China solar capacity surpasses coal as renewable energy grows

China's solar energy capacity has overtaken coal to become the country's largest installed power source. According to data from the National Energy Administration (NEA), solar capacity reached 1,297 GW by the end of August 2026, surpassing coal-fired power plants.

Renewable energy sources accounted for 60.8% of China's total installed power capacity, reaching a total of 2,496 GW. During the first eight months of 2026, the country added 159 GW of new renewable capacity, representing 71.6% of all new power installations. Wind energy capacity was recorded at 693 GW.

While solar leads in installed capacity, renewable sources accounted for 41.6% of total electricity generation during the same period, producing 2.77 trillion kWh. Wind and solar combined produced 1.71 trillion kWh, meeting 23.8% of the nation's total electricity consumption.