France Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

The solar encapsulation industry in France is adapting due to its focus on two main areas agrivoltaics and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). These two applications require a careful mix of light performance and durability. Agrivoltaics systems, which place photovoltaic (PV) panels above growing crops, need encapsulants that can allow the right light spectrum for plants while shielding the cells from environmental factors. Traditionally, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) has been the market leader due to its affordability, strong bonding, and clear optics. Nevertheless, with the rise of high-efficiency N-type cell designs, especially in glass-glass installations for long-term agricultural and façade projects, polyolefin elastomer (POE) is becoming more popular. POE provides better moisture protection, excellent potential-induced degradation (PID) resistance, and improved UV stability, which are crucial for setups that face humidity, temperature changes, and extended exposure to sunlight. In BIPV façades, encapsulation must also comply with strict fire safety and building regulations while ensuring visual consistency and lasting clarity. This necessity has sparked research into new formulations, such as recyclable encapsulants and bio-based materials, to support France's and the EU's goals for a circular economy. A significant area of research is the development of infrared (IR)-selective films that can filter certain wavelengths, thereby reducing heat buildup on crops in agrivoltaics setups while still delivering high electrical performance. These films also enhance thermal comfort in systems integrated into façades by controlling solar heat gain without sacrificing natural light. Moreover, encapsulants are being designed for high impact resistance to endure hail storms, which are a growing concern in various parts of France. Backed by EU green innovation funds and national energy transition initiatives, French companies and research institutions are working together to create encapsulation solutions that merge agronomic suitability, architectural design, and resilience to extreme weather.

According to the research report ""France Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the France Solar Encapsulation market is anticipated to grow at more than 9.08% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. France’s market for solar encapsulation is set for expansion through two promising areas agrivoltaics and industrial rooftop setups. Agrivoltaics initiatives where solar panels are placed above crops are growing due to supportive national policies such as the Climate and Resilience Law and Decree No. 2024‑318, which establish guidelines for design and land use to ensure that farming effectiveness continues alongside energy production. These systems require encapsulants that provide the right optical transmission for plant growth while being tough enough to withstand wind, rain, and hail. At the same time, industrial rooftops especially in logistics centers, manufacturing plants, and large shopping complexes are seen as targets for large-scale PV installations, making use of their vast roof spaces for substantial on-site energy generation. In both areas, glass–glass module designs are gaining popularity due to their excellent strength, resistance to moisture, and long lifespan, while recyclable encapsulant combinations like bio-based EVA, POE, and blends of ionomer are being created to fulfill EU circular economy ambitions and lessen waste at the end of their lifespan. The supply chain is supported by European laminators skilled in customizing module types for BIPV and agrivoltaics systems, together with international film suppliers from Asia and North America who offer sophisticated encapsulation materials customized for UV durability, PID resistance, and optical adjustment. Following regulations is a key market motivator compliance with NF standards guarantees structural strength and compatibility with French construction regulations, while IEC certifications confirm performance according to international standards for mechanical stress, thermal fluctuations, and damp-heat endurance. For agrivoltaics applications that integrate with façades or overhead structures, adhering to strict fire safety requirements under EN 13501 is essential for obtaining permits and insurance.

In today's solar encapsulation market by materials is divided into Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ionomer and Polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) remains the primary material used for standard PV modules, especially in residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects where affordability, strong bonding, and excellent light transmission are essential. Its longstanding history, compatibility with existing lamination techniques, and dependable performance in moderate climates make it the go-to option for most glass–backsheet designs. On the other hand, in bifacial solar farms, where panels receive sunlight from both sides and are frequently subjected to high humidity, high voltage, or extreme temperature conditions, polyolefin elastomer (POE) is becoming more favored. POE provides superior protection against moisture, excellent resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), and enhanced UV stability, resulting in reduced degradation rates and extended operational lifespans vital for maximizing returns on investment in large, high-yield setups. Research from both field and laboratory studies indicates that glass–glass bifacial modules made with POE show significantly less degradation over time compared to their EVA counterparts, making it a strategic option for projects focused on durability and quality. Meanwhile, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is establishing a presence in solar canopy projects, such as carports, pathways, and architectural shading elements. TPU's remarkable flexibility, resistance to wear, and ability to withstand impacts enable it to handle curved or unconventional module shapes while enduring mechanical pressures from wind, debris, and thermal changes. Its inherent resilience and clarity make it ideal for semi-transparent modules that serve as both energy producers and protective infrastructure, offering energy generation alongside weather protection. Collectively, these three categories EVA for budget-friendly standard use, POE for high-efficiency bifacial farms, and TPU for aesthetically focused canopy designs demonstrate how the choice of encapsulants is increasingly tailored to specific applications.

In today’s landscape of photovoltaic technology by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon modules continue to be the leading category, especially favored for standard residential, commercial, and utility-scale ventures. Their remarkable efficiency often surpassing 20% for monocrystalline designs coupled with established reliability and a well-developed global supply chain, makes them a trustworthy option for the majority of installations. In regions that emphasize maximizing energy output per square meter, crystalline modules shine because of their excellent performance in direct sunlight, extended lifespan, and compatibility with innovative cell designs such as PERC, TOPCon, and heterojunction (HJT). These upgrades further enhance energy production and decrease the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), solidifying the position of crystalline technology at the forefront. Simultaneously, thin-film technologies such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and amorphous silicon (a-Si) are undergoing active testing in tandem cell configurations. In these setups, a layer of thin-film material, often based on perovskite, is placed above a crystalline silicon cell to capture photons with higher energy, while the underlying crystalline layer takes in light with lower energy. This complementary light absorption allows for efficiencies exceeding the limitations of single-junction cells, with current laboratory findings already indicating more than 29% efficiency and commercial goals aiming for over 30%. The natural benefits of thin-film technology its lightweight nature, flexibility, and enhanced performance in low-light conditions make it highly appealing for tandem applications where weight, shape, or responsiveness to diffuse light are crucial, such as in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) façades, lightweight roofs, and mobile systems. Although crystalline consistently leads in market share, thin-film tandem trials are strategically vital for the upcoming generation of high-efficiency modules, providing a route to significantly improved energy yields without expanding installation space.

France's solar energy expansion by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) is branching out into four unique and strategically vital areas, each showcasing local strengths and innovation focuses. Ground-mounted facilities are found mainly in the sunnier southern parts of the country, where the combination of high solar radiation and ample land makes large utility projects financially appealing. These setups frequently employ single-axis tracking to enhance energy output and are built to withstand the hot Mediterranean climate and occasional strong winds. In metropolitan areas like Paris, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are growing swiftly, spurred by ambitious energy efficiency standards and design trends that incorporate solar panels into building exteriors, skylights, and curtain walls. Here, the design of encapsulation and modules needs to achieve a balance between visual appeal, fire safety, and long-lasting optical clarity to comply with construction codes and design vision. In the Rhône-Alpes region, floating solar projects are underway on hydropower reservoirs and dam surfaces, utilizing existing grid connections and underused water sources. These systems gain from the cooling effect provided by water, which can enhance module performance, while also minimizing evaporation—offering termsal benefits for water resource management. Engineering hurdles such as anchoring in changing water levels and ensuring environmental harmony are being overcome with specialized designs and materials. Lastly, EV solar prototypes are being developed as part of France’s initiative for sustainable transportation, incorporating lightweight and flexible solar panels into the roofs, hoods, and charging systems of electric vehicles. These prototypes aim to boost driving range, power auxiliary systems, or facilitate off-grid charging, while leveraging advancements in thin-film and high-efficiency cell technologies.

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