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2 clusters · 8 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated

Global solar energy capacity and installation trends

Overview

Global solar capacity reached a cumulative 2.96 TW by the end of 2025, following 690 GW of new installations that year. China was the primary driver of this growth, contributing 415 GW, or 60% of global installations, while India, the United States, Germany, and Pakistan also recorded significant additions.

However, projections for 2026 indicate a slowdown. China’s solar installations are expected to decline by 29% in 2026, falling to 271 GW from 383 GW in 2025. This downturn is attributed to market saturation and a policy shift toward energy storage. This contraction is expected to impact the global market, with total solar installations forecasted to decline by 10.8% in 2026. Despite the slowdown in domestic capacity expansion, the export of solar products remains strong, with the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) characterizing 2026 as a “temporary contraction year.”

Entities

China · BloombergNEF · Germany · China Photovoltaic Industry Association · United States

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    China solar installations projected to decline 29% in 2026

    China's solar installations are projected to drop 29% in 2026 due to market saturation and policy shifts, though solar product exports continue to grow globally.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 7 sources
    Global solar capacity reaches 2.96 TW following 690 GW in new installations

    Global solar capacity reached 2.96 TW, with 690 GW of new installations in 2025. China led global additions with 415 GW, representing 60% of the world's new solar capacity.

Sources

elperiodicodelaenergia.com · pv-magazine-australia.com · pv-magazine-india.com · pv-magazine-mexico.com · pv-magazine-usa.com · pv-magazine.es · solarmagazine.nl · technews.bg