with sun-tracking technology. Agrivoltaics, integrating solar panels with farmland, addresses land-use conflicts and can increase farm yields.

However, limitations on PV efficiency, geographic constraints, and lack of awareness hinder adoption. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that a significant portion of sunlight is lost during the conversion process. Manufacturing costs and material availability remain challenges. Emerging trends include advances in silicon photovoltaic technology, which dominates over 90% of the global market. Floating solar farms are addressing land scarcity in densely populated regions, with South Korea constructing the world's largest floating solar power plant on the Saemangeum tidal flats, expected to generate 2.1 gigawatts of electricity.

Facts & Figures

• In fact, China added 102.48 GW of new PV installations in the first half of 2024, with 52.88 GW coming from distributed PV, reflecting the massive demand for PV glass in both residential and industrial segments.
• South Africa consumed 53.6 million square meters of solar PV glass in 2024, a significant increase from just 7.3 million square meters in 2020, indicating rapid solar adoption and material demand.
• Australia installed 321,000 rooftop PV systems in 2024, with 3.19 GW of sub-100 kW solar capacity added, reinforcing the growing need for high-performance PV glass in the residential and commercial sectors.
• The Netherlands installed only 3 GW of solar capacity in 2024, a drop from 5 GW in 2023, creating pressure on solar glass demand amid policy changes and market uncertainty.
• In 2024, bifacial solar panel deployment grew substantially, increasing the use of double-glass panels, which typically require twice the amount of solar PV glass per module compared to monofacial panels.
• By 2030, grid operators in the Netherlands estimate the need for 42–76 GW of solar capacity, significantly boosting long-term demand for PV glass in northern Europe despite current market turbulence.

Recent Key Developments

• In May 2025, a Taiwan-based manufacturer introduced a new series of glass-glass solar modules to the European market, featuring a 460 W model alongside a full-black 450 W version. Both modules are built using monocrystalline n-type cells, aimed at delivering enhanced efficiency and long-term durability. The new product line is designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance solar solutions in both residential and commercial applications across Europe.
• In January 2025, a Swiss startup specializing in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) launched a new semi-transparent 400 W glass-glass solar panel. Designed for installation in roofs and facades of residential, industrial, and commercial buildings, these panels offer approximately 20% transparency. This feature allows significantly more natural light to enter interior spaces compared to conventional PV panels, enhancing both aesthetics and daylighting. The innovative product aims to combine energy generation with architectural integration, meeting the growing demand for multifunctional and visually appealing solar solutions.
• In March 2024, a leading Indian solar glass manufacturer announced a ?900 crore investment to expand its production capacity to 10 GW by 2026. This strategic move is intended to support the country’s rapidly growing solar energy sector, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. The expansion is expected to address the increasing demand for solar glass across renewable energy projects nationwide, reinforcing the company’s position in India’s solar supply chain and contributing to the country’s broader clean energy goals.
• In January 2024, a global leader in smart photovoltaic technology and energy storage introduced its new distributed module, the NEG18R.28 Vertex S+ 505W. This module is specifically designed for commercial and industrial rooftop installations, aiming to deliver high efficiency and reliability tailored to the unique demands of these sectors.

Solar PV Glass Market Segmentation

Based on the glass type:

• 3.2 mm
• 2 mm

Based on glass type, 3.2 mm glass has traditionally dominated the solar PV glass market, 2 mm glass is now emerging as a strong trendsetter, particularly driven by the industry's growing focus on lightweight and high-efficiency solar modules. The shift toward ultra-thin, high-performance solar panels is pushing manufacturers to adopt 2 mm glass, which reduces the overall weight of modules, making them easier to install and transport especially valuable for rooftop and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications.

Additionally, advancements in glass tempering and coating technologies have enabled 2 mm glass to maintain high durability and optical performance despite its thinner profile. As solar systems become more integrated into urban infrastructure and require sleek, efficient designs, 2 mm glass is increasingly favoured for its adaptability and aesthetics. This trend is particularly evident in markets emphasizing innovation and space optimization, positioning 2 mm glass as a key growth segment within the evolving solar PV glass landscape.

Based on the end user:

• Residential
• Commercial

The residential sector holds a significant share in the solar PV glass market, driven by increasing rooftop solar installations across urban and suburban areas. Homeowners are adopting solar solutions to reduce electricity bills and gain energy independence, especially amid rising grid tariffs and power reliability issues. Governments around the world continue to support residential solar through tax incentives, rebates, and net-metering programs, making it a cost-effective investment for households.

PV glass in this segment is used primarily in crystalline silicon panels that are mounted on rooftops, with a growing trend towards lightweight and aesthetically pleasing glass options such as 2 mm variants. Although growth in some mature markets has slowed, developing countries with rising energy demand and grid instability are expected to drive continued expansion in residential solar installations, thereby sustaining strong demand for solar PV glass in this segment.