Spain Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

The solar encapsulation sector in Spain has been significantly influenced by the nation’s dry central and southern areas, where extended sun exposure, high levels of UV radiation, and harsh dust conditions pose distinct challenges for solar modules. In the past, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) was the primary choice for encapsulation due to its affordability and simple lamination process. Nonetheless, early installations throughout Spain’s sun-rich regions especially in Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha uncovered issues like yellowing caused by UV exposure, the release of acetic acid, and early delamination. These problems led to decreased clarity and performance in modules, with defects like snail-trailing intensified by fine sand entering poorly sealed edges of modules. To tackle these problems, the industry began to pivot towards UV-stabilized EVA versions and polyolefin elastomers (POE), which provide improved resistance against photo-damage, lowered water vapor penetration, and enhanced longevity in arid conditions. Manufacturers in Spain and international suppliers targeting the Iberian region have also introduced edge-seal innovations, strengthening the borders of modules utilizing advanced glues and multilayered barriers to prevent dust and fine sand accumulation. This is vital for large-scale installations in Spain’s flatlands, where continuous wind-driven dust can affect reliability over time. In terms of R& D, Spanish research organizations and European material developers are focusing on quick-curing chemical processes to boost production speed, and bifacial-optimized encapsulant designs to increase energy output in highly reflective arid settings. Another area of emphasis involves anti-PID (Potential-Induced Degradation) encapsulants, particularly significant as Spain incorporates more N-type crystalline modules in its utility facilities. These innovations not only prolong the lifespan of modules but also enhance investment attractiveness, as lenders require assurances against the severe challenges of desert environments.

According to the research report ""Spain Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Spain Solar Encapsulation market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 180 Million by 2030. Spain's market for solar encapsulation is gaining significant traction, fueled by large-scale repowering efforts and the swift development of agrivoltaic projects in its rural areas. Numerous solar farms, established over ten years ago, are currently being updated to swap out less efficient modules for more effective crystalline technology. This shift is generating an increased need for advanced encapsulants that provide better durability, anti-PID safeguarding, and resistance to UV rays and dust key attributes necessary for the country's dry environments. At the same time, agrivoltaic initiatives in places such as Catalonia and Castilla y León are investigating shared land usage by placing solar panels over agricultural products. These pilot projects necessitate encapsulants that possess bifacial-ready features, ensuring light transmission and robustness on both sides of the modules, particularly when used with single-axis trackers typical in Spanish utility sites. Regarding the structure of the industry, prominent players include local EPC contractors and project developers who incorporate modules from global manufacturers. On the supply side, international encapsulant manufacturers from Europe, the United States, and Asia are essential for providing Spanish module producers and importers with specific materials like POE, UV-stabilized EVA, and ionomer films designed for bifacial and high-efficiency uses. These suppliers work closely with Spanish laminators and integrators to tailor their offerings to meet the unique requirements of local projects, especially in areas with sandy terrain, strong winds, and high levels of sunlight. Opportunities in Spain are growing beyond traditional utility-scale projects to encompass rooftop upgrades, agrivoltaics, and floating photovoltaic initiatives on irrigation ponds. Each segment brings its own encapsulation hurdles such as moisture barriers for floating installations, optical clarity for agrivoltaics, and reliability for rooftop setups in various climates.

the realm of solar encapsulation in Spain 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 leading choice because of its affordability, straightforward lamination process, and reliable supply chains. Many large agricultural facilities throughout Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha utilize EVA-based encapsulation, as project developers favor materials with a track record for swift installations. Nevertheless, the harsh UV exposure and dry climates in Spain have posed challenges to EVA over time, causing issues like yellowing, release of acetic acid, and deterioration from long-term exposure. To address these challenges, suppliers now offer UV-resistant EVA formulations that incorporate improved additives and edge-sealing techniques, enhancing the longevity of modules and fulfilling stricter performance requirements set by investors. The segment that is experiencing the quickest growth is polyolefin elastomers (POE), especially in the rapidly developing bifacial solar farms that significantly utilize single-axis trackers. POE provides excellent electrical insulation, minimal water vapor transmission, and outstanding UV resilience, making it ideal for bifacial solar and efficient N-type cells that are currently being installed in Spanish repowering and utility initiatives. Its importance is also rising in agrivoltaic experiments, where bifacial modules utilize light reflected from farming areas, necessitating encapsulants that maintain clarity and resist potential-induced degradation (PID). Although POE is pricier than EVA, its potential to boost energy production and warranty lifespan renders it appealing in Spain’s evolving market, where dependability and performance take precedence over initial costs. On the other hand, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is still a specialized material within Spain's encapsulation field, yet it is gaining traction in specific applications. Lightweight and adaptable, TPU is being tested in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) for contemporary architectural surfaces in terms to new mobility initiatives, such as solar-powered transport prototypes.

In Spain by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon technology stands firm as the top choice, fueling the majority of setups in large utility-scale solar facilities and repowering activities. Areas such as Extremadura, Andalusia, and Castilla-La Mancha, noted for their ample land and some of the highest levels of solar irradiation in Europe, have adopted crystalline silicon due to its established efficiency, sturdiness, and cost-effectiveness. The encapsulation materials used with crystalline modules mainly EVA and, to a growing extent, POE play a vital role in providing long-lasting protection against the challenging environmental factors in Spain, which include severe UV radiation, thermal fluctuations, and dust erosion. The inclination toward bifacial crystalline panels placed on single-axis trackers further increases the need for enhanced encapsulants that improve transparency, reduce PID, and guarantee greater energy outputs over the module's lifespan of 25 years or more. As the country focuses on repowering, crystalline technology strengthens its role as the core technology for both ground-mounted utility-grade projects and agrivoltaic systems. On the other hand, thin-film solar technology while considerably less prevalent serves a specific function in Spain’s urban and rooftop solar sectors. Thin-film modules, primarily made from cadmium telluride (CdTe) or amorphous silicon, are prized for their lightweight, flexible nature and superior operation in low-light conditions, which benefits Spain’s booming urban retrofitting market. In cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, thin-film modules are more frequently utilized in rooftop upgrades, shading structures, and building integrations, where appearance, lower weight, and ability to adapt to uneven surfaces matter more than raw efficiency. Furthermore, thin-film’s improved temperature coefficient compared to crystalline provides it with an advantage in coastal and high-heat areas, although its higher prices and lower efficiencies hinder its adoption on a larger scale.

In Spain by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics), solar installations on the ground are the foundation of the industry, especially in the southern regions including Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha. These locations feature extensive areas with high sunlight exposure, perfect for large-scale solar farms that supply power to local grids as well as facilitate energy exports to neighboring countries. In these facilities, encapsulation primarily utilizes EVA for cost efficiency, but there is a growing trend in applying POE for bifacial, tracker-equipped mega farms, which provides resilience to Spain’s elevated UV levels and helps prevent PID under extreme operating circumstances. This category dominates the market's necessities, underscoring Spain’s status as a top solar power exporter in Europe. The sector of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is swiftly advancing, with Madrid and Barcelona spearheading experimental projects in commercial structures, historical exteriors, and smart-city initiatives. In Spain, BIPV utilizes encapsulants such as PVB and TPU due to their flexible mechanics, transparency, and capacity to merge effectively with architectural glass. These initiatives showcase Spain’s commitment to urban decarbonization while considering aesthetic demands in historical city environments. The difficulty in encapsulation centers on achieving a balance between long-term durability, low-temperature layering for perovskite combinations, and optical clarity to fulfill design aspirations. At the same time, floating PV (FPV) is increasingly popular, particularly in the reservoirs and irrigation ponds of Catalonia's dry farming areas. Floating setups enjoy cooler module temperatures, which enhances efficiency, but the encapsulants must endure persistent moisture, water vapor exposure, and risks from biofouling. Blends of POE and UV-resistant EVA are being used more frequently to secure module reliability in FPV efforts, backed by successful trials in Europe. The others category is gaining significance, with innovations like solar canopies for shopping complexes, EV charging stations, and transit hubs emerging throughout Spain.

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