Solar Energy Glass Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.17 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	13.31%
Fastest Growing Segment	Tempered Glass
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 10.94 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Solar Energy Glass Market will grow from USD 5.17 Billion in 2025 to USD 10.94 Billion by 2031 at a 13.31% CAGR. Solar energy glass is a specialized, high-transmittance glass engineered with low iron content to maximize light absorption for photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors. This product typically incorporates anti-reflective coatings and tempering to ensure durability against environmental stressors while enhancing energy conversion efficiency. The market is primarily driven by the intensifying global transition toward renewable energy to meet strict decarbonization targets and mitigate climate change. Additionally, supportive government policies, including subsidies and tax incentives, alongside the decreasing cost of solar power generation, are significantly bolstering the demand for solar infrastructure and its essential components.

However, the industry faces a substantial challenge in the form of supply chain constraints and fluctuating raw material prices, particularly for soda ash and silica, which can disrupt production schedules and impact profitability. This volatility complicates the ability of manufacturers to scale output at a pace that matches the explosive growth of the sector. According to SolarPower Europe, in 2024, the global solar market installed a record 597 GW of capacity, creating immense pressure on material supply lines to meet this escalating demand.

Key Market Drivers

Surging global installations of utility-scale and distributed solar PV systems act as the primary catalyst for the solar energy glass market, directly necessitating vast volumes of high-transmittance glass for module fabrication. As nations accelerate their renewable energy deployments to meet decarbonization goals, the sheer physical scale of required photovoltaic infrastructure is expanding rapidly, creating a linear increase in demand for front-cover glass. According to the IEA-PVPS, April 2024, in the 'Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2024', approximately 446 GW of new PV systems were commissioned globally in 2023, underscoring this massive manufacturing requirement. This deployment intensity is particularly evident in major markets where large-scale projects dominate; for instance, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), June 2024, in the 'Solar Market Insight Report Q2 2024', the US utility-scale segment alone installed a record 9.8 GWdc of capacity in the first quarter of 2024.

The increasing market penetration of bifacial dual-glass solar modules further amplifies this demand by fundamentally altering the material intensity per unit. Unlike traditional monofacial modules that utilize a polymeric backsheet, bifacial technology employs glass on both the front and rear surfaces to capture reflected light, effectively doubling the glass surface area required for each panel. This shift towards dual-glass configurations is rapidly becoming the industry standard due to enhanced durability and higher energy yields. According to VDMA, May 2024, in the '15th Edition of the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV)', bifacial modules are projected to capture a 63% market share in 2024, signaling a structural transition that significantly boosts volume requirements for glass manufacturers beyond simple installation growth.

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Key Market Challenges

The Global Solar Energy Glass Market is currently impeded by significant supply chain constraints and the volatility of essential raw material prices. Manufacturers depend heavily on the steady availability of soda ash and silica, yet unpredictable cost fluctuations for these inputs disrupt production schedules and erode profit margins. This instability creates a precarious environment where producers are unable to accurately forecast expenses, leading to hesitation in financing the capital-intensive facility expansions required to match the sector's explosive growth. Consequently, the inability to scale output efficiently delays the delivery of critical components for solar modules, creating bottlenecks that ripple through the entire energy transition timeline.

The severity of this financial volatility is evident in recent industrial data. According to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, in 2024, the total output value of the photovoltaic manufacturing sector decreased by approximately 32.4% year-over-year, despite an increase in overall production volume. This sharp decline in value highlights how raw material price instability and supply/demand imbalances directly undermine profitability. Such financial pressure forces manufacturers to prioritize cost containment over aggressive expansion, thereby stalling the overall momentum of the solar glass market.

Key Market Trends

The Transition to Ultra-Thin 2.0mm Glass Architectures has solidified as a primary market trajectory, compelled by the industry's need to neutralize the weight implications of dual-glass module designs while optimizing material usage. Manufacturers are increasingly standardizing thinner glass profiles to ensure that the durability benefits of double-glass formats do not compromise installation feasibility or logistics costs. This dominance of thinner specifications is evident in recent production shifts; according to Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited, September 2025, in the 'Interim Report 2025', the 2.0mm solar glass specification has surpassed the traditional 3.2mm format in market share to become the mainstream product category. This evolution allows module fabricators to enhance energy yield through bifaciality without exceeding the structural load capacities of tracker systems.

Simultaneously, the sector is experiencing a Surge in Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) Glass Demand, driven by the scaling of advanced thin-film photovoltaic technologies that rely on conductive substrates for charge collection. Leading glass producers are responding to this specialized requirement by converting existing float glass infrastructure into dedicated TCO manufacturing lines, moving away from commoditized architectural glass. This strategic realignment is illustrated by industrial expansion efforts; according to NSG Group, January 2025, in the announcement 'New U.S. Solar Glass Production Line Starts Operation', the company converted a float glass facility in Ohio to commence TCO glass production in March 2025 to support the capacity growth of First Solar. This underscores a divergence in the market where high-tech conductive glass is becoming critical for next-generation solar efficiency.

Segmental Insights

The tempered glass segment currently represents the fastest-growing category within the Global Solar Energy Glass Market, driven by its critical role in enhancing photovoltaic module durability. This material is increasingly preferred because it offers superior resistance to thermal stress and mechanical impact compared to standard glass, effectively protecting solar cells from environmental hazards such as hail and high winds. Additionally, the adoption of tempered glass is accelerated by stringent safety and performance guidelines from organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission, which necessitate the use of robust protective materials to ensure the long-term operational stability of solar infrastructure.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Solar Energy Glass Market due to extensive investments in renewable energy infrastructure and favorable federal policies that prioritize clean energy transitions. The region is significantly bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides essential tax credits to incentivize the domestic manufacturing of solar components. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy implements strategic programs to accelerate solar deployment, directly stimulating the demand for specialized photovoltaic glass. These regulatory frameworks, combined with a strong focus on utility-scale projects, create a stable environment that solidifies the region's dominant market position.

Recent Developments

In February 2025, Saint-Gobain entered into a collaborative partnership with Maltha Glass Recycling to execute a pilot project focused on the circular economy. The companies successfully processed 75 tons of end-of-life solar panel glass, transforming the recovered material into cullet suitable for the production of new flat glass. This breakthrough demonstrated the technical feasibility of recycling photovoltaic glass, which had previously posed a challenge for the industry. The initiative highlighted a commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and aimed to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the lifecycle of solar energy infrastructure.
In January 2025, the NSG Group announced the commencement of operations at its newly converted transparent conductive oxide (TCO) glass production line in Rossford, Ohio. This facility was upgraded specifically to support the manufacturing requirements of First Solar, a leading thin-film solar module producer. The production line utilized proprietary online coating technology to create durable, high-volume coated glass essential for solar panels. This operational milestone represented a strengthened collaboration between the glass supplier and the solar manufacturer, reinforcing the availability of critical materials for the expanding renewable energy sector in the United States.
In November 2024, Canadian Premium Sand revealed its strategic intention to build a patterned solar glass manufacturing plant in the United States with an annual capacity of 4 gigawatts. The company planned to repurpose an existing glass manufacturing site for this venture, aiming to supply low-carbon, high-clarity glass to the North American market. This initiative was designed to complement the company’s ongoing development of a separate 6-gigawatt facility in Canada, targeting a combined regional capacity of 10 gigawatts. The expansion addressed the increasing demand from solar panel manufacturers for domestically sourced glass components driven by incentives favoring local supply chains.
In March 2024, Solarcycle announced a plan to invest $344 million to establish a specialized glass manufacturing facility in Cedartown, Georgia. The company stated that this factory would be the first in the United States to produce solar glass using recycled materials recovered from retired photovoltaic panels. With a targeted annual production capacity of 5 to 6 gigawatts, the facility aimed to supply manufacturers of crystalline-silicon solar modules with sustainable glass components. This development highlighted a strategic shift towards vertical integration within the market, positioning the company to support the domestic supply chain while creating approximately 600 new jobs in the region.

Key Market Players

Onyx Solar Group LLC
Shenzhen Topray Solar Co., Ltd
Borosil Group
Trinasolar Co., Ltd.
JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.
Sharp Corporation
Bright Solar Limited
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
GruppoSTG
Polysolar Ltd

By Type	By Application	By End User	By Region
Anti-Reflective Coated Glass Tempered Glass TCO Glass Others	Residential Commercial Utility-Scale	Crystalline Silicon PV Modules Thin Film PV Modules	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

Solar Energy Glass Market, By Type:

Anti-Reflective Coated Glass
Tempered Glass
TCO Glass
Others

Solar Energy Glass Market, By Application:

Residential
Commercial
Utility-Scale

Solar Energy Glass Market, By End User:

Crystalline Silicon PV Modules
Thin Film PV Modules

Solar Energy Glass 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 Energy Glass Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Solar Energy Glass 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:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Solar Energy Glass Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

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 Energy Glass Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (Anti-Reflective Coated Glass, Tempered Glass, TCO Glass, Others)

5.2.2. By Application (Residential, Commercial, Utility-Scale)

5.2.3. By End User (Crystalline Silicon PV Modules, Thin Film PV Modules)

5.2.4. By Region

5.2.5. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Solar Energy Glass Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Application

6.2.3. By End User

6.2.4. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Application

6.3.1.2.3. By End User

6.3.2. Canada Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Application

6.3.2.2.3. By End User

6.3.3. Mexico Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Application

6.3.3.2.3. By End User

7. Europe Solar Energy Glass Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Application

7.2.3. By End User

7.2.4. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Application

7.3.1.2.3. By End User

7.3.2. France Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Application

7.3.2.2.3. By End User

7.3.3. United Kingdom Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Application

7.3.3.2.3. By End User

7.3.4. Italy Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Application

7.3.4.2.3. By End User

7.3.5. Spain Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Application

7.3.5.2.3. By End User

8. Asia Pacific Solar Energy Glass Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Application

8.2.3. By End User

8.2.4. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Application

8.3.1.2.3. By End User

8.3.2. India Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Application

8.3.2.2.3. By End User

8.3.3. Japan Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Application

8.3.3.2.3. By End User

8.3.4. South Korea Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Application

8.3.4.2.3. By End User

8.3.5. Australia Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Application

8.3.5.2.3. By End User

9. Middle East & Africa Solar Energy Glass Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Application

9.2.3. By End User

9.2.4. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Application

9.3.1.2.3. By End User

9.3.2. UAE Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Application

9.3.2.2.3. By End User

9.3.3. South Africa Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Application

9.3.3.2.3. By End User

10. South America Solar Energy Glass Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Application

10.2.3. By End User

10.2.4. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Application

10.3.1.2.3. By End User

10.3.2. Colombia Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Application

10.3.2.2.3. By End User

10.3.3. Argentina Solar Energy Glass 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 Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Application

10.3.3.2.3. 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 Energy Glass 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. Onyx Solar Group LLC

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. Shenzhen Topray Solar Co., Ltd

15.3. Borosil Group

15.4. Trinasolar Co., Ltd.

15.5. JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.

15.6. Sharp Corporation

15.7. Bright Solar Limited

15.8. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

15.9. GruppoSTG

15.10. Polysolar Ltd

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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