The Satellite Solar Panels Array Market was valued at USD 875.02 Million in 2024. The Satellite Solar Panels Array Market industry is projected to grow from USD 892.37 Million in 2025 to USD 1,616.97 Million by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period (2025-2035).
The growing satellite launches for communication & earth observation and innovations in solar cell technology are driving the growth of the satellite solar panels array market.
As per the Analyst at MRFR, the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is a pivotal segment within the aerospace and space technology industries, underpinning the power supply of satellites deployed across various orbits including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and beyond. Satellite solar arrays are specialized photovoltaic systems designed to capture and convert solar energy into electrical power, sustaining the operation of onboard systems such as communication transponders, navigation instruments, scientific payloads, and thermal management units.
With the rapid expansion of satellite applications ranging from global broadband connectivity, Earth observation for climate monitoring, to precise navigation services, the need for highly efficient, lightweight, and resilient solar panels has become more pronounced.
FIGURE 1: SATELLITE SOLAR PANELS ARRAY MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD MILLION
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The entrance of low-cost launch providers such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and emerging competitors like India’s ISRO and China's CASC has revolutionized satellite deployment economics. Historically, satellite missions were prohibitively expensive, with launch costs often exceeding $20,000 per kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). However, technological breakthroughs particularly rocket reusability pioneered by SpaceX have slashed costs to as low as $2,700/kg (Falcon 9), with future vehicles like Starship targeting under $1,000/kg. This steep drop in cost has catalyzed the growth of the global satellite industry, transforming access from an exclusive domain of governments and large defense primes to a playground for commercial startups, academic institutions, and international telecom companies.
According to BryceTech, more than 2,800 satellites were launched in 2023, up from just 114 in 2010, with 95% being smallsats under 600 kg. Every satellite, regardless of size or mission, depends on solar panels for uninterrupted power generation in space whether to run onboard systems, sensors, propulsion units, or communication arrays. This surge in smallsat and mega-constellation deployments (e.g., Starlink, OneWeb, Kuiper) has directly translated into growing demand for compact, lightweight, high-efficiency solar panel arrays.
While reduced launch costs have unlocked growth in satellite manufacturing and deployment, they have also created a fragmented ecosystem with highly varied demand profiles. As commercial interest in space soars, the customer base for satellite solar panel manufacturers has expanded from a few dozen to thousands of satellite startups, research universities, private telecoms, defense startups, and Earth observation firms.
According to Euroconsult, there are now over 3,500 smallsat developers and operators globally, each with unique mission durations, orbital altitudes, power needs, and form factors. These differences lead to significant variations in solar array specifications: size (from <1 m² for CubeSats to >30 m² for large telecom satellites), power requirements (ranging from 10 W to 15 kW), and deployment methods (fixed rigid, roll-out flexible, or articulated panels). Unlike legacy providers like Boeing or Airbus, which standardize components across large satellite platforms, solar panel suppliers now face growing pressure to customize panels for low-volume.
Based on type, the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is Segmented into: Solar Array (Rigid Solar Array, Multi-Junction Solar Array, Thin-Film Solar Array) and Solar Panels. The Solar Array segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Solar Array segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period.
A solar array is a collection of multiple solar modules or panels that work together to generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical power. In satellites, these arrays are critical for powering systems such as communication, navigation, telemetry, propulsion, and onboard computing. Solar arrays used in space are designed for extreme environmental conditions including radiation exposure, temperature extremes, and zero-gravity.
Based on orbit, the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is segmented into LEO Orbit, MEO Orbit, GEO Orbit. The LEO Orbit segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the LEO Orbit segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Low Earth Orbit (LEO), ranging from 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth, has emerged as the dominant orbital regime for next-generation satellite constellations. LEO’s proximity to Earth enables lower signal latency and high data throughput, making it ideal for real-time applications such as broadband internet, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and satellite-based IoT. Global megaconstellations including SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are driving unprecedented demand for compact, lightweight, and high-efficiency solar arrays tailored to smallsats and CubeSats.
Solar panel arrays for LEO satellites face specific environmental and operational challenges. The satellites frequently enter and exit Earth’s shadow during each orbit, creating multiple eclipse periods per day. To counter this, arrays must be highly efficient in sunlight capture and paired with robust battery systems for reliable energy storage. Materials must also withstand atomic oxygen corrosion prevalent in LEO and extreme temperature cycling. Triple- and quadruple-junction gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells are preferred due to their superior power density and radiation tolerance.
FIGURE 2: SATELLITE SOLAR PANELS ARRAY MARKET SHARE BY ORBIT 2024 AND 2035 (USD MILLION)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Based on application, the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is segmented into Communication Satellites, Earth Observation Satellites, Navigation Satellites, Remote Sensing Satellites, Others. The Communication Satellites segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Communication Satellites segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period Communication satellites are a cornerstone of the global satellite industry and represent one of the largest application segments for solar panel arrays. Positioned primarily in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) but increasingly also in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), these satellites facilitate services such as television broadcasting, internet connectivity, mobile voice/data communication, military communication, and satellite radio.
Their energy needs are substantial due to the continuous operation of transponders, signal processors, and antenna systems. Solar panel arrays for communication satellites are engineered for high reliability and continuous power delivery. GEO communication satellites, in particular, require large, multi-panel deployable solar wings capable of operating continuously for 15 to 20 years. Triple- and quadruple-junction GaAs solar cells are widely used in this segment due to their high efficiency and long radiation-tolerant lifespan. Additionally, some arrays feature sun-tracking mechanisms to maximize energy absorption during orbit.
Based on the Region, the global Satellite Solar Panels Array is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of World. The North America dominated the global market in 2024, while the Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Major demand factors driving the North America market, North America led by the United States, holds a dominant position in the global satellite solar panel array market. The region benefits from a robust aerospace and defense ecosystem, spearheaded by major players such as NASA, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Sierra Space, and Rocket Lab. The U.S. government continues to invest heavily in satellite technologies for national security, space exploration, commercial communication, and scientific research, all of which are powered by advanced solar arrays.
A defining feature of the North American market is the rapid growth of commercial satellite constellations. Companies like SpaceX, Amazon Kuiper, and OneWeb (North American operations) are deploying LEO constellations, creating massive demand for modular, lightweight, and scalable solar panels. Furthermore, North America is a hub for solar cell innovation, particularly in multi-junction gallium arsenide (GaAs) and radiation-hardened technologies, with facilities such as Spectrolab (Boeing) driving R&D.
FIGURE 3: SATELLITE SOLAR PANELS ARRAY MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 AND 2035 (USD MILLION)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Further, the countries considered in the scope of the Application Tracking System Market are the US, Rest of North America, UK, Rest of Europe, China, Japan, Rest of Asia Pacific and others.
Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
The major competitors in the market are Airbus Defence and Space, SPECTROLAB, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab, Inc, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, SPACETECH GMBH, DHV Technology, GOMSPACE, ISISPACE Group, AAC Clyde Space, Mitsubishi Electric, Thales Alenia Space, MPOWER Technology, Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc, Leonardo S.P.A, Kongsberg NANOAVIONICS are among others. The Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.
February 2025: Mitsubishi Electric signed an agreement with HD Renewable Energy Co., Ltd., a Taipei-based developer of solar power and battery storage systems. The collaboration includes establishing a joint venture focused on aggregating distributed energy resources to stabilize power grids and promote carbon neutrality.
October 2022: SpaceTech inaugurated a new, highly automated solar array production facility in Immenstaad-Kippenhausen. This expansion significantly increased their production capacity to meet the growing demand for satellite constellations, including orders from Airbus OneWeb Satellites and ESA’s Copernicus missions. Further development continued with a groundbreaking ceremony in March 2023 for additional offices, laboratories, and cleanrooms, aimed at consolidating their market leadership in solar arrays and advancing photonic and quantum optical instruments.
January 2022: Rocket Lab acquired SolAero Holdings, Inc., a premier supplier of space solar power products, for $80 million. This acquisition positioned Rocket Lab as one of the few U.S. companies producing high-efficiency, space-grade solar cells, enhancing its vertical integration strategy. SolAero's technologies have powered over 1,000 successful space missions, including NASA's Parker Solar Probe and the Mars Insight Lander.
September 2019: Thales Alenia Space inaugurated a state-of-the-art automated production plant in Hasselt, Belgium, dedicated to manufacturing photovoltaic assemblies (PVAs) for satellite solar panels. This facility employs Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotized assembly, digital data management, augmented reality, and online testing, to produce between 100,000 and 200,000 PVAs annually. The PVAs produced here are integrated into solar arrays at the company's Cannes facility.
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 875.02 Million |
| Market Size 2025 | USD 892.37 Million |
| Market Size 2035 | USD 1,616.97 Million |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 6.1% (2025-2035) |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2035 |
| Historical Data | 2019-2023 |
| Forecast Units | Value, Volume (USD Million, kW) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | By Type, By Orbit, By Application |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of World |
| Countries Covered | The US, Rest of North America, UK, Rest of Europe, China, Japan, Rest of Asia Pacific |
| Key Companies Profiled | Airbus Defence and Space, SPECTROLAB, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab, Inc, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, SPACETECH GMBH, DHV Technology, GOMSPACE, ISISPACE Group, AAC Clyde Space, Mitsubishi Electric, Thales Alenia Space, MPOWER Technology, Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc, Leonardo S.P.A, Kongsberg NANOAVIONICS |
| Key Market Opportunities | ·        Emergence of low-cost launch providers ·        Rising government expenditure on space programs |
| Key Market Dynamics | ·        Growing satellite launches for communication & earth observation ·        Innovations in solar cell technology |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
USD 875.02 Million is the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market in 2024
The Communication Satellites segment by Application holds the largest market share and grows at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.
North America holds the largest market share in the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market.
Airbus Defence and Space, SPECTROLAB, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab, Inc, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, SPACETECH GMBH, DHV Technology, GOMSPACE, ISISPACE Group, AAC Clyde Space, Mitsubishi Electric, Thales Alenia Space, MPOWER Technology, Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc, Leonardo S.P.A, Kongsberg NANOAVIONICS are prominent players in the Satellite Solar Panels Array Market.
The LEO Orbit segment dominated the market in 2024.
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Research Analyst Level I In her 3 years of experience in the market research field, she has handled critical cross-domain projects. she has an in-depth knowledge of market estimation & analysis, problem-solving, primary as well as secondary research, and team management.she holds an engineering degree and is an mba professional from a well-known university, capable of evaluating the market and competitive conditions. an exceptional strategist with excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering cutting-edge & practical insights for the market. proficient in multi-tasking, and can successfully deal with competing demands, while maintaining complete confidentiality. generated business through active client and project development, networking, and high-quality responses. her knowledge and skills have helped in making solid business decisions, securing funding from investors, and avoiding business failures.
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