+353-1-416-8900REST OF WORLD
+44-20-3973-8888REST OF WORLD
1-917-300-0470EAST COAST U.S
1-800-526-8630U.S. (TOLL FREE)

Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells - Global Strategic Business Report

  • PDF Icon

    Report

  • 281 Pages
  • February 2025
  • Region: Global
  • Global Industry Analysts, Inc
  • ID: 2785224
The global market for Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells was valued at US$27.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$70.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions.

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.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells market, presented in terms of market value (USD). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

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.

Key Insights:

  • Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the a-Si Material segment, which is expected to reach US$26.7 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 12.7%. The CdTe Material segment is also set to grow at 19.8% CAGR over the analysis period.
  • Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $7.3 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 16.1% CAGR to reach $10.7 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

  • Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
  • Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
  • Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market.
  • Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

  • How is the Global Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells Market expected to evolve by 2030?
  • What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
  • Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
  • How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
  • Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

  • Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
  • In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
  • Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG, First Solar Inc., Global Solar Energy Inc., Hanergy Holding Group Ltd. and more.
  • Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 58 companies featured in this Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells market report include:

  • 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

Table of Contents

I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
  • Influencer Market Insights
  • World Market Trajectories
  • 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

Companies Mentioned (Partial List)

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

  • 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

Table Information