Smart Glass Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The smart glass market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.42% over the forecast period to reach US$11.988 billion by 2029, increasing from estimated value of US$6.677 billion in 2024.

Smart glass, also known as Light Control Glass (LCG) or switchable glass, helps to alter the amount of light transmitted through transparent materials. The rising global adoption of green buildings and eco-friendly technologies is the major factor driving the demand for these products. The market's growth is further fueled by financial support and tax benefits from different governments provided to smart glass manufacturers. A favorable regulatory environment that facilitates financial and tax benefits also impacts the market positively. The glass industry has grown due to the rise in developments, such as higher investment levels and the establishment of industrial-scale production capacity. Recent trends in modern architecture drive the need for innovative solutions. This includes the widespread use of window structures within buildings, the expansion of glazing areas, and the optimization of interference from the external environment.

Smart Glass Market Drivers:

• Increasing demand from the automotive industry

Smart glass is widely used in sunroofs and interior and exterior automatic dimming rearview mirrors, especially in the automotive industry. Prestigious automakers like Mercedes and BMW have installed smart glass systems. Mercedes-Benz offers a cutting-edge Magic Sky Control panoramic roof with SPD-SmartGlass technology as an option for its S-Class Coupe and other S-Class models. Exceptional interior heat reduction, UV protection, glare control, noise reduction, and fuel efficiency are just a few advantages of SPD-SmartGlass. Current smart glass applications being used to promote new product launches include those from Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover, which used them to introduce the Dawn and F-Type, respectively.

• Rising use of electrochromic technology

The ability of electrochromic glass to control the amount of light passing through it by turning opaque or transparent with the touch of a switch or remote control is responsible for the rise in consumer demand. It lets light through while blocking heat from entering during the hottest months of the year, allowing the home to use less air conditioning. Electrochromic windows improve visual comfort because light transmission can be decreased at certain times. It is particularly used when there is an abundance of light coming in from the outside. It permits energy savings as well. High levels of infrared radiation entering a room through windows during the summer can raise the temperature inside.

Smart Glass Market Restraint:

• High cost of smart glasses

The cost of materials, installation, electricity, and functional features-such as dimming capabilities, latency to control, and transparency differential-all go into the final cost of smart glass. When compared to traditional glasses, these expenses make this glass very pricey. Furthermore, because rare chemicals and electronic systems are used in the process, disposing of used glass panels calls for specific treatment methods that raise the overall cost. Because of these factors, switchable glass manufacturers find it difficult to list all the advantages and compelling returns on investment that their customers receive from using switchable glass. Even with these glasses' benefits, their prohibitive price is still the main factor limiting their widespread use.

Smart Glass Market Geographical Outlook

• Asia Pacific is projected to grow rapidly during the forecast period

With the growing concerns regarding climate change, certain regulations are revolutionizing the real-estate sector. These concerns have further given rise to the adoption of green or eco-friendly technologies coupled with huge energy savings, hence fueling the market demand in the forecast period. Furthermore, in the Asia Pacific region, the growth in the middle-class population has created a market demand for smart glasses in the residential sector as well. This is because of the increase in family income and growing disposable income. Hence, this emerging middle-class population has become potential consumers for the adoption of smart glasses, further creating a huge consumer base. The growing urbanization, giving rise to the development of smart cities as per the customers' demand, is further providing an opportunity for the market to thrive in the forecast period and the coming years. The APAC region comprises around 60% of the total urban population on a global level. By 2050, it is expected that around two-thirds of the total regional population will reside in cities. Furthermore, the growing automotive industry, especially in the emerging economies of India and China, is further propelling the market demand in the forecast period.

Smart Glass Market Developments:

• In October 2023, Guardian Industries Holdings, LLC introduced SunGuard SNX 70+, a triple silver-coated glass with a visible light transmission of 68% and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.28. This glass is applied to Guardian UltraClear low-iron glass. It is engineered to guarantee a consistent, neutral reflected color, so it looks good from both a straight-on and an angled angle.
• In August 2023, Gauzy Ltd. and Kolbe, a manufacturer of premium windows and doors, collaborated to introduce a comprehensive switchable privacy glass solution to the residential market. This solution allows homeowners to seamlessly combine personalized living areas with state-of-the-art integrated technology. The innovative and versatile privacy feature for residential applications is achieved by laminating Premium Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films between two glass panes.
• In May 2022, AGC, Inc. created a Low-E coating-based light-control panoramic roof that will be used in Toyota Motor Corporation's LEXUS RZ. The high solar control and heat insulation properties of Low-E glass ensure an open atmosphere and a comfortable cabin temperature. Its capacity to remove sun protection leaves the body lighter.
• In February 2022, ChromoGenics and Finnglass Oy signed a cooperation agreement for the production, promotion, and distribution of ConverLight Dynamic glass. The latter is renowned for being a top provider of cutting-edge glass solutions and for its knowledge of fusing contemporary manufacturing techniques with electrical functions found in glass.

Key Market Segmentation:

The Smart Glass Market is segmented and analyzed as below:

By Equipment Type

• Passive
• Thermochromic
• Photochromic
• Active
• Electrochromic (EC)
• Suspended Particle Devices (SPD)
• Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC)

By End-User

• Residential
• Industrial
• Commercial

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Others