Solar energy installations surge by 64% in the initial half of 2025 worldwide

In the first half of 2025, the global solar power sector has experienced significant growth, with several countries contributing to the expansion.

The world's total solar power plant capacity increased by 380 MW, marking a 64% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by various factors, including the rapid expansion in China, where developers rushed to complete projects before new rules on wind and solar compensation came into effect in June 2025.

China, the world's leading solar power pioneer, accounted for 67% of the global new solar installations in the first half of 2025. Its photovoltaic installations were more than 100% higher year-over-year.

Germany, known for its commitment to renewable energy, showed significant expansion in 2023 by installing 14.6 GWp. With continued growth expected, Germany is among the leading countries, aiming for high PV capacity growth targets. However, detailed country-specific data for precisely the first half of 2025 is not available in the accessible sources.

The United States installed 21 GW of solar power in the first half of 2025, a 4% increase year-on-year. India also made strides, installing 24 GW of solar power, a 49% increase over the same period last year. Meanwhile, the remaining countries added 65 GW of solar power, a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. All other countries together installed 124 GW of solar power in the first half of 2025, a 15% increase compared to the first half of 2024.

The milestone of 350 GW of solar power capacity was reached in June 2025, earlier than in 2024. By the end of 2024, the total global cumulative installed solar power capacity reached 2.2 TW.

Solar power was the fastest growing source of new electricity generation in 2024, with global output rising by 28% (+469 TWh) compared to 2023. In June 2025, solar power became the EU's largest source of electricity for the first time.

Ember, an energy research organisation, estimated that 2025 is on track to become another historic year for solar power. Nicolas Fulghum, Senior Energy Analyst of Ember, noted that annual solar installations continue their sharp rise, offering domestically produced power that can be rolled out at record speed to meet growing demand, independent of global fossil fuel supply chains.

Ember stressed new clean power procurement requirements for industry and higher full-year deployment expectations from China's solar PV association (CPIA) as evidence that a new record volume of solar power plants would be recorded in 2025. However, the EU is set to install less new solar capacity in 2025 than it did last year, marking the first annual drop in a decade.

Global Energy Monitor reported that three quarters of global solar and wind capacity under construction is in China. Meanwhile, solar imports to Africa from China have increased by 60% in the last 12 months.

In conclusion, the first half of 2025 has seen a surge in solar power installations worldwide, with China leading the charge. As countries continue to invest in renewable energy, it is expected that solar power will continue to play a significant role in meeting global energy demands.