Aluminum Extrusion in Solar PV: Market to Reach $9.5 Billion as Lightweighting and Low-Carbon Solutions Drive Growth

Posted on
by

SINGAPORE / SHANGHAI – April 27, 2026 – The global market for aluminum extrusions in photovoltaic (PV) applications is poised for steady expansion, with the solar aluminum frame segment alone projected to reach $9.0–9.5 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7–9% through 2032, according to latest industry data. Aluminum framing systems for PV mounting structures are also expected to grow from $7.23 billion in 2025 to $8.92 billion by 2032, representing a CAGR of 3.1%.

Aluminum frames currently command a dominant >95% share of the PV module framing market, far outpacing alternative materials such as stainless steel and glass-fiber reinforced polymers. The material accounts for nearly 10% of non-cell bill-of-materials costs, making it the second-most significant cost component after solar cells.Global Solar Boom Fuels Aluminum Demand

Global renewable energy capacity reached 4,448 GW by the end of 2024, with solar leading at 1,865 GW. New PV installations in 2024 hit a record 451.9 GW, with China contributing 278.0 GW, followed by the United States (38.3 GW), India (24.5 GW), Brazil (15.2 GW), and Germany (15.1 GW).

This rapid solar expansion continues to drive aluminum extrusion demand across two primary product segments:

  • PV aluminum frames – for module edge sealing and structural support
  • PV mounting systems – for ground-mount, commercial rooftop, and residential applications

Market Challenges: Tariffs, Carbon Costs, and Price Pressure

The industry faces multiple headwinds:

  • U.S. Section 232 tariffs raised to 50% since June 2025
  • EU CBAM carbon surcharges of 3.7–12% now fully implemented
  • Turkey imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese PV aluminum frames in December 2025
  • Processing fees for PV frames recently declined by approximately RMB 100/ton amid intensifying price competition
  • LME aluminum prices remain elevated around $3,180/ton, squeezing extruder margins

Despite these challenges, the market outlook remains positive, driven by continued global solar capacity additions and aluminum’s unrivalled combination of light weight, corrosion resistance, and recyclability in PV applications.

Contact Info:

Diona

E-mail:Diona@cnaoli.com

WhatsApp: 18029386403

18.png

Media Contact
Company Name: Sihui Aoli Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Country: China
Website: https://www.cnaoli.com/