The global solar industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, as new data reveals a remarkable surge in solar energy capacity. In the first half of 2025, the world added 380 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, marking a 64% increase compared to the same period last year—a combined total equivalent to the installations from 2021 and 2022. The bulk of this growth can be attributed to China, which alone accounted for 256 GW, significantly outpacing other nations.
China stands as the dominant force in solar energy expansion, contributing over two-thirds of the newly installed capacity globally and doubling its figures from the previous year. This progress is particularly significant as China is the largest greenhouse gas emitter, heavily reliant on coal for electricity production. The rise in solar installations is anticipated to reduce the country’s coal consumption and may even result in a decline in overall emissions this year.
Meanwhile, other nations showed more modest gains, with the rest of the world collectively increasing solar capacity by just 15% year-on-year. India and the United States followed China as the largest contributors, with installations of 24 GW and 21 GW, respectively. In the U.S., the solar sector continues to thrive despite political challenges to clean energy policies. As of last year, solar energy comprised only 7% of global electricity generation, highlighting the urgent need for faster adoption to shift away from fossil fuels and lower emissions. However, the rapid growth seen thus far demonstrates that the solar industry is poised to meet this challenge head-on.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/global-solar-power-energy-installations-booming