Transparent Solar Cells Market

Market Definition

Transparent solar cells are photovoltaic devices that generate electricity from sunlight while allowing visible light to pass through. This dual functionality makes them ideal for integration into glass surfaces without obstructing visibility. 

The technology includes both organic and inorganic cell types, enabling power generation through clear or semi-clear panels. Manufacturers and system integrators are targeting applications in commercial buildings, automotive glass, and portable electronics by embedding these cells into windows and structural elements.

The global transparent solar cells market size was valued at USD 12.1 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 14.4 million in 2025 to USD 49.3 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.16% during the forecast period. 

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for clean energy integration in modern infrastructure. The increasing adoption of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in commercial and institutional buildings is a key factor fueling market expansion.

Key Market Highlights:

1. The transparent solar cells industry size was valued at USD 12.1 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.16% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 35.95% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 4.3 million.
4. The thin-film photovoltaics (TPV) segment garnered USD 4.7 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The partial segment is expected to reach USD 28.1 million by 2032.
6. The building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) segment is expected to reach USD 16.2 million by 2032.
7. The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20.12% during the forecast period.

Major companies operating in the transparent solar cells market are Ubiquitous Energy, SolarWindow Technologies, Inc., Onyx Solar Group LLC, Polysolar Ltd, Heliatek GmbH, BRITESOLAR, SHARP CORPORATION, GLAShern, SolarScape Enterprises LLP, Solar First Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Hanergy, Solaronix SA, AGC Group, Qcells, and Tata Group.

Transparent Solar Cells Market Report Scope

Transparent Solar Cells Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America accounted for a substantial market share of 35.95% in 2024 in the transparent solar cells market, with a valuation of USD 4.3 million. The region leads the global market due to strong R&D activity and a well-established ecosystem of research institutions, universities, and startups focused on advancing transparent solar technologies. 

The U.S. drives innovation through active collaborations and prototype development. Additionally, significant investments from major technology companies in sustainable infrastructure further accelerate deployment. 

These factors collectively support large-scale adoption and reinforce North America's dominant position in the transparent solar cell industry.

• In February 2025, NEXT Energy Technologies produced the world’s largest fully transparent organic photovoltaic window in a 40” x 60” format. The upgraded pilot line enables scalable production of power-generating windows, with ongoing efforts to obtain UL certification for grid-connected commercial building applications.

The transparent solar cells industry in Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth in the market, with a projected CAGR of 20.12% over the forecast period. The growth is driven by the rising adoption of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in commercial and institutional buildings. 

Countries across the region are integrating energy-generating materials into new construction to improve energy efficiency and lower reliance on conventional power sources.

Demand for transparent solar technologies is rising in urban areas, where contemporary architectural designs increasingly emphasize sustainability. Developers of commercial and institutional buildings are integrating transparent solar glazing into facades, skylights, and curtain walls to support energy efficiency goals. 

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are becoming a priority in these projects to meet green building standards and optimize available surface area for power generation. These trends are accelerating the adoption of transparent solar technologies and contributing to market growth across the region.

• In April 2025, ClearVue Technologies partnered with Sinrok Solar Energy to distribute its building-integrated photovoltaic glazing products in South Korea. The agreement includes exclusive rights for fencing and road barrier applications and supports the integration of ClearVue’s solar technology into the Bara Factories Expansion Project, part of the country’s national Smart Factory initiative.

Transparent Solar Cells Market Overview

Advancements in transparent and semi-transparent solar cell technologies, particularly in terms of cell transparency and energy conversion efficiency, make them suitable for integration into windows and building facades. Additionally, their growing use in automotive displays and portable electronics is contributing to market growth.

Market Driver

Government Policies Promoting Integration of Advanced Solar Technologies

The market is gaining momentum due to strong government incentives and evolving regulatory frameworks that promote clean energy integration within urban infrastructure. These policies promote clean energy integration by supporting next-generation technologies such as transparent and lightweight photovoltaics. 

Moreover, governments are increasingly offering tax incentives, installation subsidies, and net-zero building mandates to accelerate deployment of transparent solar technologies. 

This support is encouraging the integration of building-integrated solar systems into commercial and residential projects. As a result, transparent solar technologies are gaining wider acceptance across modern urban developments.

• In June 2025, the UK Government released the UK Solar Roadmap, outlining 72 actions to accelerate solar deployment. The roadmap emphasizes lightweight solar technologies and next-generation materials such as perovskite tandem cells, promoting broader adoption in urban infrastructure and highlighting the role of companies like Polysolar in integrated and transparent solar solutions.

Market Challenge

Low Power Conversion Limits Large-Scale Application

A major challenge in the transparent solar cells market is the lower power conversion efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based panels. Maintaining transparency limits visible light absorption, reducing energy output. To address this, market players are actively investing in advanced material development and tandem cell architectures. 

Companies and research institutions are focusing on perovskite-based tandem structures that combine a transparent perovskite layer with an additional absorber, such as an organic or thin-film material. This design captures a broader spectrum of sunlight, including infrared, to improve efficiency without compromising transparency. 

Industry players are also optimizing transparent electrode materials and refining deposition techniques to enhance scalability and performance. These efforts are helping close the efficiency gap and support wider adoption of transparent solar technologies in building-integrated and space-constrained applications.

• In June 2025, the National University of Singapore achieved a record efficiency of 26.4% for a perovskite–organic tandem solar cell by developing a novel NIR-absorbing organic molecule, marking the highest performance to date for such devices and advancing thin-film solar technologies for lightweight, flexible applications.

Market Trend

Increased Use of Transparent Solar Panels in Sustainable Residential Buildings

The market is growing due to the rising adoption of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in sustainable residential construction. Transparent solar panels are being integrated into windows, building exteriors, and balcony railings to support clean energy generation without compromising natural light or design aesthetics. 

These systems help reduce grid dependence while aligning with energy-efficiency standards in modern housing. Governments and developers are prioritizing low-emission construction, which boosts demand for BIPV technologies. 

Transparent solar cells enable energy generation within the structural components of homes, offering an efficient solution for space-constrained urban settings.

• In June 2025, Brite Solar introduced semi-transparent solar panels for balcony railings, integrating energy generation, shading, and modern design. The customizable panels support various residential building types and contribute to sustainable, energy-efficient architecture through building-integrated photovoltaic applications.

Market Segmentation

• By Type (Thin-film Photovoltaics (TPV), Polymer Solar Cell, Others): The thin-film photovoltaics (TPV) segment earned USD 4.7 million in 2024 due to its lightweight structure, flexibility, and compatibility with glass surfaces.
• By Transparency (Partial, Full): The partial segment held 57.70% of the market in 2024, due to its higher energy conversion efficiency and better visibility balance.
• By Application (Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), Automobile, Consumer Electronics, Others): The building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) segment is projected to reach USD 16.2 million by 2032, owing to the growing use of solar-integrated facades and windows in commercial and institutional buildings.

 Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates solar panel waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), including end-of-life management and hazardous waste determination. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ensures reliable and affordable power, including solar power, while the Department of Energy (DOE) supports research and development of solar energy technologies.
• In Europe, the regulatory body overseeing solar cell and broader renewable energy policy is the European Commission, in coordination with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
• In Japan, the Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) is the regulatory authority and certification body for solar cells and other electrical products. JET assesses and certifies solar products to ensure they meet Japanese and international safety and performance standards.

Competitive Landscape

Companies in the transparent solar cells market are focusing on strategic collaborations and technology development to enhance product performance. Key players are partnering with universities, research institutes, and material technology firms to co-develop advanced cell architectures that improve both transparency and energy efficiency. 

These collaborations help accelerate prototype development and bring solutions to market faster. In parallel, companies are investing in R&D to optimize materials, lower manufacturing costs, and facilitate seamless integration with glass and other building components. 

Such efforts are driving commercialization and expanding applications in construction, automotive, and consumer electronics sectors.

• In September 2024, SolarWindow Technologies collaborated with Lippert Components to develop transparent electricity-generating glass by integrating SolarWindow’s ultra-thin photovoltaic coatings into Lippert’s windows for recreational vehicles, marine vessels, and specialty buildings. This is expected to support off-grid power solutions and advance energy-harvesting glass applications.

Key Companies in Transparent Solar Cells Market:

• Ubiquitous Energy
• SolarWindow Technologies, Inc.
• Onyx Solar Group LLC
• Polysolar Ltd
• Heliatek GmbH
• BRITESOLAR
• SHARP CORPORATION
• GLAShern
• SolarScape Enterprises LLP
• Solar First Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
• Hanergy
• Solaronix SA
• AGC Group
• Qcells
• Tata Group