Global solar PV installations are projected to grow by 10 percent in 2025, reaching 655 GW under the Medium Scenario, continuing the trend of slowing growth following the 85 percent surge in 2023 and 33 percent in 2024.
However, the outlook varies widely depending on policy and market conditions. In a worst-case scenario, installations could decline by 8 percent to 548 GW, while in the best-case scenario, strong policy support and low prices could drive a 30 percent increase to 774 GW, according to the latest report from Solar Europe.
Global solar PV installations reached a new record of 597 GW in 2024, marking a 33 percent increase over 2023 and adding 148 GW more capacity than the previous year. Despite a slower growth rate compared to the exceptional 85 percent surge in 2023, solar energy maintained its dominant role in the global renewable expansion, contributing 81 percent of all new renewable capacity added worldwide.
Solar’s share in global electricity generation rose by 1.3 percentage points to 7 percent, nearly doubling over the past three years. This expansion continued to reduce reliance on conventional power sources. Driving factors included ongoing technological advancements that made solar the lowest-cost power source in many regions, historically low solar component prices resulting from manufacturing overcapacity, and the strategic importance of solar in global climate and energy security policies.
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific led with 70 percent of global additions and 37 percent growth, followed by the Americas with a 40 percent increase and a 14 percent share. Europe grew by 15 percent to 82.1 GW, maintaining a 14 percent share. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa experienced a 2 percent decline, adding 14.5 GW and contributing just 2.4 percent to the global total.
In 2024, the top 10 countries accounted for 81 percent of global solar PV installations, contributing significantly to the record 597 GW added capacity.
China alone dominated with 55 percent of the global market, cementing its leadership in solar deployment.
The United States followed with an 8 percent share, reflecting strong federal and state-level support for renewables.
India contributed 5 percent, driven by ambitious national solar targets and policy backing. Brazil held a 3 percent share, reflecting growing investment and favorable climate conditions.
Germany accounted for 3 percent, continuing its longstanding commitment to solar despite a more mature market.
Spain, Türkiye, Italy, Japan, and France each contributed around 1 percent, reflecting steady but smaller-scale growth in mature or emerging markets. The remaining 19 percent of global capacity was distributed among other countries outside the top ten, indicating a growing but less concentrated international uptake of solar energy.
The expansion of solar PV has accelerated rapidly in recent years, with the world adding its first 1,000 GW over nearly seven decades since solar cells were first commercialized in 1954, but reaching the second 1,000 GW milestone in just two years. With 449 GW added in 2023 and 597 GW in 2024, global cumulative solar PV capacity stood at 2.2 TW by the end of 2024, a milestone celebrated at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This growth, however, remains geographically concentrated, with the Asia-Pacific region holding a dominant 63 percent share, equivalent to 1.4 TW, and China alone accounting for approximately 1 TW, or 44 percent of global capacity. On a per capita basis, Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany lead with over 1 kW of solar capacity per person, far above the global average of 276 W per capita. Europe maintains the highest regional per capita solar ratio at 480 W, even as its market growth slows.
Baburajan Kizhakedath