Solar Backsheet Films Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Fluoropolymer, Non-fluoropolymer), By Thickness (Less Than 100mm, 100-500mm, Greater Than 500mm), By Installation, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Solar Backsheet Films Market Size & Trends

The global solar backsheet films market size was estimated at USD 1.87 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030. The demand for solar PV backsheet films are propelled by their rising demand for renewable energy for the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, since solar energy is an inexpensive form of energy, it has witnessed a rise in demand and gained high traction in recent years. In addition, favorable support from the government such as government incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and feed-in tariffs for encouraging installation of solar PV systems is anticipated to propel the demand for solar backsheet film during the forecast period.

The U.S. solar backsheet film market is projected to grow with a significant CAGR over the forecast period owing to factors such as solar PV projects under construction and in the planning stage coupled with government support are expected to increase the cumulative installed capacity of solar energy over the forecast period. For instance, as per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2022, the solar PV capacity additions in the U.S. increased by 38.7% in comparison to 2021.

The government has implemented various new incentive schemes to promote the adoption of solar and other renewable technologies. For instance, in August 2022, the U.S. government launched the Inflation Reduction Act which allotted USD 369 billion for the promotion of the renewable energy industry. As a result, various companies have initiated the construction of new solar PV manufacturing plants and are increasing the capacity of their existing units.

For instance, in February 2023, Silicon Ranch announced that the company would increase its solar power plant’s energy generation capacity. First Solar will supply 1.5 GW of advanced American thin film solar modules, in addition to its prior agreements which include the installation of a total of 4 GW of solar PV panels by 2027.

Type Insights

Based on type, the fluoropolymers dominated the market with a revenue share of above 62.0% in 2022. Since fluoropolymers offer high resistance to temperature, water, and ultraviolet (UV) radiations, they are suitable for the manufacturing of solar PV backsheet films.

Fluoropolymers are inert and have inherently low surface energy, hence the surfaces must be further treated for adhesion to the junction box and to the encapsulant. The solar backsheets composed of fluoropolymer outer layers prevent embrittlement of the film as a whole hence witnessing a rise in demand.

Thickness Insights

Thickness greater than 500mm dominated the market with a revenue share above 45.0% in 2022. Thicker backsheet films provide improved protection to solar modules against harsh environmental conditions, withstanding factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and UV radiation for longer durations.

Bifacial solar panels, which can capture sunlight from both the front and back sides, may benefit from thicker backsheet films. These films can help protect the rear-side solar cells and improve the efficiency of bifacial panels. Hence, the demand for solar backsheet film with a thickness greater than 500mm is anticipated to increase during the forecast period.

Installation Insights

Flat roof solar installation dominated the market with a revenue share of above 42.0% in 2022. Flat roof solar installations tend to be more cost-effective than traditional pitched-roof installations. Flat roofs are typically easier to access, require less complex racking systems, and often involve shorter cable runs. This can lead to lower installation and maintenance costs.

The flat roofs provide a large, unobstructed space for solar panel installation. This implies that a significant amount of solar capacity can be installed on a relatively small footprint. For commercial and industrial buildings with limited land space, flat roofs are an ideal location for solar arrays. Hence increasing the demand for solar backsheet films during the forecast period.

Application Insights

Based on application, the commercial segment dominated the market with a revenue share of above 43.0% in 2022. Solar panels allow commercial businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing or even eliminating their reliance on grid-supplied power. Over time, this can result in significant cost savings on energy bills, which is particularly appealing for businesses with high energy consumption.

Various businesses have shifted towards sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Hence, installing solar panels aligns with these goals by producing clean, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, this is a visible demonstration of corporate social responsibility.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the solar PV backsheet film market and accounted for a revenue share of over 54.0% in 2022. The developing economies across the region have been upgrading their energy infrastructure to meet the rising demand for power and taking measures to control future energy consumption. Stringent regulatory policies and norms to curb carbon emissions followed by growing consumer inclination toward renewable electricity infrastructure are expected to complement the market growth.

China is a lucrative market for investments compared to Western economies. China accounted for the highest solar PV demand in Asia Pacific on account of the increasing number of large-scale solar project installations in the country. Furthermore, India is recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia Pacific. Increasing foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country and a rising number of foreign companies entering the Indian market are expected to boost the growth of the solar backsheet industry.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Research activities across the solar PV backsheet film industry are focused on new materials, which combine several properties and are projected to gain wide acceptance in the coming years. Some of the prominent companies manufacturing these products include DuPont de Nemours, Inc.; COVEME s.p.a.; Arkema; 3M; TOYO ALUMINIUM K.K.; Krempel GmbH; and Targray Technology International Inc. Some prominent players in the global solar backsheet films market include:

• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

• COVEME s.p.a.

• Arkema

• 3M

• TOYO ALUMINIUM K.K.

• Krempel GmbH

• Targray Technology International Inc.

• Cybrid Technologies Inc.

• Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co., Ltd.

• Trina Solar

• Canadian Solar

• Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.
  

Solar Backsheet Films Market Report Scope

Global Solar Backsheet Films Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global solar backsheet films market report based on type, thickness, installation, application, and region:

• Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Fluoropolymer

  • Non-fluoropolymer

• Thickness Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Less than 100mm

  • 100 - 500mm

  • Greater than 500mm

• Installation Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Flat Roof Solar

  • Pitched Roof Solar

  • Ground Mount Solar

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Commercial

  • Residential

  • Industrial

  • Utility

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Netherlands

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Indonesia

    • Thailand

    • Vietnam

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    • South Africa