Solar Blanket Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide, and Others), By Shape (Round Solar Blankets, Oval Solar Blankets, and Rectangular Solar Blankets), By End User (Residential and Commercial), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

A solar blanket, also known as a solar pool cover and solar pool blanket, is a device used for retaining heat and minimizing evaporation in swimming pools. It’s a bubble-wrap-like texture made from a durable, UV-resistant plastic material, ideal for absorbing solar energy during the day. The absorbed heat helps in preventing heat loss at night further leading to reduced energy costs for pool heating. Additionally, it reduces water evaporation from the pool, which saves on water and chemical use.

The rising environmental awareness among the population across the globe has been driving the demand for solar blankets globally. As awareness about energy conservation and environmental sustainability grows, solar blankets become more attractive for their ability to reduce energy use and water consumption. The rising government initiatives and programs for encouraging clean energy and adopting measures to save energy also propel the demand for solar blankets. For instance, Government initiatives, such as the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) in the U.S. provide financial incentives to install energy-efficient equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses. When residents use more energy-efficient equipment, it helps lower electricity demand, which in turn can drive down electricity prices for everyone in New South Wales, including households and businesses. Thus, rising awareness regarding the environment and government support is projected to increase the adoption of solar blankets across the globe.

However, the durability and short lifespan of the product act as a restraining factor for the expansion of the market. Solar blankets degrade over time due to exposure to UV radiation, chlorine, and other pool chemicals. This degradation reduces their effectiveness and lifespan, leading to frequent replacements.

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the growth of the market as the lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the governments of different nations affected the global supply chains of solar blankets, leading to shortages of raw materials and manufacturing delays. The temporary shutdown of different commercial places, such as hotels, resorts, and other places encompassing pools, also hampered the market expansion.

Key INSIGHTS

The report includes the following key findings:

• Recent Advances in the Solar Blanket Market
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for the Solar Blanket Market
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)

SEGMENTATION

ANALYSIS BY TYPE

Based on type, the solar blanket market is segmented into amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and others. The amorphous silicon segment holds a dominant market share due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The type of thin-film solar technology used in its manufacturing enhances its flexibility and incurs low manufacturing costs. The cadmium telluride segment has a marginal share in the market. This is primarily due to its manufacturing process involving toxic materials, which raises environmental and safety concerns. The copper indium gallium selenide segment is growing at the fastest rate in the market due to its higher efficiency compared to amorphous silicon.

ANALYSIS BY SHAPE

Based on shape, the market is segmented into round solar blankets, oval solar blankets, and rectangular solar blankets. The rectangular solar blankets segment holds the largest share of the market owing to the huge presence of rectangular-shaped swimming pools in residential and commercial areas. Rectangular pools are more efficient in terms of space utilization, especially in modern urban and suburban environments where space is often limited. The round-shaped solar blankets hold a marginal share in the market owing to the lesser presence of round-shaped swimming pools across the globe. Oval solar blankets are designed for oval-shaped pools, which are less common than rectangular or round pools. These blankets are usually customized to fit specific pool shapes, which are mainly found in residential areas.

ANALYSIS BY END USER

The market is bifurcated into residential and commercial based on the end user. The commercial sector holds the major share of the market owing to the growing number of hotels, educational institutions, and tourist attractions. Rising government initiatives to boost the tourism industry are also driving the growth of the commercial sector.

The residential sector is also growing steadily in the market owing to the rising disposable income of the population globally. This high income is leading to the construction of swimming pools in residential areas for recreational and leisure activities.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The global solar blanket market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America holds the largest share of the market owing to the high prevalence of residential swimming pools in the U.S. and Canada. Warm climates in southern states, such as California, Florida, and Texas, contribute to a robust demand for pool-related products.

Asia Pacific also holds a remarkable share of the market owing to the rising focus of the governments of countries, such as China, India, Indonesia, and other nations for the development of the tourism industry. The construction of hotels to catalyze the growing hospitality demand by tourists is attributed to the demand for solar blankets.

European countries have a population with high disposable income, which leads to the construction of swimming pools in residential areas. Moreover, the rising efforts by the European Union to achieve carbon neutrality and adopt energy-efficient techniques propel the adoption of solar blankets.

Latin America has a moderate market share in the solar blanket market, with Brazil and Mexico being key contributors due to their warmer climates and a significant number of swimming pools.

Furthermore, the Middle East & Africa region is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate owing to the rising construction of tourist attractions such as amusement parks, water parks, and other recreational places, which necessitate the construction of hotels. This provides a positive outlook for the market.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

Key players in the global solar blanket market are AmeriMerc, Blue Wave, Doheny, Flisom, Enecom, Solarcovers, Elite Pool Covers, Intheswim, and Leslie.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In March 2024, Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Sandford Parks Lido received over USD 380,597 from the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund, with an extra USD 12,437 from CBC's Cheltenham Zero Community Grant. This funding will support Lido's third stage of its decarbonization plan by purchasing a new pool cover for the children's pool and installing solar panels in its car park.
• In June 2023, the Reef Leisure Centre of the U.K. installed a new pool cover to reduce energy use by minimizing heat loss. The cover is used every evening after the final swim session, trapping heat and reducing the need for water and air circulation pumps. This joint effort between North Norfolk District Council and Everyone Active aims to lower the carbon footprint of their leisure centers.