Columbia Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

Colombia's Encapsulation market by climate, characterized by its equatorial conditions, constant high humidity, strong UV radiation, and regular rainfall, imposes significant challenges on the encapsulation systems of photovoltaic (PV) modules. In these environments, resistance to damp heat is essential to avoid problems like moisture entry, layer separation, and loss of electrical insulation. Furthermore, fungal growth on the surfaces and edges of modules can compromise optical clarity and longevity. Traditionally, the use of standard EVA has dominated the market; however, there is a transition towards POE and innovative EVA blends in both glass–glass and glass–backsheet designs. POE's non‑polar chemical structure provides better moisture resistance, improved UV resilience, and strong protection against potential-induced degradation (PID), making it particularly ideal for Colombia’s humid and hot lowlands and coastal areas. Modern EVA formulations now include acid‑scavenging agents, enhanced crosslinking compounds, and anti‑fungal measures to combat yellowing, acetic acid development, and biological infection. These encapsulants are now frequently tested against tropical durability protocols that exceed traditional IEC standards, simulating extended exposure to environments of 85 °C/85 % RH, salt mist, and biological growth. Research and development initiatives in Colombia often partnering with universities, local laboratories, and international material vendors are concentrating on accelerated climate aging, specifically for tropical conditions. This approach involves multi‑stress assessments that combine heat, moisture, UV exposure, and mechanical cycle loads to mimic the various degradation processes encountered in real-world conditions. Such evaluations not only confirm the effectiveness of encapsulants but also influence material choices for projects funded through Colombia's renewable energy auctions and distributed energy incentives. Adherence to IEC standards for damp heat, PID, and UV, along with local benchmarks for tropical aging, is becoming increasingly important for bankability, as financiers and insurers look for guarantees against early failures in moisture-rich environments.

According to the research report ""Colombia Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Colombia Solar Encapsulation market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 70 Million by 2030. The solar encapsulation sector in Colombia is growing alongside the swift rise of distributed generation (DG) and specific grid support initiatives aimed at enhancing energy reliability and accessibility in both urban and rural areas. This rise in demand is prompting manufacturers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms to focus on materials and designs capable of enduring the country's equatorial conditions, where high humidity, strong UV radiation, and regular rain contribute to faster deterioration. A significant development is the implementation of tropical durability standards that surpass basic IEC guidelines to replicate extended exposure to damp heat, salt mist, and biological factors, ensuring that modules retain their adhesion, optical clarity, and electrical insulation over many years. At the same time, anti-UV encapsulation solutions often featuring cutting-edge EVA, POE, or multilayer barrier films are increasingly utilized to shield high-quality cell types from issues like photochemical degradation, discoloration, and acetic acid issues, especially in coastal areas and regions with high sunlight exposure. The market is supported by local EPC contractors who install modules on DG rooftops, community solar projects, and hybrid microgrid systems, procuring encapsulation films from international suppliers in Asia, Europe, and North America to fulfill performance and certification standards. Adhering to RETIE (Colombia’s Technical Regulation for Electrical Installations) is compulsory for all electrical products, including photovoltaic modules, ensuring compliance with national safety and performance guidelines. Alongside IEC certification for damp heat, thermal cycling, PID resistance, and UV stability, these standards are vital for enhancing bankability, as they minimize technical risks, decrease potential warranty claims, and facilitate project funding from both domestic and international financial institutions.

Within Colombia's photovoltaic encapsulation sector by materials is divided into Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ionomer and Polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is the primary material, commonly utilized in residential, commercial, and large-scale projects because of its affordability, excellent light transmittance, and strong bonding to glass and cells. Its suitability with existing lamination techniques and a well-developed global supply network makes it the standard option for the majority of initiatives, especially in inland or temperate areas where environmental challenges are minimal. Conversely, in the nation’s humid, high-irradiance regions including coastal zones, tropical lowlands, and sections of the Amazon the potential for moisture ingress, acetic acid production, and color change from extended UV exposure in EVA has led to an increasing transition towards polyolefin elastomer (POE). The non-polar characteristics of POE offer a substantially reduced water vapor transmission rate, better resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), and improved UV durability, allowing modules to keep their electrical insulation and visual clarity over many years in moist heat conditions. Such attributes are especially beneficial in glass-to-glass and bifacial modules, where both faces of the cell face exposure and a long-lasting barrier performance is vital. Some producers are also implementing EVA/POE hybrid layers, positioning POE in moisture-sensitive sections while preserving EVA in other areas to strike a balance between cost and longevity. The supply chain includes local assemblers who customize module designs for Colombia’s varying climates alongside imported encapsulation films from global suppliers familiar with tropical market demands. Adhering to IEC damp-heat, PID, and UV stability standards, as well as Colombia’s RETIE electrical safety rules, is crucial for financial credibility, as investors and insurers need guarantees against early failures in high-humidity settings.

In Colombia’s photovoltaic sector by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon modules are the leading technology, prevalent in both distributed generation and large-scale projects because of their efficiency, proven reliability, and strong financial credibility. Monocrystalline PERC and the newly emerging TOPCon technologies are commonly used in rooftop installations, commercial buildings, and solar power plants, delivering dependable performance across the nation’s diverse landscapes from the cooler Andean mountains to the warm, moist Caribbean coast. Their well-established global supply chain, compatibility with existing encapsulation methods, and adherence to RETIE and IEC standards position them as the primary choice for investors and engineering, procurement, and construction firms aiming for stable long-term returns. At the same time, thin-film technologies including amorphous silicon (a‑Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmium telluride (CdTe) are being explored in portable photovoltaic applications, where attributes like weight, flexibility, and design are essential. These portable systems are utilized for off-grid electrification, emergency assistance, military needs, and rural connection, reaping the benefits of thin-film's lower temperature coefficient, consistent performance in diffuse lighting, and capacity for integration into lightweight, foldable, or rollable designs. In Colombia’s isolated and humid areas, thin-film’s resistance to partial shading and mechanical stress renders it suitable for mobile power solutions, solar backpacks, and easy-to-transport microgrids. Although thin-film modules typically yield lower conversion efficiencies compared to crystalline, their ability to adapt to unconventional surfaces and convenience of transportation offers value in specific, mobility-oriented markets. Current pilot projects are also assessing the durability of encapsulation in tropical damp-heat and UV exposure to guarantee that these portable systems achieve the same reliability standards as fixed installations.

Colombia is expanding its solar energy initiatives by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics), influenced by location, infrastructure, and energy accessibility needs. Ground-mounted PV installations are primarily found in the Caribbean, where optimal solar exposure, flat land, and closeness to transmission infrastructure create favorable conditions for large-scale utility projects. These facilities, typically acquired through state-run bidding processes, deliver significant amounts of electricity to the grid and are built to withstand high UV levels, humidity, and coastal wear and tear. Floating PV systems are being developed on water bodies, like the Aquasol trial project at the Urrá hydroelectric facility in Córdoba. These systems take advantage of existing electricity connections, cut down on evaporation, and benefit from cooling provided by the water’s surface, which enhances the efficiency of the panels. Specially designed anchorage and materials resistant to corrosion are used to counteract the changing water levels and the growth of biological organisms. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are still mostly seen in limited formats, mainly as pilot projects or specific architectural designs in city areas. The high initial investment, the scarcity of local production for bespoke panels, and the requirements to adhere to strict building aesthetics and fire safety regulations have hindered widespread use, although there is a growing interest in smart building technology and green certification sectors. Lastly, portable solar systems are crucial for providing energy to rural and off-grid regions, especially in remote areas like the Amazon, Pacific, and Orinoquía where extending the electricity grid is not viable. These setups, which include compact solar kits and mobile microgrids, utilize lightweight crystalline or thin-film solar panels along with battery storage solutions to deliver lighting, charge devices, power refrigeration, and run essential appliances, thereby enhancing living standards and bolstering local economies.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Solar Encapsulation Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Materials
• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
• Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB)
• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
• Ionomer
• Polyolefin

By Technology
• Crystalline Silicon Solar
• Thin-Film Solar

By Application
• Ground-mounted
• Building-integrated photovoltaic
• Floating photovoltaic
• Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) Show more