Printable Solar Cells Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Technology (Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells, Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)), By Application (Solar Panel, Electronics) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Printable solar cells are made from specifically developed solar ink technology. Solar ink includes metal salts and a polymer-fullerene mixture. The ink is a photoactive layer of polymer p-type and fullerene n-type. This is associated with the substratum anode. Using inkjet printing technology, the solar ink scheme can be implemented on layered coatings.

The significant benefit of a printable solar cell is the negligible cost of producing these cells owing to the continually dropping prices of silicon material worldwide. Increasing demand for electricity worldwide is the main driver of the market for printable solar cells, and in the near future, it is likely to grow at a substantial rate.

Printable solar cells have the ability to provide residential and commercial buildings with steady electricity. Further, the printable solar cells can effortlessly change their shape and design to provide for aesthetically better enhancements to a building’s facade.

The printable solar cells market is categorized by bulk heterojunction solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Bulk heterojunction solar cells technology uses flexible solar cells made with polymers also called as plastic solar cells. It is a type of thin film solar cell technology. Whereas, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) utilizes nanoparticles of titanium dioxide with a layer of light harvesting dyes and is easy to manufacture by using conventional roll printing technology.

Printable solar cells are highly used for constant electricity generation for residential and commercial buildings as they have the capacity to supply electricity from a variety of application including walls, roller blinds, shade umbrellas, curtains, and tents. These applications are anticipated to supply abundant electricity to residential and non-residential structures around the world.

An increase in demand for electricity across the globe is a primary driver of the printable solar cell market along with the low cost for printable solar cells coupled with their flexible designing is expected to uplift the demand of these solar cells. Instead of adding a solar module and arrays to current building or house, printable solar cells can be incorporated immediately during construction. This turns reduces installation expenses and makes the printable solar cell in nature cost-effective.

However, the printable solar cells market is expected to face intense competition from silicon material photovoltaic cells as they are more efficient than printable solar cells. Moreover, the lifespan for printable solar cells is comparatively less than silicon-based solar panels.

Key Players Covered

Some of the major companies that are present in printable solar cells market are Nanosolar Corporation, InfinityPV ApS, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Triton Solar LLC, Solarmer Energy, Inc., Nanosys, BrightSource Energy, Miasolé, First Solar, Solopower Systems, Inc., Abound Solar, SolarCity, Global Solar Energy, Sanyo, and Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

SEGMENTATION

Regional Analysis

The global printable solar cells market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold a major share due to its strong presence in the solar industry and owing to its large number of renewable energy projects and rapid expansion in the power sector in the region. Europe is expected to grow in terms of printable solar cells market due to the rise in demand for electricity. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant player as economies such as Australia are extensively conducting research and development in the field of solar energy. In Latin America investments are being made in the energy and power sectors which are expected to bloom the market for printable solar cells in the region. The Middle East and Africa have high potential due to the continuous rise in demand for electricity due to rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Key Industry Developments

• In July 2019, Swedish pension fund AMF has acquired a 6% stake in Exeger Sweden AB, a solar technology company, by investing USD 29.7 million. Exeger is working toward exploring a new market for printable solar photovoltaic cells in consumer electronics and other application at a commercial level.
• In October 2018, KAUST solar center has developed an organic photovoltaic material that captures efficiently and can be coated on building material in residential and commercial applications.