China Surpasses 1,000 GW Solar Capacity as Solar Dominates Global Energy Landscape

In 2023, China became the first country to exceed 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity, with solar and wind generating 25% of its electricity by April. Solar also became the primary electricity source in the EU.

Since the Paris Agreement, global solar output has increased tenfold. Innovations in solar technology, including 81 advancements reducing costs by over 99% since 1970, have made solar energy cheaper, with current production costs at about 10 cents per watt.

Germany's Renewable Energy Act, passed in 2000, mandated utilities to purchase renewable electricity, leading to a significant drop in costs and a rise in solar adoption. China has since emerged as the leader in solar production, constructing 74% of global solar and wind projects as of July 2023. Canada, despite having previously hosted the world's largest solar farm, now generates only 1.1% of its electricity from solar, lagging behind countries like the Netherlands.