A number of smaller thin-film applications will be collectively worth 1.2GW by 2024, according to a new study by Lux Research.
The report, Into the Niche: Putting a Magnifying Glass on PV’s Tiniest Markets, uncovered a number of emerging specialist opportunities for manufacturers. The largest of these is building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
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“Technology barriers including the need for high-quality barrier films, and integrators’ hesitance, have slowed growth in these markets to date,” said Edward Cahill, Lux Research analyst and lead author of the report.
“Market adoption has been limited and will remain small relative to conventional solar demand, but the niche application can be a profitable side business that supports a core business market,” he added.
The report also found that building facades are the fastest growing BIPV segment although solar roofing tiles will be the largest with 425MW deployed by 2024. Facades will however close the gap with 407MW deployed by 2024.
The market for chargers for electronics will grow 31-fold by 2024 to 125MW in 2024.
EMEA will be the largest niche PV market – growing from 66MW in 2013 to 505MW in 2024. However, Asia-Pacific will grow faster, from 27MW to 315MW, with growth in the Americas market more steady (61MW to 340MW).
