US Solar Encapsulation Market Trends — Trends include high-efficiency materials, UV-resistant coatings, and EVA innovation.

Several notable trends are shaping the U.S. solar encapsulation market, reflecting a broader evolution in the solar industry.

Shift to Non-EVA Materials: While Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) remains the market leader, there is a clear trend toward the adoption of alternative materials like Polyolefin Elastomers (POE). This shift is driven by the need for enhanced resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) and moisture, which is a common issue with high-efficiency n-type and bifacial modules.

Bifacial Module Technology: The growing popularity of bifacial solar modules, which can generate electricity from both sides, is a major trend. This requires encapsulation materials that have high optical clarity on both the front and back of the module, leading to the development of transparent backsheets and new encapsulant formulations.

Domestic Manufacturing: Policy incentives from the IRA are encouraging a trend toward localized manufacturing of solar components, including encapsulation films. This aims to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and create a more resilient domestic industry.

High-Efficiency Modules: The continuous push for higher efficiency solar modules is creating a demand for encapsulants that can withstand higher temperatures and more extreme conditions without degrading. Manufacturers are developing materials with improved thermal stability and UV resistance to meet this need.