Photovoltaic Glass in North America

The global solar PV glass market size was valued at USD 3.23 billion in 2016. The growing emphasis on the adoption of clean energy sources is likely to be the key driver for the market growth in the coming years. Clean & renewable energy is an affordable alternative to fossil fuel-based electricity.

The global solar PV glass market is characterized by several key trends that are expected to play an important role in the coming years. Declining solar PV glass prices are presumed to bolster the global market growth over the forecast period.

Vitro Architectural Glass is supplying First Solar with additional US capacity. In October 2023, it announced an expansion of its contract with First Solar and a plan to invest in a plant in Pennsylvania, as well as in adapting existing PV glass facilities.

NSG has been producing TCO-coated glass for thin-film PV for more than 25 years. “Every year the solar market is bigger and bigger; more capital, more resources,” said Stephen Weidner, who heads NSG's North American architectural glass and solar products groups. “We see this on a global basis.” Glass for solar is becoming more significant.

As PV module capacity increases, glass suppliers are investing in new solar glass production capacity. New facilities are popping up in North America, with unique features to ensure competitiveness, such as using recycled material.

Andries Wantenaar, from market intelligence company Rethink Technology Research, said that "demand for solar glass is looking robust." “We're excited about the potential for domestic solar manufacturing growth to provide jobs and R&D development in the US,” Solarcycle Chief Operating Officer (COO) Rob Vinje told pv magazine.