Saudi Arabia Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

In large-scale solar mega-projects found in extremely hot regions like the deserts of the Middle East, North Africa, and certain areas of India encapsulation techniques are advancing to endure prolonged high operating temperatures, abrasive sand, and strong UV radiation. These factors speed up the deterioration of materials, making heat-resistant chemistries and reinforced edge seals crucial to avoid delamination, moisture intrusion, and optical losses over many years of operation. Traditionally, EVA was the standard encapsulant in the industry, but its vulnerability to acetic acid build-up, discoloration, and loss of adhesion when exposed to extended heat led project developers to switch to POE and ionomer films. The non-polar nature of POE provides better resistance to moisture and potential induced degradation, while ionomers offer remarkable mechanical strength, resistance to impact, and thermal stability vital for preserving module integrity during temperature fluctuations between hot days and cooler nights. These encapsulants are frequently used alongside glass–glass module designs, which create a sealed environment and safeguard cells against damage from wind-driven sand, minimizing optical losses caused by micro-scratches. Research and development efforts are currently concentrating on refining lamination process parameters for high-temperature cycles, ensuring full crosslinking and adhesion without harming sensitive high-efficiency cell types, such as TOPCon, HJT, or perovskite-silicon combinations. This work includes creating formulations with controlled curing speeds, allowing for consistent gel content and peel strength even when lamination peak temperatures rise above 170 °C. Manufacturers are termsally exploring edge sealants that have improved elasticity and chemical resistance to handle thermal expansion while upholding barrier effectiveness. Meeting IEC thermal cycling, damp-heat, and sand abrasion standards, along with specific desert endurance tests, is becoming increasingly essential for financial support, as investors seek assurance of long-term performance in tough climates.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Solar Encapsulation market is anticipated to add to more than USD 30 Million by 2025–30. In rapidly expanding solar sectors influenced by significant utility bids and government-supported regional development initiatives, the demand for encapsulation is growing quickly as developers and producers meet both performance and local sourcing standards. Large-scale initiatives in arid and high-sunlight regions are pushing a transition toward glass-glass module designs. These designs provide enhanced mechanical durability, resistance to moisture, and protection against sand erosion, significantly prolonging their operational lifespan beyond typical warranty limits. Concurrently, encapsulant combinations that withstand high temperatures often consisting of POE, ionomer, or advanced EVA are being utilized to preserve adhesion, optical clarity, and electrical insulation at operating temperatures above 85 °C and during extreme temperature fluctuations from daytime to nighttime. These advancements in materials are essential for fulfilling the durability requirements found in long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), where performance decline can directly affect income. The supply chain is supported by local manufacturers, who integrate encapsulants into modules designed for regional climate challenges, complemented by international suppliers offering high-spec materials such as films, edge seals, and protective layers tested for endurance in desert conditions. This blended approach ensures adherence to domestic production quotas while providing access to globally tested materials and solutions. Compliance with regulations is fundamental for market acceptance; SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) certification ensures alignment with national safety and quality standards, while IEC standards verify durability against moisture, UV damage, potential induced degradation, and mechanical stress under internationally accepted tests. These certifications enhance bankability, giving assurance to lenders and insurers that modules will achieve guaranteed energy outputs over many years in some of the world's most challenging environments. By merging local development support, cutting-edge encapsulation technologies, and stringent SASO and IEC compliance, the market is establishing a solid foundation for the long-term success of solar assets, ensuring that large projects are both technically robust and financially sound throughout their lifespan.

In markets focused on PV technology in desert areas, the choice of encapsulant is divided into ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for typical uses and polyolefin elastomer (POE) for highly reliable systems in extreme weather. EVA is still the preferred option for standard utility and commercial setups due to its affordability, excellent light transmission, and strong bonding to glass and cells. Its suitability for traditional lamination methods and established supply chains makes it perfect for mass production where environmental pressures are not severe. Nevertheless, in dry regions with consistently high temperatures, strong UV radiation, and gritty sand, the acetate groups in EVA can break down, causing the formation of acetic acid, discoloration, and loss of adhesion as time passes. To overcome these issues, developers are increasingly turning to POE for modules used in desert environments, especially in glass–glass and bifacial designs. The non-polar chemistry of POE offers a significantly lower rate of water vapor transmission, better resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), and improved UV stability, allowing modules to preserve electrical insulation and optical clarity for decades in extreme, high-radiation conditions. Its greater mechanical strength and flexibility also assist in protecting large, high-power cells from microcracking during thermal shifts between hot days and cooler nights. In some instances, manufacturers utilize hybrid EVA/POE layers placing POE in crucial moisture areas while keeping EVA in other parts to balance cost and performance. The supply chain consists of local module assembly companies that customize encapsulant choices based on project location, alongside global film producers providing desert-tested options. Adhering to IEC thermal cycling, damp-heat, UV, and sand abrasion evaluations, as well as regional endurance standards, is crucial for financial reliability, ensuring modules fulfill the durability requirements set in long-term power purchasing agreements.

In the solar industry of Saudi Arabia by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon modules are the primary choice for large-scale projects, serving as the foundation for the nation’s renewable energy expansion under Vision 2030. Significant developments like Sakaka, Sudair, and other upcoming multi-hundred-megawatt facilities depend on monocrystalline PERC, TOPCon, and increasingly on bifacial types due to their exceptional efficiency, established durability, and solid financial backing in desert environments. These modules are designed with encapsulants that endure high temperatures, strengthened edge seals, and frequently glass-to-glass designs to resist severe heat, harsh sand, and strong UV exposure for many years. Their well-established global supply chain and suitability for large-format production make them a cost-effective option for utility-scale bids, where expected performance and long-term power purchase agreements require reliable energy output. Simultaneously, thin-film technologies including cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are being tested in NEOM, a major smart city initiative along the Red Sea. In this location, the lighter weight, consistent look, and lower temperature sensitivity of thin-film technology are utilized for incorporation into groundbreaking urban infrastructure, building exteriors, and transportation systems, where appearance and design versatility are as crucial as energy production. The capacity of thin-film to deliver stable performance in low light and high temperatures makes it appealing for NEOM's mixed-use, advanced-tech settings, while its flexibility supports building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and transportation uses outlined in the city’s net-zero plan. These trials are also functioning as experimental grounds for innovative encapsulation and lamination techniques adapted to the region’s coastal humidity and airborne saltiness.

In developing solar markets by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) with high growth, ground-mounted solar farms continue to be the primary method for deployment, especially relevant to utility-scale initiatives in areas with high sunlight in desert and semi-arid regions. These setups take advantage of scaling benefits, advanced tracking technologies, and their location near power transmission routes, providing large amounts of affordable renewable energy through long-term power purchase agreements. Meanwhile, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are becoming popular in modern urban designs, where solar panels are built into building facades, skylights, and shading devices as part of designs aiming for net-zero energy. In this scenario, visual appeal, versatility, and the ability to work alongside intelligent energy management systems are just as crucial as the power generation capability, with options like colored, patterned, or see-through panels adding to design flexibility. Floating solar panels are being tested on lakes and coastal waters associated with desalination facilities, utilizing water surfaces to prevent land-use issues while offering a cooling effect that enhances the efficiency of the panels. These setups can directly power energy-demanding desalination activities, which helps cut down on fossil fuel dependence and enhances the sustainability of the water-energy relationship. Engineering modifications like frames resistant to corrosion, floats that withstand UV rays, and anchoring systems built for tidal or wave movement are vital for ensuring longevity in saltwater environments. A fourth area, solar-powered cooling, is arising in both city and industrial settings, pairing solar energy production with absorption chillers, solar air conditioning systems, or refrigerated transport solutions. This method helps meet peak demand needs by syncing solar energy production with cooling requirements during the day, alleviating pressure on the grid and lowering operational expenses.

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