
Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells
Description
Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market to Reach US$70.7 Billion by 2030
The global market for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells estimated at US$27.2 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$70.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. a-Si, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 12.7% CAGR and reach US$26.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the CdTe segment is estimated at 19.8% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$7.3 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 16.1% CAGR
The Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells market in the U.S. is estimated at US$7.3 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$10.7 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 16.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.0% and 14.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 12.5% CAGR.
Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market - Key Trends and Drivers Summarized
Thin-film photovoltaic cells are emerging as a pivotal advancement in renewable energy technologies, providing a lightweight and flexible alternative to traditional crystalline silicon solar cells. These cells are produced by depositing one or more layers of photovoltaic material onto substrates such as glass, metal, or plastic using processes like chemical vapor deposition. This method results in extremely thin layers that are much less bulky compared to the traditional panels, allowing for integration into a variety of settings beyond typical solar applications, such as building facades and portable electronic devices. The adaptability and aesthetic qualities of thin-film cells make them particularly attractive for architectural applications, enhancing both the functional and visual aspects of buildings.
The development of thin-film photovoltaic cells is driven by their superior performance in diffuse lighting conditions and their potential for lower environmental impact compared to more traditional solar panels. These cells perform exceptionally well on overcast days and in geographic regions with less direct sunlight, thereby broadening their applicability across various climates and increasing their efficiency. Moreover, ongoing advancements in materials science are continuously improving the efficiency and durability of thin-film solar cells. For instance, innovations such as anti-reflective coatings, surface texturing, and the use of new semiconductor materials like perovskites and quantum dots are pushing the efficiencies of these cells beyond 20%. These technological advancements are complemented by government policies offering regulatory support and financial incentives, which are crucial in promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies, including thin-film photovoltaics.
The market growth for thin-film photovoltaic cells is further propelled by several key factors, including their integration into building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which is gaining traction as buildings are increasingly designed to be energy-efficient. This trend is particularly significant in urban settings where innovative and space-efficient energy solutions are crucial due to the density of development. The convergence of thin-film technology with other modern technologies like IoT devices and smart grids is also enhancing its utility, allowing for more effective energy management and monitoring. Additionally, ongoing improvements in manufacturing processes are making thin-film solar cells more competitive by increasing their efficiency and reducing production waste. As the technology evolves, thin-film photovoltaic cells are set to play an increasingly vital role in addressing global energy needs, supporting the shift towards more sustainable and efficiently managed energy solutions.
SCOPE OF STUDY:The report analyzes the Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Material Type (a-Si, CdTe, CIGS / CIS)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.
Select Competitors (Total 58 Featured) -
- Ascent Solar Technologies Inc.
- AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG
- First Solar Inc.
- Global Solar Energy Inc.
- Hanergy Holding Group Ltd.
- Kaneka Corporation
- MiaSolé
- NexPower Technology Corp.
- Solar Frontier K.K
- Solibro GmbH
- SoloPower Systems, Inc.
- Trony Solar Holdings Co. Ltd.
- TSMC Solar Limited
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TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR
Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by increasing the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.
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Table of Contents
- I. METHODOLOGY
- II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- 1. MARKET OVERVIEW
- Influencer Market Insights
- Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells: Compact, Flexible, Eco-Friendly and Low Cost Features Spur Adoption
- Recent Market Activity
- Environmental Concerns and Increasing Governed Investments in Solar Power Augurs Well for the Thin Film Solar Cells Market
- Asia-Pacific, with China at the Helm, Spearheads Growth in Thin Film PV Cells Market
- Surging Demand for CdTe and CIGS Thin Film PV Cells to Foster Market Growth
- Sustainable, Uninterrupted Supply Needs Fuel Thin Film Cell Use in Residential, Commercial and Utility Sectors
- A Peek into Applications of Photovoltaic Thin Films
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells – Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E)
- Global Economic Update
- Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E)
- 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS
- 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
- Rising Demand for Flexible and Lightweight Solar Panels in Portable Applications
- Integration of Thin Film PV in Off-Grid and Remote Area Power Systems
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning in Solar Energy Systems
- Growing Focus on Renewable Sources of Energy Favors Market Growth
- Robust Growth for Solar PV Industry: Potential Growth Opportunities for Thin Films PV Market
- Increasing Government Investments Drive Growth in the Thin Films Photovoltaic Market
- Thin Film Technology Moves Ahead
- Thin Film PV - A Substitute to Crystalline Silicon Technology
- Comparison between Crystalline Silicon and Thin Film Technologies
- Thin Film Efficiencies Inch Closer towards Silicon Cells
- Advancements in Thin Film PV Technologies, such as CIGS and CdTe
- Miniaturization Trend in Electronics Favors Growth in the Thin Films Market
- Flexible Thin Film Cells Gain Attention
- Growth of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) for Sustainable Architecture
- BIPV Roofing Market - Residential Building Activity Favors Growth
- Thin-film Solar Panels for Residential Sector: A Wider Choice of Panels for Homeowners
- Challenges in Thin-film PV Industry
- 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
- TABLE 1: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 2: World Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 3: World 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- TABLE 4: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for a-Si by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 5: World Historic Review for a-Si by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 6: World 15-Year Perspective for a-Si by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- TABLE 7: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for CdTe by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 8: World Historic Review for CdTe by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 9: World 15-Year Perspective for CdTe by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- TABLE 10: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for CIGS / CIS by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 11: World Historic Review for CIGS / CIS by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 12: World 15-Year Perspective for CIGS / CIS by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- TABLE 13: World Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2030
- III. MARKET ANALYSIS
- UNITED STATES
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United States for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 14: USA Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 15: USA Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 16: USA 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- CANADA
- TABLE 17: Canada Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 18: Canada Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 19: Canada 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- JAPAN
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Japan for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 20: Japan Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 21: Japan Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 22: Japan 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- CHINA
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in China for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 23: China Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 24: China Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 25: China 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- EUROPE
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Europe for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 26: Europe Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK and Rest of Europe Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 27: Europe Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK and Rest of Europe Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 28: Europe 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for France, Germany, Italy, UK and Rest of Europe Markets for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- TABLE 29: Europe Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 30: Europe Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 31: Europe 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- FRANCE
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in France for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 32: France Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 33: France Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 34: France 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- GERMANY
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Germany for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 35: Germany Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 36: Germany Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 37: Germany 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- ITALY
- TABLE 38: Italy Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 39: Italy Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 40: Italy 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- UNITED KINGDOM
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United Kingdom for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 41: UK Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 42: UK Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 43: UK 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- REST OF EUROPE
- TABLE 44: Rest of Europe Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 45: Rest of Europe Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 46: Rest of Europe 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- ASIA-PACIFIC
- Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Asia-Pacific for 2025 (E)
- TABLE 47: Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 48: Asia-Pacific Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 49: Asia-Pacific 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- REST OF WORLD
- TABLE 50: Rest of World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
- TABLE 51: Rest of World Historic Review for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
- TABLE 52: Rest of World 15-Year Perspective for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells by Material Type - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for a-Si, CdTe and CIGS / CIS for the Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
- IV. COMPETITION
Pricing
Currency Rates