EV Solar Modules Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented, By Solar Panel Type (Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline), By Grid Type (Off-grid Module, On-grid Module, and Hybrid Module), By Application (Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.81 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	22.02%
Fastest Growing Segment	Passenger Vehicles
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 22.48 Billion

Market Overview

The Global EV Solar Modules Market will grow from USD 6.81 Billion in 2025 to USD 22.48 Billion by 2031 at a 22.02% CAGR. The Global EV Solar Modules Market encompasses the sector dedicated to Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV), where solar panels are seamlessly embedded into the bodywork of electric vehicles, such as roofs and hoods, to generate auxiliary power and extend driving range. The primary drivers supporting this market include the critical need to mitigate range anxiety, the imperative to reduce dependency on stationary charging infrastructure, and the enforcement of stringent carbon emission regulations. These factors function as fundamental structural propellers for the industry, distinct from transient market trends, by necessitating the technological convergence of renewable energy generation with automotive mobility.

According to the International Energy Agency, in 2025, global electric car sales are projected to exceed 20 million units, representing more than one-quarter of all cars sold worldwide and establishing a substantial addressable base for solar module integration. However, one significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the high production cost associated with developing curved, durable, and aesthetically pleasing modules that maintain high energy efficiency under variable shading conditions.

Key Market Drivers

The rising consumer demand for extended electric vehicle driving range acts as a primary catalyst for the integration of solar modules, driven by the imperative to minimize charging frequency and enhance off-grid mobility. This demand compels manufacturers to embed photovoltaic cells directly into vehicle surfaces, offering users a tangible "charge-as-you-go" benefit that effectively mitigates range anxiety and reduces dependency on stationary infrastructure. The push for energy independence is quantifying into significant performance claims; according to Aptera Motors, January 2025, in the 'CES 2025 Press Release', their production-ready solar electric vehicle features an integrated array capable of providing up to 40 miles of free driving range per day derived entirely from sunlight.

Concurrently, advancements in high-efficiency and lightweight photovoltaic technologies are accelerating the technical feasibility of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) by allowing seamless conformity to curved automotive designs without compromising aerodynamic performance. These innovations enable the deployment of onboard generation systems that were previously limited by the rigidity and weight of traditional panels. For instance, according to Nissan, October 2025, in a release regarding the Japan Mobility Show, the company's 'Ao-Solar Extender' prototype utilizes a deployable roof system to generate up to 500 watts of auxiliary power. This technological progression is supported by broader improvements in cell performance; according to Fraunhofer ISE, in 2025, commercial crystalline silicon modules achieved a weighted average efficiency of 22.0%, establishing a robust benchmark for mass-market solar integration.

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Key Market Challenges

The high production cost associated with developing curved and durable solar modules significantly impedes the expansion of the Global EV Solar Modules Market. Manufacturing these specialized units requires complex fabrication processes to ensure they fit seamless body contours while withstanding road vibrations and impact. These strict technical requirements necessitate distinct production lines and advanced materials that drive up the unit cost substantially compared to standard photovoltaic panels. Consequently, the increased expense makes it difficult for automotive manufacturers to integrate this technology into mass-market vehicles without raising consumer prices beyond competitive levels.

This economic friction limits the technology primarily to luxury or prototype segments, preventing the volume necessary to drive down costs. According to the Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme in 2024, the cost of vehicle-integrated photovoltaic systems remains elevated, with specific module costs estimated at approximately 3.50 US dollars per watt peak, which is significantly higher than conventional stationary modules. Such a cost premium restricts the ability of manufacturers to achieve the economies of scale necessary for widespread adoption across broader vehicle fleets.

Key Market Trends

The market is experiencing an accelerated deployment of solar integration within commercial and heavy-duty logistics fleets, shifting the focus from passenger vehicle novelty to tangible return on investment for business operations. Fleet operators are increasingly adopting retrofit solar kits and integrated body panels to power auxiliary systems such as refrigeration units, lift gates, and HVAC systems, effectively reducing diesel consumption and extending battery life for electric trucks. This operational transition is being legitimized by new regulatory certifications that validate the safety and reliability of add-on photovoltaic systems for public road use. For instance, according to StockTitan, January 2025, in the article 'Sono Motors Makes History: First German Approval for Solar Bus Kit Technology', Sono Group announced that its subsidiary became the first company in Germany to receive National Type Approval (TTG) for its vehicle-integrated photovoltaic Solar Bus Kit, establishing a critical compliance benchmark for widespread commercial adoption.

Concurrently, the adoption of Perovskite and Tandem photovoltaic technologies is gaining momentum as manufacturers seek to overcome the surface area limitations of vehicle bodies by utilizing materials with superior energy density. These next-generation architectures offer theoretical efficiencies significantly higher than traditional silicon cells, allowing for greater power generation without requiring additional physical space on the vehicle hood or roof. The rapid maturation of this technology is driving it from laboratory research toward commercial viability, providing the high-yield performance necessary to make solar charging a primary rather than supplementary energy source. This technological leap is highlighted by recent breakthroughs; according to pv magazine, January 2026, in the report 'China’s Hefei BOE Solar Technology claims 27.37% efficiency for perovskite solar cell', the company achieved a certified conversion efficiency of 27.37%, setting a new performance standard that enhances the feasibility of integrating high-output modules into automotive surfaces.

Segmental Insights

The Passenger Vehicles segment is positioning itself as the fastest-growing category in the Global EV Solar Modules Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for electric cars that offer extended driving ranges and reduced reliance on external charging infrastructure. Automotive manufacturers are actively integrating solar panels into vehicle roofs to power auxiliary systems, such as climate control and infotainment, which significantly improves overall energy efficiency. Furthermore, stringent sustainability protocols enforced by regulatory bodies like the European Commission are compelling the industry to adopt on-board renewable energy generation, thereby accelerating the deployment of solar technology in personal transportation.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global EV Solar Modules Market, driven by a combination of comprehensive federal support and a mature automotive ecosystem. The region’s market position is fortified by the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers substantial tax incentives for renewable energy integration and domestic manufacturing. Furthermore, stringent state-level mandates, such as California’s Zero Emission Vehicle standards, compel automakers to accelerate the development of sustainable transportation technologies. These regulatory drivers, combined with the active participation of major automotive stakeholders in renewable research, create a highly favorable environment for the widespread deployment of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, a consortium including TNO, Fraunhofer ISE, and companies such as Sono Solar and Lightyear Layer released the results of the "SolarMoves" project, which assessed the potential of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics across Europe. The collaboration gathered data from 18 vehicles, including trucks, buses, and passenger cars equipped with solar sensors, covering over one million kilometers of driving. The findings verified that integrated solar modules could serve as a significant renewable energy source for the transport sector. The data suggested that in Southern Europe, solar integration could supply up to 50% of the annual energy requirements for passenger vehicles with low annual mileage.
• In February 2025, a European research team led by the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin published findings from a comprehensive field test of a light commercial electric vehicle integrated with solar modules. The researchers installed photovoltaic panels with a peak capacity of 2,180 watts on the vehicle's roof and sides to monitor real-world energy yields over four months. The study confirmed that the solar modules extended the vehicle's driving range by approximately 30%, contributing an additional 530 kilometers during the test period. The analysis indicated a high system efficiency of up to 66% for converting captured solar energy into usable traction battery power.
• In November 2024, Aptera Motors demonstrated its first production-intent solar electric vehicle, achieving a critical milestone for the adoption of solar modules in the automotive sector. The company showcased a lightweight, aerodynamic vehicle equipped with integrated solar cells designed to provide up to 40 miles of daily range solely from sunlight, eliminating the need for daily grid charging for many users. This demonstration utilized components finalized for mass production, validating the successful integration of solar technology with the vehicle's structural body and drivetrain. The event highlighted the commercial viability of embedding high-efficiency solar modules directly into electric vehicle skins.
• In September 2024, Webasto introduced a new vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) roof concept named EcoPeak, designed to optimize the energy efficiency of electric vehicles. The company utilized triangle-shaped silicon solar cells arranged in a honeycomb pattern to cover both the vehicle's roof and rear window, thereby maximizing the surface area available for power generation. This system was reported to be 40% lighter than conventional roofs due to the use of sustainable polycarbonate materials. The manufacturer stated that the integrated solar modules could generate up to 350 kWh of electricity annually, potentially adding approximately 2,500 kilometers of driving range per year depending on local climate conditions.

Key Market Players

• Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.
• Volkswagen Group
• JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
• Trina Solar Co. Ltd.
• JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Canadian Solar Inc,
• LG Electronics Inc.
• SunPower Corporation
• Hanwha Corporation
• LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

By Solar Panel Type	By Grid Type	By Application	By Region
Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline	Off-grid Module On-grid Module and Hybrid Module	Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• EV Solar Modules Market, By Solar Panel Type:

• Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline

• EV Solar Modules Market, By Grid Type:

• Off-grid Module
• On-grid Module
• and Hybrid Module

• EV Solar Modules Market, By Application:

• Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles

• EV Solar Modules 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