The global next-generation solar cell market will reach $12.95 billion by 2031

The next-generation solar cell market will grow by 15.73% annually by 2031, driven by diversified uses in residential, industrial, and aerospace sectors.

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The global next-generation solar cell market is expected to increase from $4.13 billion in 2024 to $12.95 billion in 2031, according to The Insight Partners. This growth rate represents a compound annual growth rate of 15.73%, supported by government incentives, the expansion of solar installations, and the rise of residential rooftop projects.

Deployment in residential and industrial sectors
Building-integrated photovoltaic systems combine electricity production with structural functions such as waterproofing and sound insulation. The use of these technologies is also increasing in industrial thermal processes, including desalination, mineral processing, chemical production, and enhanced oil recovery. Their deployment in remote areas, to power offshore platforms, lighthouses, or isolated medical facilities, further strengthens demand.

Applications in aerospace, space, and defence
Unmanned aerial vehicles powered exclusively by solar energy are used for secure communications and long-duration surveillance missions. In the space sector, solar panels power exploration equipment such as the Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers. The growing integration of these technologies in these sectors is expanding the commercial potential of advanced solar cells.

Asian leadership and regional outlook
In 2024, Asia-Pacific held the largest share of market revenue, ahead of North America and Europe. China, India, Japan, and Australia are leading large-scale solar farm deployment programmes, particularly in rural areas. The combination of public strategies, ambitious energy targets, and rising regional electricity demand is expected to sustain above-average growth through 2031.

EDF power solutions and El Paso Electric have started operations at the Milagro Energy Center, combining 150 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 75 MW of battery storage under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Iberdrola strengthens its partnership with Norges Bank Investment Management by adding two Spanish photovoltaic plants, raising joint operational capacity to 900 MW.
Producer Red Rocket has finalised financing for a 331 MWp solar park in Mpumalanga, backed by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Discovery Green.
Sun Investment Group has launched a crowdfunding campaign with Enerfip to raise up to €1.6mn ($1.7mn) to support the development of twelve photovoltaic plants in Italy totalling 113 MW.
GreenYellow will develop a 1.5 MWp photovoltaic plant in Mauritius for Volailles et Traditions, with an expected annual output of 2.45 GWh fed into the national power grid.
An alternative energy scenario proposes increasing solar and storage capacity by 2037 to reduce fossil fuel dependence and cut electricity generation costs in Thailand.
Osaka Gas and Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure have formed a partnership to expand their renewable energy business with the acquisition of a 25MW solar power plant in Kyoto, formerly owned by Kyocera TCL Solar.
Global South Utilities, filiale de Resources Investment LTD, inaugure à N’Djamena la centrale Noor Chad de 50 MW avec 5 MWh de stockage, dimensionnée pour alimenter des centaines de milliers de foyers et exploitée directement par l’entreprise.
Nine African countries will receive €545mn ($638mn) in European Union funding to support rural electrification and strengthen regional renewable energy infrastructure.
TotalEnergies will transfer half of a 1.4 gigawatt solar portfolio to KKR, strengthening its position in the North American power market while securing $950 million through the sale and bank refinancing.
EDP, via EDP Renewables, inaugurates in Menestreau (Nièvre) a photovoltaic park of nearly 16MWc, comprising 29,630 panels and designed to produce about 19GWh per year, in co-activity with sheep farming.
The transaction creates the fifth-largest US residential solar player by installed megawatts, doubles the sales force to 1,734 representatives and targets a record operating profit in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Founder Group invests MYR1.16bn ($2.76bn) in a 310 MWp solar project with storage in Malaysia to power a future 200 MW green data centre campus.
RES secures a three-year contract to operate the Cleve Hill site, marking a strategic asset transfer in the UK's large-scale solar market.
AMEA Power announces its 120 MWp photovoltaic plant in Kairouan is 82% complete, with commissioning expected before year-end.
Africa's photovoltaic market is expected to grow rapidly with 23 GW of new installations projected by 2028, according to Global Solar Council forecasts.
Canadian pension fund La Caisse has acquired Edify for CAD1bn to support two hybrid solar projects in Australia including battery storage systems.
The Amance solar park, now owned by Commerz Real’s Klimavest fund, has entered production with a capacity of 47 MWp, confirming the investor’s strategy in the French market.
Boviet Solar expanded its Greenville plant with a third production line, raising its annual photovoltaic module capacity to 3 GW as part of an industrial investment exceeding $400mn.
Schneider Electric partners with GreenYellow to solarise 24 industrial sites in France, reaching an installed capacity of 16.9 MWp as part of a large-scale self-consumption energy programme.