Thin Film Photovoltaics Market, By Product Type, By Installation, By Technology, By Substrate, By End User, By Country, and By Region – Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Market Share & Forecast from 2025-2032

REPORT HIGHLIGHT

Thin Film Photovoltaics Market size was valued at US$ 6,293.09 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 15.33% from 2025 to 2032.
Thin film photovoltaic modules generate electricity at a low cost per watt. They are well-suited for large-scale solar farms and Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) applications. These modules consistently produce power, even in high temperatures, as well as during cloudy days and at low sun angles. In BIPV applications, thin film Photovoltaics provide excellent aesthetic appeal. Additionally, thin film photovoltaic modules experience a relatively minor reduction in power output under partial shading compared to crystalline silicon Photovoltaics. This characteristic allows for greater design flexibility when these modules are incorporated into building structures. When compared to conventional crystalline silicon solar panels, thin-film technologies are lightweight, flexible, and potentially more cost-effective, making them appropriate for a diverse array of applications.
Thin Film Photovoltaics Market- Market Dynamics

The increasing demand for lightweight and flexible solar panels is anticipated to propel market growth. These panels present considerable benefits compared to traditional silicon-based solar modules, such as reduced weight, flexibility, and the ability to be easily integrated into various surfaces and applications, including rooftops, vehicles, and portable devices. As both industries and consumers increasingly pursue cost-effective and space-efficient renewable energy solutions, thin film technologies, particularly those utilizing materials like cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), are gaining popularity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cadmium telluride solar photovoltaics (PV) represent a crucial clean energy technology that was developed in the United States, boasts a significant and expanding U.S. manufacturing base, and commands over a 30% share of the U.S. utility-scale PV market. Additionally, the rising electrification demands in remote and rural areas may present growth opportunities for the market. However, environmental concerns could hinder market expansion.
Thin Film Photovoltaics Market- Key Insights
As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 15.33% over the forecast period (2025-2032)
Based on product type segmentation, Cadmium telluride (CDTE) was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2024
Based on Installation segmentation, on-grid was the leading Installation in 2024
Based on Substrate segmentation, Plastic was the leading Substrate in 2024
Based on Technology segmentation, transparent thin film was the leading Technology in 2024
Based on end-user segmentation, Commercial was the leading end user in 2024
On the basis of region, Asia Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2024
Thin Film Photovoltaics Market- Segmentation Analysis:

The Global Thin Film Photovoltaics Market is segmented on the basis of Product Type, Installation, Substrate, Technology, End User, and Region.
The market is divided into five categories based on product type: Cadmium telluride (CDTE), Amorphous silicon (A-SI), Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), Perovskite, Organic PV, Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), Quantum dot thin film solar cells, and All-silicon tandem. Cadmium telluride (CDTE) leads the market growth. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) leads the growth of the Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV) market due to its high efficiency, low manufacturing cost, and superior performance in low-light and high-temperature conditions compared to other thin film technologies. CdTe modules require less energy and material to produce, resulting in a lower carbon footprint and competitive Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), making them ideal for large-scale utility solar projects.
The market is categorized into two segments based on installation: On-Grid and Off-Grid. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) is at the forefront of the growth in the Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV) market, especially in on-grid installations, where it is extensively utilized for large-scale utility solar farms due to its high energy yield, cost efficiency, and ease of installation. On-grid CdTe systems are increasingly being adopted in regions with high solar irradiation, particularly in North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, where utility companies aim to achieve renewable energy objectives. Furthermore, CdTe-based thin film modules are also being utilized in off-grid applications, albeit to a lesser degree, as their lightweight design and dependable performance in extreme conditions render them ideal for remote and rural electrification initiatives.
The market is categorized into three segments based on Substrate: Plastic, Metal, and Glass. Plastic leads the growth of the market. Plastic substrates are the primary drivers of the Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV) market's expansion due to their lightweight, flexible, and cost-efficient characteristics, making them suitable for a variety of applications beyond conventional rigid solar panels. In contrast to glass or metal substrates, plastic facilitates the creation of flexible and rollable solar modules that can be incorporated into curved surfaces, wearable technology, automotive exteriors, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). This adaptability has greatly broadened the potential for solar energy utilization across various sectors, including commercial construction, transportation, and consumer electronics.
The market is divided into four segments according to technology: Single-junction thin film, Multi-junction thin film, Flexible thin film, and transparent thin film. Leading the growth of the market is transparent thin film. Transparent thin film photovoltaics are leading the expansion of the Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV) market, driven by the growing demand for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and visually appealing solar solutions. These films offer the unique advantage of allowing natural light to enter while simultaneously generating electricity, making them ideal for integration into windows, facades, and skylights in modern architecture. The increasing emphasis on energy-efficient buildings, particularly in urban areas, has accelerated the adoption of transparent TFPVs in both commercial and residential sectors.
The market is categorized into two segments based on End-User: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial, along with others. The Commercial segment leads the market growth, primarily due to the rising incorporation of solar energy solutions within commercial buildings, offices, shopping centers, and industrial sites. Thin film technologies, specifically CdTe, CIGS, and transparent films, are particularly advantageous for commercial uses owing to their lightweight, flexible, and visually adaptable characteristics. The uptake of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is notably accelerating in the commercial domain, bolstered by government incentives, carbon emission objectives, and the increasing demand for clean energy. Consequently, the commercial sector continues to be a significant catalyst for the global expansion of the TFPV market.
Thin Film Photovoltaics Market- Geographical Insights

The Asia Pacific region is at the forefront of the market, primarily due to heightened investments in renewable energy. Governments in nations such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are vigorously encouraging the adoption of solar energy through supportive policies, subsidies, and extensive infrastructure initiatives. According to data from the NEA, China's renewable energy sector achieved an additional installed capacity of 373 million kilowatts in 2024, marking a 23 percent increase compared to the previous year. Notably, China has established itself as a global manufacturing center for solar components and is making significant investments in utility-scale solar projects, which greatly contribute to the expansion of the market. Meanwhile, North America maintains a considerable market share, driven by the increasing adoption of clean energy technologies, advantageous federal and state incentives, and improvements in solar panel efficiency.
Thin Film Photovoltaics Market- Competitive Landscape:

The Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV) market is witnessing increasing competition as firms endeavor to set themselves apart through technological specialization, cost leadership, and specific applications. Although conventional crystalline silicon continues to lead in global solar capacity, thin film manufacturers are making headway in niche and developing applications, thereby enhancing competition across various segments. The expansion into burgeoning solar markets in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East is driving growth and intensifying competition.

Recent Developments:

The Stuttgart-based Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and First Solar, Inc. have declared a strategic research partnership aimed at enhancing thin film photovoltaics (PV). This collaboration will concentrate not only on performance improvements but also on the potential to create and refine all-thin-film tandem technologies at a gigawatt scale.

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

The scope of this report covers the market by its major segments, which include as follows:

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET KEY PLAYERS- DETAILED COMPETITIVE INSIGHTS

First Solar, Inc.
Hanergy Thin Film Power Group Ltd.
Sharp Corporation
MiaSolé Hi-Tech Corp.
Solar Frontier K.K. (Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.)
Oxford Photovoltaics Ltd.
AVANCIS GmbH
Flisom AG
Siva Power, Inc.
NexWafe GmbH
Heliatek GmbH
TSMC Solar Ltd.
Solibro GmbH (a former subsidiary of Hanergy)
Global Solar Energy, Inc.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.
Trony Solar Holdings Company Limited
NanoPV Solar Inc.
Calyxo GmbH
EnerSolar Corp.
Kaneka Corporation
Others

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 - 2032

Cadmium telluride (CDTE)
Amorphous silicon (A-SI)
Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)
Perovskite
Organic PV
Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS)
Quantum dot thin film solar cells
All-silicon tandem

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET, BY INSTALLATION- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 - 2032

On-Grid
Off-Grid

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET, BY SUBSTRATE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 - 2032

Plastic
Metal
Glass

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 - 2032

Single-junction thin film
Multi-junction thin film
Flexible thin film
Transparent thin film

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET, BY END-USER- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 - 2032

Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Others

GLOBAL THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET, BY REGION- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 - 2032

North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
The Netherlands
Sweden
Russia
Poland
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Thailand
Philippines
Rest of APAC
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Colombia
Rest of LATAM
The Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Israel
Turkey
Algeria
Egypt
Rest of MEA Show more