UAE Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experiences some of the harshest desert conditions globally, including strong sunlight, elevated temperatures, and frequent sandstorms, all of which exert considerable pressure on solar panels. These environmental factors make it crucial to choose the right encapsulants to ensure long-term efficiency, dependability, and energy output. Traditionally, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) was the preferred encapsulant in UAE solar initiatives due to its affordability, ease of processing, and established bonding strength. Nonetheless, standard EVA can suffer from yellowing, potential-induced degradation (PID), and reduced performance when exposed to high temperatures and sandy conditions. To tackle these issues, the market has shifted towards polyolefin elastomer (POE) and ionomer films, delivering better thermal durability, moisture resistance, and mechanical strength under severe desert conditions. Furthermore, glass-glass module designs are increasingly paired with advanced anti-soiling coatings to boost toughness, lower maintenance needs, and ensure high energy output by reducing dust and sand buildup. Ongoing research and development in the UAE emphasize creating anti-sand surface technologies and refining lamination methods to enhance module strength and lifespan, particularly for large utility projects in desert settings. These advancements enable modules to endure high UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and impacts from abrasive particles, which are prevalent in locations like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Shifting from EVA to POE/ionomer encapsulants, embracing glass-glass configurations, and developing solutions for anti-soiling and anti-sand technologies reflect a strategic effort to improve module reliability in extreme desert conditions. By merging material advancements with cutting-edge surface technology, solar initiatives in the UAE can realize long-lasting performance, decrease operational expenses, and optimize energy production, thus ensuring the sustainability and economic viability of solar energy deployment in one of the most challenging photovoltaic environments worldwide.

According to the research report ""UAE Solar Encapsulation Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Solar Encapsulation market is anticipated to grow at more than 10.81% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. In the UAE, the need for encapsulants is increasing due to the rise of large solar parks, which are driven by ambitious goals for renewable energy and major utility projects in desert areas. The tough conditions of the desert, such as high temperatures, strong UV rays, and regular sandstorms, put a lot of pressure on solar panels, making the performance of encapsulants crucial for ensuring reliable and long-term energy production. To tackle these issues, developers are using advanced encapsulant layers that are tailored for stability under heat, moisture resistance, and durability against sand damage. Furthermore, bifacial panels fitted with single or dual-axis trackers are becoming more common, which require encapsulants that can handle mechanical stresses from the rotation and tilting of the panels, all while keeping adhesion and optical clarity throughout their long lifespan. The supply chain in the UAE consists of a mix of international film suppliers that offer advanced EVA, POE, and ionomer films, along with local engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners who modify lamination and module assembly to suit the area's environmental conditions. Following ESTIDAMA and IEC testing guidelines is essential for building confidence among investors, lenders, and insurers, as these certifications help reduce risks linked to sand build-up, dirt, and potential degradation. By merging innovative materials, improved module designs, and strict testing requirements, the solar sector in the UAE can implement large arrays that deliver high energy output and ensure reliability over time under extreme desert conditions. The usage of robust encapsulant layers, bifacial tracker systems, and compliance with established certification standards is vital to making sure that large solar parks are both technically sound and financially viable. These approaches are essential for fulfilling the UAE's renewable energy goals, maximizing energy production, and lowering operational and maintenance expenses throughout the lifespan of large-scale solar systems.

In the UAE by materials is divided into Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ionomer and Polyolefin, the choice of encapsulants is closely tied to the specific environmental circumstances and the needs of the projects. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is the most commonly used encapsulant in many solar setups, especially for typical utility-scale projects in moderate climates. EVA is preferred due to its affordability, reliable adhesion, clear optical properties, and compatibility with common lamination techniques, making it a dependable option for producing a large number of modules and for extensive solar parks. Its well-established supply chain and track record in the field have solidified its position as the primary encapsulant for many deployments. However, in desert areas, where solar modules face extreme temperatures, high levels of UV radiation, and strong sandstorms, EVA may not offer adequate durability or resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID). For these challenging conditions, polyolefin elastomer (POE) encapsulants have become essential, providing enhanced thermal stability, moisture resistance, and mechanical strength. POE’s durability in severe desert conditions contributes to maintaining module efficiency, energy production, and warranty adherence over many years. The distinction between EVA and POE shows a strategic plan to strike a balance between cost and efficiency EVA works well as a budget-friendly option for general use in moderate settings, while POE is used selectively in desert regions to guarantee long-lasting performance under harsh environmental conditions. By matching the choice of encapsulant with geographical and climate factors, developers in the UAE can maximize energy generation, reduce degradation, and prolong the lifespan of the modules. This method enables the efficient expansion of utility-scale solar projects while ensuring that modules in extreme desert settings remain strong and effective.

In the UAE by technology is divided into Crystalline Silicon Solar and Thin-Film Solar, crystalline silicon (c-Si) is the leading type of solar energy technology, especially utilized in large-scale utility projects that are crucial for the nation's growth in renewable energy. Crystalline panels, which include monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon, are favored due to their high efficiency, long-lasting reliability, and established manufacturing processes. These features make c-Si particularly suitable for expansive solar parks in desert areas, where consistent energy generation, resilience to harsh temperatures, and ability to withstand sand exposure and UV radiation are vital. The common use of crystalline technology is further supported by well-developed supply chains, standardized module designs, and verified performance in real-world settings, allowing developers to carry out large, cost-efficient installations effectively. On the other hand, thin-film solar technologies like cadmium telluride (CdTe) and the developing perovskite cells are mostly tested in specific applications, especially in lightweight or architecturally designed facades. These thin-film options are lighter, more adaptable, and simpler to integrate into building materials, making them ideal for experimental projects on commercial and residential facades where bulky crystalline panels might not be appropriate or visually appealing. Moreover, thin-film modules can function relatively effectively under diffuse light and partial shade, proving beneficial in certain building-integrated scenarios. While the use of thin-film technology is still relatively limited in comparison to crystalline silicon, these initial installations give designers and developers the chance to assess durability, performance, and integration practicality in actual settings. By continuing to use crystalline silicon as the main technology for large desert installations while investigating thin-film methods for lightweight building integration, the UAE solar industry can enhance energy output in various applications. This combined strategy ensures that the nation continues to depend on reliable high-yield crystalline systems for utility-scale energy production while incrementally integrating new thin-film technologies for innovative architectural solar solutions.

The solar industry in the United Arab Emirates by application is divided into Ground-mounted, Building-integrated photovoltaic, Floating photovoltaic and Others (Automotive, Construction, and Electronics) consists of a wide array of deployment segments, designed for distinct purposes and environmental settings. Mega farms located on the ground are the primary focus of the utility-scale arena, especially in arid zones like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where there is plenty of space and significant solar energy potential for extensive power production. These facilities mainly use crystalline silicon panels due to their efficiency, durability over time, and proven success in extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and abrasive sand conditions, which are essential for the UAE’s renewable energy framework. In metropolitan regions, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are becoming popular in famous skyscrapers in Dubai, where integrating solar panels into roofs and facades adds visual interest and functional energy production. The use of BIPV in tall buildings allows solar panels to become integrated into the building design, making the most of limited available space while helping support urban sustainability initiatives. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are being tested in industrial contexts, such as desalination facilities and water storage areas, where the cooling effect provided by water boosts energy efficiency and minimizes land use disputes. These experiments show how adaptable solar technology can be in unique industrial settings and areas abundant in water. In the specialized part of the market, solar solutions for luxury cars are starting to appear, featuring lightweight solar panels in premium vehicles to supply extra power for electronics or climate control within the cabin. Though this segment remains small, it underscores the increasing demand for decentralized, portable, and specialized solar solutions.

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