Japan Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

Japan's solar energy sector is characterized by concentrated urban installations, limited space on rooftops, and significant exposure to coastal conditions, leading to a distinct set of requirements for the performance and durability of PV encapsulation. Solar panels need to endure frequent typhoons, elevated humidity, and salt-infused air, which can speed up issues like corrosion, delamination, and loss of electrical function if not managed correctly. This has spurred the development of encapsulation materials moving from traditional EVA to acid-control EVA formulations, which are meant to neutralize acetic acid by-products that can damage cell connections and impair efficiency in humid, coastal conditions. These newer EVAs provide high light transmission while improving chemical durability under extended wet-heat scenarios. Concurrently, high-adhesion encapsulation films such as co-extruded EPE (EVA-POE-EVA) layers are increasingly being utilized to strengthen lamination bonds, minimizing the risks of edge separation or moisture infiltration during wind stress from typhoons and temperature fluctuations. On Japan’s urban rooftops, where weight limits are a major concern, research and development are focusing on lightweight glass-glass module solutions that merge the structural and moisture-resistance benefits of dual-glass designs with thinner profiles and lighter weights. These innovative formats strive to provide the durability of glass-glass while adhering to weight restrictions set by building codes, which allows for safe installation on older or lighter buildings. Collaborative research between local manufacturers, universities, and material providers is also aimed at enhancing UV resistance, salt-mist durability, and recyclability to meet Japan’s environmental standards and initiatives for PV recycling. Meeting JIS standards, IEC damp-heat and mechanical stress evaluations, and salt-mist corrosion requirements is crucial, as these certifications significantly influence financial viability and insurance availability.

According to the research report, ""Japan Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Solar Encapsulation market is anticipated to add to more than USD 140 Million by 2025–30. Japan's solar encapsulation industry is distinguished by its strong demand, primarily driven by the residential market, where homeowners emphasize durability, visual compatibility, and certified safety. In this area, solar panels must not only provide efficient energy output but also endure the country’s severe environmental challenges such as typhoons, high humidity levels, salt-rich coastal air, and large variations in seasonal temperatures. Recent advancements focus on lightweight encapsulant and module designs that aim to lower the total weight for installation on roofs with strict structural limitations, especially in older urban residences. These lighter glass-glass or glass-polymer options maintain the mechanical strength and moisture resistance of traditional models while simplifying setup and broadening their use. Concurrently, higher-adhesion encapsulation films, such as enhanced EVA, POE, and co-extruded multilayer films, are increasingly utilized to boost lamination bond strength, thereby minimizing the chances of edge lifting, delamination, and moisture penetration over decades of use. This is particularly crucial in the typhoon-threatened areas of Japan, where strong winds and heavy rain can lead to faster degradation of the modules. The supply chain is supported by domestic laminators who focus on precise manufacturing of small-batch, high-spec residential modules, along with imported encapsulation materials from international suppliers in Europe, North America, and Asia, selected for their reliable performance in tests for accelerated aging and salt-fog corrosion. Compliance is key to market acceptance modules need to obtain JET certification for grid connection, meet IEC standards for mechanical load, damp heat, and PID resistance, and adhere to strict fire safety classifications to qualify for residential warranties and insurance coverage. These certifications not only guarantee technical reliability but also enhance consumer confidence in a market where brand trust and warranty assurance are essential. By integrating climate-responsive material advances, precise domestic production, and stringent compliance standards, Japan's encapsulation sector provides high-value, reliability-centric solutions tailored for the country’s upscale residential solar sector.

In Japan’s solar encapsulation market by materials is divided into Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ionomer and Polyolefin, the choice of materials is closely related to the environment of use and performance requirements, which results in three separate segments. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) continues to be the leading option for regular residential and small commercial rooftops, where affordability, clarity, and compatibility with existing lamination techniques are crucial. Its established performance and well-developed supply network make it the go-to encapsulant for conventional glass-back sheet modules, especially in urban areas where fast installation and reliability backed by warranties are important. In regions prone to typhoons where strong winds, heavy rain, and salty air can hasten wear polyolefin elastomer (POE) is more frequently chosen in typhoon-resistant modules. POE features excellent moisture barrier abilities, resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), and high UV stability, which help sustain electrical insulation and bond strength even when facing intense mechanical stress and extended exposure to damp heat. These qualities make it suitable for glass-glass versions that provide extra strength and protection during extreme weather. At the same time, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) serves a specialized role in unique applications such as solar canopies, curved building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) components, and semi-transparent modules for transport facilities or shading in architecture. The great flexibility, resistance to wear, and ability to absorb shocks of TPU allow it to adapt to irregular shapes while handling mechanical stresses from wind or debris impact. Its clarity can be adjusted to meet different transparency requirements, making it ideal for multifunctional designs that merge energy production with light control or aesthetic goals. For all segments, adherence to Japan’s JET certification, IEC performance criteria, and strict fire safety ratings is vital, as these certifications support home warranties, insurance policies, and consumer confidence.

In the photovoltaic (PV) market of Japan by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon modules are the leading technology, providing energy for most residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems. Their excellent efficiency often surpassing 20% for monocrystalline types makes them perfect for rooftops with limited space, a vital consideration in Japan’s crowded urban areas. These crystalline modules also ensure reliable long-term performance, demonstrating dependability in the country's diverse weather, from snowy regions in the north to coastal areas prone to typhoons. Innovations such as PERC, TOPCon, and heterojunction (HJT) designs are enhancing output levels and reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), strengthening crystalline’s role as the trusted option for widespread use. Simultaneously, thin-film technologies such as amorphous silicon (a‑Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and new perovskite-based options are being used in rooftop installations and window-integrated PV where aspects like shape, weight, and appearance matter as much as efficiency. The lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent characteristics of thin-film make it appropriate for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), especially in features like curtain walls, skylights, and glass systems for offices, transportation hubs, and shops. In these uses, the modules need to strike a balance between generating energy and ensuring daylight, thermal comfort, and adherence to architectural design. The lower temperature coefficient of thin-film technology helps maintain consistent output during Japan’s hot, humid summers, while its uniform look and the ability to create customized sizes and colors make it attractive for visible buildings. Even though thin-film modules typically have a lower conversion efficiency compared to crystalline, their versatility in adapting to unconventional surfaces and merging into multifunctional building elements adds value beyond just energy production.

The solar industry by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) is evolving into four vibrant sectors, each showcasing unique influences and technological developments. Rooftop solar is still the most widely adopted, especially in homes and businesses, where decreasing panel prices, favorable net-metering regulations, and the desire for energy independence have made it a popular choice. These systems make the most of underused roof areas, often combined with battery storage to boost energy use and reliability. Simultaneously, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are rapidly growing in smart homes and modern buildings, where solar panels are integrated into walls, skylights, and roofs. This combination not only produces clean energy but also acts as a design feature, harmonizing with architectural styles and intelligent energy systems that manage usage in real-time. Floating PV has gained significant traction worldwide, using water bodies like reservoirs, lakes, and dams to set up solar panels without taking up land space. These installations benefit from the cooling qualities of water, which can enhance panel efficiency, while also minimizing evaporation and utilizing established grid connections at hydroelectric sites. Innovations in mooring techniques, corrosion resistance, and environmental protections are facilitating rapid growth in regions from Asia to Europe. Lastly, EV solar rooftops which incorporate light and efficient solar panels into electric vehicle roofs are gaining popularity as car manufacturers look for ways to increase driving distances, power termsal systems, and allow for partial off-grid charging. Though still a developing niche, this area is bolstered by progress in flexible and thin-film solar technology, as well as consumer interest in eco-friendly transportation options.

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