Photovoltaic Welding Strip Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Interconnection Belt & Bushing Belt), By Application (Photovoltaic Cells & PV Junction Box) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

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PHOTOVOLTAIC WELDING STRIP MARKET OVERVIEW

The global photovoltaic welding strip market is poised for significant growth, starting at approximately USD 2.75 billion in 2024, climbing to USD 3.03 billion in 2025, and projected to reach USD 6.49 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 10%.

The Photovoltaic Welding Strip Market deals with strips that are utilized in the solar panel production in joining electric cells effectively. These strips prove to be vital connectors and the lifeline of a solar panel as far as its electrical connection is concerned. Manufactured using high-conductivity metals, they are used to improve the efficiency and durability of the solar energy systems in use. For these welding strips, new opportunities are opening as more and more focus is being placed on renewable energy.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market Growth Restrained During Pandemic Due To Production Disruptions And Economic Instability

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The photovoltaic welding strip market suffered implications from the COVID-19 impact crisis due to disruption of production and supply chains. Restrictions and the lockdown influenced manufacturing plants and a disruption in the supply chains, which affected project progress and overall demand for solar panels. Secondly, due to economic disruptions, consumers defer and restrain their investments in renewable energy projects as it unstable the market foundation in the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

Market growth is driven by innovations in materials and automation technology

Some of the trends that are observed in the photovoltaic welding strip market include the use of better material to come up with higher efficiency and improved durability and the rise in the use of automation technology. One marked tendency is working on high-conductivity alloys for increasing rate of heat transfer and efficiency of the panel in general. This is an important innovation to foster efficiency and durability of photovoltaic modules, boosting the market.

• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 68% of new solar module production lines in 2023 shifted to narrower photovoltaic welding strips (0.1 mm–0.2 mm) to enhance module conversion efficiency and reduce shading loss. This trend reflects a growing preference for multi-busbar (MBB) technology in solar cells.

• As per the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines under the “Sustainable PV Manufacturing” initiative, over 55% of solar manufacturers adopted lead-free photovoltaic welding strips by the end of 2022 to comply with environmental norms under RoHS and WEEE directives, pushing the trend toward sustainable soldering alternatives.

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PHOTOVOLTAIC WELDING STRIP MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Interconnection Belt & Bushing Belt

• Interconnection Belt: Interconnection belts in the photovoltaic welding strip market are used to join photovoltaic cells that are incorporated in modules. All are intended to provide optimized electrical performance in conjunction with providing protection against deterioration due to adverse operating conditions. They are used where high levels of precision and reliability are required, especially in the enhancement of the performance and the durability of the solar panels.

• Bushing Belt: Coulombic or bushing belts serve to prevent or shield the circuits that link the photovoltaic cells. They give body support and afford protection to the electrical interconnections against wear and tear. They are essential as they oversee the solar panel’s electrical’s integrity and performance of the system.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into Photovoltaic Cells & PV Junction Box.

• Photovoltaic Cells: Photovoltaic welding strips are also used in photovoltaic cells, which is a primary application of the product being used to join cells in panels. These strips assure that the electrical conductivity is at its best and that the process of power generation is rather reliable. They are essential to the improvement of the general performance and service life of solar power technologies.

• PV Junction Box: In PV junction boxes, photovoltaic welding strips are used to offer mechanical interconnections in junctions of panel components. They enable the conveying of electrical power from the electrodes towards the external circuits in a very efficient manner. Due to their well-built nature, they are viewed as being instrumental in maintaining the optimum efficiency and safety of the solar power system.

DRIVING FACTORS

Market growth is driven by increasing solar power installations and innovations

Rising incorporation of renewable power generation, particularly that based on solar energy, is the major factor that is encouraging the Photovoltaic Welding Strip Market Growth. Solar power installations are on the increase, and this means finding materials like welding strips, which, when applied to the panel, augment the panel’s performance and lifespan, are paramount. Solar sector expansion gives direct positive growth to the photovoltaic welding strip market.

• Based on data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the world added 295 GW of solar PV capacity in 2022, resulting in a cumulative capacity of 1,047 GW. This rise in installations is directly accelerating the demand for photovoltaic welding strips used in interconnecting solar cells.

• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, under the PM-KUSUM scheme, over 5 lakh standalone solar pumps were installed with government subsidies covering 60% of the system cost, boosting domestic demand for solar components including welding strips.

Market growth is driven by advancements in conductivity and reliability

There are improved welding strips that are currently in the making that will feature better conductivity and higher reliability. Some of the new technological developments, including improved quality of alloy used in the photovoltaic and new coating methods, are improving the efficacy of the panel. All the above are technological enhancements that are driving the need for advanced photovoltaic welding strips.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Market growth is constrained by high production costs and expensive materials

Photovoltaic welding strips are normally produced from costly materials and require complex production techniques. This leads to higher expenses for the manufacturers, and this may be a big challenge in the growth of the market. High production costs also imply higher costs of the final product, hence a constraint on the uptake of the product.

• According to data from the London Metal Exchange (LME), silver prices fluctuated between USD 18.05/oz and USD 25.12/oz in 2023, affecting the cost structure of silver-coated or silver-plated welding strips, which constitute a major portion of photovoltaic interconnects. 

  According to a technical review published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), fabrication tolerance challenges in welding strips below 0.10 mm thickness have led to rejection rates of over 12% in high-speed automated soldering lines, affecting productivity and increasing manufacturing costs.

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PHOTOVOLTAIC WELDING STRIP MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Market growth is led by North America's technological advancements and demand

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

North America holds the largest Photovoltaic Welding Strip Market Share due to higher technological development, active involvement of leading industry players and high demand for better solar technologies. Active research and development works made in the region keep enhancing technological inventions in photovoltaic solar systems. There is, therefore, positive government policies and encouragement of the use of solar energy to boost market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Market growth is fueled by innovation, R&D, and strategic expansions

Competitive industry forces are highly contributing to the growth of the photovoltaic welding strip market by constantly improving innovation and technology. Through increased research and development, they improve the performance and longevity of welding strips, thus the performance of the solar panels. The increases can also be due to the new market coverage resulting from strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and expansions in response to market needs for higher-quality photovoltaic devices.

• Hitachi Cable: Hitachi Cable’s solar-grade metal strips achieve elongation over 20% and tensile strength above 300 MPa, enhancing solderability and reducing fracture risk in module assembly. Their product is integrated across over 15 major module manufacturers. 

• SHENMAO Technology Inc.: Headquartered in Taiwan, SHENMAO’s soldering materials, including photovoltaic strips, accounted for over 18% of its revenue in 2023. Their product line supports lead-free alloys compliant with RoHS 2011/65/EU.

List of Top Photovoltaic Welding Strip Companies

• Ulbrich (U.S.)
• Luvata (Finland)
• Hitachi Cable (Japan)
• SHENMAO Technology (China)
• Akcome (China)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

June, 2024: SolarEdge Technologies launched a new range of High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Welding Strip. This innovation posits new and advanced conductive properties with extra depth of durability to optimize the performance of photovoltaic modules.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.