Germany Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

Germany's solar sector is experiencing a significant change, as the adoption of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), large-scale upgrades of older systems, and stricter fire and façade safety laws are transforming encapsulation from a basic protective covering to an essential architectural component. Traditionally dependent on imported EVA sheets, the market is now leaning towards environmentally friendly, cross-linked EVA formulations and advanced recyclable films that meet both performance criteria and the European Union's circular economy objectives. This shift is partially influenced by heightened fire safety standards for tall buildings and ventilated cladding systems, where encapsulants must meet requirements for low flammability, low smoke production, and adherence to EN 13501 fire ratings, while not sacrificing visual clarity. In BIPV uses such as curtain walls, skylights, or ventilated façades encapsulation must provide consistent transparency, UV resistance, and lasting adhesion, while fitting in with architectural glass systems. The focus on circularity has driven research and development into encapsulants that can be detached and recycled at the end of their lifespan, minimizing landfill waste and facilitating the retrieval of valuable materials. European Union green funding initiatives, including Horizon Europe and local energy transition subsidies, are supporting German producers and research organizations in creating bio-based polymers, halogen-free flame-retardant materials, and lamination techniques geared towards both safety and sustainability. These advancements are not only improving the technical attributes of BIPV products made in Germany but are also bolstering their competitive edge in international markets where similar safety and environmental criteria are being established. As upgrading projects replace older modules with more efficient designs that comply with regulations, encapsulation is increasingly recognized as a distinguishing factor in terms of appearance, durability, and environmental influence.

According to the research report ""Germany Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Germany Solar Encapsulation market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.91% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Germany's solar encapsulation sector is increasingly influenced by two key factors building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and extensive retrofit initiatives. As the nation modernizes old PV systems and ensures that new buildings comply with strict energy efficiency and safety regulations, the adoption of BIPV is gaining momentum. This trend is visible in new constructions and façade upgrades, where photovoltaic modules are seamlessly included in curtain walls, spandrel panels, skylights, and ventilated facades. Consequently, building exteriors are transforming into active energy producers. This architectural blend has shifted encapsulation from being merely a protective element to an essential part of design, necessitating optical transparency, long-lasting UV resistance, and compatibility with various glass types. Recent advancements involve the introduction of recyclable encapsulants many of which are bio-based or designed for simple separation after their lifecycle which align with EU circular economy objectives while lessening the environmental impact of photovoltaic modules. Glass-glass module construction is becoming popular, providing enhanced mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and fire safety, which are crucial for vertical and overhead uses in crowded urban settings. The industry shows a robust involvement from European film producers that deliver advanced formulations of EVA, POE, and ionomer tailored for architectural applications, along with specialized laminators capable of crafting custom module sizes, shapes, and levels of clarity to fulfill specific project needs. Regulatory compliance plays a vital role it is essential to conform to EN standards concerning PV efficiency and durability. Further, systems integrated into façades must also satisfy strict fire classification standards under EN 13501, frequently aiming for the highest classifications (like Bs1d0) to comply with building codes for tall and public buildings.

In Germany's market for photovoltaic encapsulation, by materials is divided into Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ionomer and Polyolefin each corresponding to particular performance standards and regulatory requirements. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) continues to be the preferred encapsulant, especially within standard glass–backsheet modules and cost-sensitive rooftop or ground systems. Its strong adhesion, good light transmission, and established manufacturing processes make it a reliable option for popular crystalline silicon modules, particularly in repowering initiatives that require compatibility with existing lamination equipment. Conversely, polyolefin elastomer (POE) is swiftly increasing its share in glass–glass module designs, which are becoming more common for high-efficiency n-type cells and applications that demand long lifespans. POE’s exceptional moisture barrier effectiveness, resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), and stability against UV light make it suitable for Germany’s humid continental and maritime weather conditions, as well as for modules anticipated to function for over 30 years. Extensive testing for durability indicates that glass–glass modules using POE can significantly exceed the lifespan of those using EVA under damp-heat and thermal cycling scenarios, matching the nation's emphasis on long-term performance and minimized levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Simultaneously, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has emerged as the preferred material for fire-safe building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) projects, where modules also serve as components of the building’s exterior. PVB's roots in architectural safety glass provide it with natural fire resistance, robust mechanical strength, and excellent optical qualities, ensuring adherence to strict EN 13501 fire safety ratings required for façades and overhead glass. Its compatibility with laminated safety glass manufacturing allows for easy integration into curtain walls and skylights while maintaining aesthetic appeal and safety standards.

In Germany's solar market, by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar crystalline silicon technology continues to be the leading choice for rooftop setups, utilized in both residential and commercial applications. This preference is attributed to its remarkable efficiency, established durability, and compatibility with current mounting systems and inverters. Specifically, monocrystalline panels yield greater energy production per square meter, making them particularly suitable for urban rooftops where space is limited. Their extensive history in Germany's diverse climate which ranges from snowy mountainous areas to coastal regions has solidified their status as the reliable standard for grid-connected rooftop installations. On the other hand, thin-film technologies are emerging in a more experimental yet strategically significant role, especially concerning tandem perovskite pilot projects. Research groups like Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and ZSW are developing perovskite–silicon and perovskite–CIGS tandem designs, with the goal of exceeding the efficiency limits of single-junction crystalline modules. In these configurations, the thin-film perovskite layer captures high-energy light, whereas the lower-energy light is absorbed by the underlying crystalline or CIGS cell, resulting in efficiencies over 29% in laboratory environments, with aspirations for more than 30% in future commercial products. Testing is underway for these tandem systems to assess their scalability, stability, and potential integration into building façades or lightweight constructions, where the advantages of thin-film's flexibility and reduced weight can be leveraged. While crystalline technology dominates the current installations, the tandem method positions thin-film as a means of enhancing performance rather than acting as a direct rival utilizing its spectral complementarity with crystalline technology to improve energy production. This dual-technology approach is aligned with Germany’s broader energy transition strategy to deploy established and dependable crystalline systems at scale while also investing in cutting-edge tandem thin-film innovations that could transform module efficiency and application flexibility in the forthcoming decade.

Germany's solar energy installation by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) is expanding into four unique segments, influenced by geography, policies, and trends in innovation. Rooftop solar is the most common, supported by feed-in tariffs, incentives for self-consumption, and decreasing costs of modules. Across the nation, both residential and commercial rooftops ranging from homes in suburban areas to logistics facilities are equipped with high-efficiency crystalline modules, frequently combined with battery storage to enhance on-site energy utilization. Simultaneously, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have gained significant traction in cities like Berlin and Munich, where high population density and proactive net-zero building legislation motivate the inclusion of solar power into building exteriors, skylights, and curtain walls. In this context, encapsulation alongside module design focuses on optical excellence, fire safety, and visual appeal, allowing for energy production while preserving the intended aesthetic. Floating solar technology is beginning to grow through experimental initiatives on lakes and reservoirs, especially in areas where land space is scarce or where water bodies can fulfill multiple roles. These systems gain advantages from natural cooling, which enhances module effectiveness, and they help minimize evaporation, benefiting water resource management. Though still at a nascent stage, floating PV systems are currently being assessed for their potential for scalability and environmental impacts within Germany’s inland waterways. Lastly, solar glazing is being implemented in transport hubs including train stations, airports, and bus depots, where semi-transparent solar glass can deliver shade, natural light, and renewable energy all at once. This sector makes use of advancements in thin-film and laminated glass photovoltaic technology to create multifunctional structures that align with sustainability objectives while ensuring passenger comfort. These four segments showcase Germany's comprehensive strategy towards solar energy deployment optimizing the use of existing structures with rooftop solar, incorporating energy generation.

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