South Korea Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

The South Korea Encapsulation sophisticated electronics and materials supply chain of South Korea supports the creation of high-quality encapsulants designed for export-standard PV modules, where international buyers expect remarkable durability, optical effectiveness, and adherence to various global regulations. As a significant portion of the nation's solar energy deployment and production takes place near coastal areas, encapsulation materials must provide exceptional protection against humidity, salt mist corrosion, and UV deterioration, thereby guaranteeing lasting adhesion and electrical insulation, even in marine conditions. For high-end cell varieties such as heterojunction (HJT), TOPCon, and new tandem configurations upholding excellent optical clarity and accurate light transmission is essential to enhance conversion efficiency. This necessity has led to the use of advanced EVA, POE, and co-extruded multilayer films designed for minimized water vapor transmission rates, anti-PID functionality, and reliable refractive characteristics throughout many years of use. Research and development efforts are placing greater emphasis on tandem-ready lamination methods, which necessitate encapsulants suitable for perovskite silicon or perovskite CIGS configurations, where thermal sensitivity requires low-temperature curing processes to avoid damaging the upper layers while maintaining mechanical durability. Korean research institutions and producers are also investigating nano-additive compositions to improve barrier performance without compromising transparency, alongside recyclable encapsulant solutions to comply with EU and U.S. regulations regarding the end-of-life of modules being exported. The nation's vertically integrated supply chain, which covers polymer manufacturing, precise film extrusion, and automatic lamination, allows for quick prototyping and tailored solutions for international customers, while adherence to IEC damp-heat, thermal cycling, and salt-mist assessments, along with specific certifications for destinations, enhances financial reliability and warranty trustworthiness. By merging climate-adapted material science, quality control focused on exports, and innovative research and development in tandem and low-temperature encapsulation.

According to the research report, ""South Korea Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Solar Encapsulation market is anticipated to add to more than USD 90 Million by 2025–30. The market for solar encapsulation in South Korea is strongly linked to the requirements of the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector and the nation's robust export-driven module manufacturing industry, where factors like quality, longevity, and adherence to certifications are crucial for market entry. The domestic demand from expansive C&I rooftops and ground-mounted systems is supported by a notable export pipeline to regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, necessitating encapsulants that fulfill both local performance standards and strict international criteria. Recent trends highlight the growth of glass–glass module production lines, which reflect the worldwide demand for modules that boast longer lifespans, exceptional durability, increased moisture resistance, mechanical strength, and bifacial energy efficiency. These production lines are designed to accommodate sophisticated encapsulant layers typically incorporating POE, EVA, or ionomer to improve PID resistance, UV durability, and bond strength under varying weather conditions. The local supply chain relies on domestic laminators that are closely linked with module OEMs, allowing for effective process management, quick modifications, and reliable quality throughout high-spec production batches. Numerous laminators obtain specialized films from local polymer manufacturers as well as international suppliers, guaranteeing access to the most recent material advancements. Adherence to standards is vital for competitiveness modules must achieve KS (Korean Standards) certification for acceptance domestically and meet IEC international standards for export, addressing aspects like damp-heat resistance, thermal cycles, mechanical strain, and fire safety. The KS certification, regulated by organizations like KATS and KTR, validates compliance with national quality and safety standards, while IEC adherence confirms bankability and warranty reliability in targeted international markets. Focusing on these dual certifications not only lowers technical and warranty risks but also boosts the global competitive stance of South Korean modules.

In South Korea's market for PV encapsulation 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 still the leading material, forming the backbone of most modules created for local C&I projects and typical export requests. The widespread acceptance of EVA is due to its affordability, strong bonding capabilities with glass and cells, high light transmission, and established compatibility during processing, which makes it suitable for mass production of glass–backsheet models. Its reliable performance across different climates and extensive history in IEC-compliant modules guarantees its financial viability for common uses. However, polyolefin elastomer (POE) is swiftly increasing its presence in premium export-grade modules, specifically those aimed at high-standard markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The non-polar nature of POE provides exceptional moisture resistance, excellent protection against potential-induced degradation (PID), and improved UV durability vital for lasting effectiveness in humid, high-voltage, or hot conditions. These benefits make POE the go-to option for glass–glass and bifacial modules, where exposure on both sides of the cell requires long-lasting electrical insulation. South Korean producers are progressively incorporating POE into their encapsulant layers sometimes utilizing co-extruded EVA/POE/EVA configurations to achieve a mix of cost-effectiveness, ease of processing, and endurance. This transition is bolstered by the nation's sophisticated polymer processing skills and vertically integrated supply chains, which allow for precise control over the formulation of films and lamination settings. For overseas markets, adherence to IEC standards concerning damp heat, thermal cycling, and PID resilience is essential, while specific certifications for various destinations further affirm performance. By pairing EVA with cost-focused, mass production and POE with high-end, durability-oriented exports, South Korea's encapsulation approach meets both local market demands and the rigorous reliability standards of international clients.

In the landscape of photovoltaic manufacturing in South Korea by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon modules lead in export numbers, forming the foundation of the nation’s global solar industry. Monocrystalline PERC, TOPCon, and heterojunction (HJT) models are extensively manufactured for international markets, delivering high efficiency rates, established longevity, and strong financial reliability. These modules are designed to perform well in various climates, ranging from desert heat to coastal dampness, and are supported by strict IEC certification, making them appealing to purchasers in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The country's fully integrated supply chain, which encompasses wafer production to final module assembly, ensures consistent quality and competitive pricing, solidifying crystalline's role as the leading export technology. Simultaneously, thin-film technologies are primarily being developed through perovskite pilot projects, frequently in combination with crystalline silicon or CIGS arrangements. These pilots, spearheaded by research organizations and advanced manufacturers, intend to exploit thin-film’s lightweight, flexible, and adjustable optical characteristics to enhance module efficiencies beyond the single-junction limits of crystalline cells. For instance, perovskite-silicon tandems can absorb a wider range of sunlight, achieving lab results that surpass 29% efficiency, while ongoing research and development aims to enhance stability against moisture, heat, and UV light—critical challenges to commercialization. The flexibility of thin-film also makes it appropriate for new uses such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and mobile power solutions, although in Korea, these applications remain at the prototype or demonstration level. While crystalline modules still form the core of Korea’s export income, thin-film perovskite pilots showcase a strategic commitment to next-generation technology that could transform module efficiency and create new market opportunities.

The solar energy sector in South Korea by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) is evolving into four unique categories, influenced by governmental support, geographic factors, and technological advancements. Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely embraced, especially in urban and industrial areas, propelled by net-metering programs, corporate goals for sustainability, and access to high-efficiency crystalline panels from local producers. These systems optimize unused roof areas and are frequently combined with energy storage solutions for enhancing reliability during peak usage. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are growing rapidly with robust governmental backing, which includes grants from the Korea Energy Agency and city initiatives like Seoul's cost-sharing projects that significantly reduce the financial burden of installation for voluntary buildings. BIPV panels, which are integrated into walls, windows, and rooftops, serve not only for energy production but also for architectural beauty, offering various designs and colors to seamlessly fit into smart homes and zero-energy structures. Floating PV systems are expanding quickly on lakes, reservoirs, and alongside hydropower stations, utilizing South Korea’s inland bodies of water to install large solar arrays without occupying land. These projects take advantage of the cooling effects of water, which can enhance panel efficiency, along with their closeness to existing electrical infrastructure. Engineering innovations are being employed to overcome obstacles like resistance to typhoons, ice buildup, and ecological impacts. Lastly, PV in electronics is a rising sector that showcases Korea's capabilities in cutting-edge materials and consumer technology. Lightweight, flexible, and efficient PV cells are being incorporated into gadgets like portable chargers, Internet of Things sensors, wearables, and even car rooftops, allowing for self-sufficient power or extended range functions. Although still a minor part of total capacity, this sphere complements the country’s export-oriented innovation strategy and increasing demand for energy-independent electronic devices.

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