Solid State Relay Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)
The Solid-state Relay Market size is estimated at USD 587.13 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 798.13 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.33% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Solid State Relays (SSRs) and electromechanical relays (EMRs) share a common functionality, but their implementation and performance diverge significantly. SSRs, acting as the mechanical counterparts of EMRs, can manage electrical loads sans moving parts. Unlike EMRs that rely on mechanical NO contacts, SSRs leverage components like TRIACs, SCRs, or switching transistors to handle both AC and DC currents.
One key distinction lies in the electrical isolation of the low voltage input from the load-switching output in SSRs, a feature absent in EMRs. EMRs, on the other hand, are characterized by a finite contact life, bulkier dimensions, and slower switching speeds, particularly evident in larger power relays and contactors—limitations not shared by SSRs.
The global shift toward clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, has created a need for efficient power conversion and control systems. The increasing deployment of solar inverters, wind turbines, and energy storage systems is anticipated to drive the demand for power semiconductors in the renewable energy sector. SSRs are crucial in solar inverters, allowing efficient solar energy conversion into electricity.
The rising uptake of smart home appliances, HVAC systems, and electronic devices, including laptops and smartphones, is driving up power consumption. In addition, with technological advancements, LED lighting has emerged as a favorite lighting among consumers. The surge in LED lamp sales is opening substantial market prospects for solid-state relays. These relays play a pivotal role in smart lighting systems, enabling efficient control and dimming of LED lights, ultimately curbing power usage.
The upfront cost of SSR surpasses that of EMR, and SSR proves more cost-effective in the long term. This is primarily because EMR entails higher maintenance costs, consumes more power, and boasts a shorter lifespan.
Considering additional costs, such as comprehensive service life, inspection and maintenance expenses, and inefficiencies due to unstable or faulty relays, the average cost of using solid-state relays is significantly lower than that of electromagnetic relays. Furthermore, some applications require extra costs to prevent contact vibration and ensure reliable contact in mechanical relays.
Macroeconomic trends like economic growth, inflation, government spending, global trade, and geopolitical dynamics influence various countries' manufacturing ecosystems. Disruptions in supply chains, triggered by events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions between the US and China, have significantly impacted the manufacturing sector. For example, the electronics manufacturing industry in China saw a 3.4% growth in value added in 2023, marking the highest point in the given period, as China's National Bureau of Statistics reported. This growth had dipped in 2019 and 2020, only to rebound in 2021.
Solid-state Relay Market Trends
Automotive and Transportation Segment to be the Fastest Growing Application
- Solid-state relays are employed in automotive systems for power distribution and motor control functions. They provide reliable switching for components like turn signals, windshield wipers, and cooling fans. These relays can handle high currents and offer fast switching, making them suitable for automotive applications.
- Solid-state relays play a crucial role in the power electronics systems of electric vehicles. They are used on battery management systems, motor control units, and charging systems. These relays enable efficient and reliable switching of high-voltage and high-current circuits in EVs.
- The growth in the electric vehicle markets, especially power trains, is further expected to increase the demand for solid-state relays. Electronic components in the automotive industry are critical for safety and are subjected to extreme voltages and environmental conditions. This has driven the manufacturers to develop a new line of solid-state relays for automotive applications.
- The factors driving the growth of the SSRs include increased vehicle production and rising demand for electric vehicles. In addition, several technological advancements, such as the implementation of IoT and favorable government standards for the production of autonomous, connected, and low-emission vehicles, are further fueling the market’s growth of solid-state relays during the forecast period.
- For instance, in May 2024, NOVOSENSE announced the launch of its new NSI7258 series of capacitive isolation-based solid-state relays, available in both industrial and automotive grades. Designed specifically for high-voltage measurement and insulation monitoring, NSI7258 provides industry-leading voltage withstand capability and EMI performance to help improve the reliability and stability of high-voltage systems such as industrial BMS, PV, energy storage, charging piles, and BMS and OBCs for new energy vehicles.
- According to IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2024, in 2024, electric car sales in the United States are projected to rise by 20% compared to the previous year, translating to almost half a million more sales relative to 2023. Based on recent trends and considering that tightening CO2 targets are due to come in only in 2025, the growth in electric car sales in Europe is expected to be the lowest of the three largest markets. Sales are projected to reach around 3.5 million units in 2024, reflecting modest growth of less than 10% compared to the previous year. Such trends are creating a demand for solid-state relays over the forecast period.
Asia Pacific Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- The application field for solid-state relays has significantly broadened recently. Solid-state relays have no moving parts, reducing wear and tear and increasing reliability and longevity. This is particularly important in the automotive sector, where components are subjected to constant vibrations and harsh conditions. Solid-state relays offer faster switching speeds than electromechanical relays, improving the performance of various automotive systems, including ADAS, power distribution units, and battery management systems in EVs.
- China's market growth is poised to be significantly driven by the automotive sector. The surging demand for solid-state relays within automotive manufacturing primarily fuels this surge. For instance, in January 2024, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers announced a significant achievement for the country's auto industry: production and sales have surpassed 30 million units annually, highlighting the immense growth opportunities in the sector.
- In addition, China emerged as a significant player in the hybrid and electric vehicle market, propelled by its ambitious target: achieving a 40% share of electric vehicles in total car sales by 2030.
- Japan's automotive industry, including the growing electric vehicle (EV) market, is a significant driver of solid-state relays. These relays offer high reliability and efficiency and are used in battery management systems, power distribution, and various vehicle control systems.
- Japan's automotive sector, which historically contributes to over 89% of the nation's GDP, is undergoing a significant shift. Driven by Japan's ambitious targets of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 46% reduction by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction. In line with this, the national government has outlined clear targets: aiming for EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to constitute 20-30% of passenger car sales by 2030, with fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) targeted at 3%.
- India's rapid infrastructure development, including smart cities and modern transportation systems, boosts the demand for solid-state relays (SSRs). The SSR's reliability and ability to manage high-voltage applications are essential in these projects. For instance, in February 2024, the Indian parliamentary committee underscored the importance of initiating the subsequent phase of the government's primary Smart Cities Mission, focusing on tier-2 cities within a 100-kilometer radius of state capitals.
Solid-state Relay Industry Overview
The solid state relay market is semi-consolidated, with major players like Rockwell Automation Inc., ABB Ltd, Infineon Technologies AG, Sensata Technologies Inc., and Vishay Intertechnology Inc. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships and acquisitions to enhance their product offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantages.
June 2024 - Infineon Technologies unveiled the 600 V CoolMOS S7TA superjunction MOSFET designed for automotive power management. This innovative product offers an enhanced solution for various important applications crucial to the safety and efficiency of contemporary vehicles. These applications encompass vital components like circuit breakers, high-voltage battery disconnect switches, low-frequency switches for DC and AC, and high-voltage electronic fuses.
March 2024 - Autonics opened a new sales office in Osaka, Japan, targeting the western Japan region. This move aims to improve customer service and accessibility. With the Osaka office complementing the Tokyo office in eastern Japan, Autonics seeks nationwide market expansion.
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