Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Solar Breaks New Records Worldwide
Coverage from Earth.Org, Renewable Energy Institute, and others
Articles
10
Latest Article
04/02
Active Days
9
Executive Summary
Global solar capacity surged in 2025, driving most new power additions and lifting renewables to nearly half of installed electricity capacity
- Global solar PV capacity added 510 GW in 2025, the largest source of new power capacity
- Total renewable capacity reached 5,149 GW by end-2025, up 15.5% year over year
- Renewables supplied 85.6% of all new electricity capacity added in 2025
- Solar made up 2,391 GW of operating renewable capacity, nearly double wind
- China, the US, and the EU accounted for 79.5% of new renewable additions
- The Middle East saw renewable additions rise 28.9% year over year, led by Saudi Arabia
- IRENA said faster growth is needed to meet the COP28 pledge to triple renewable capacity by 2030
Quick Facts
- What: Solar and renewables posted record capacity growth
- Where: Worldwide, concentrated in China the US and EU
- Why: Falling solar costs and policy support drove expansion
- Who: IRENA and global power markets
- When: In 2025, reported in 2026
Coverage Timeline: 9 Days
Featured Article
IRENA reported that renewables reached 49% of installed global power capacity by end-2025, adding 692 GW led by solar amid fuel-shipping disruptions.
Additional Articles
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In the US during 2025-2026, solar and battery storage additions accelerate while submersible hydropower projects expand interest in new clean generation sites.
In 2025, FERC data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign indicates solar and wind dominated U.S. generating capacity additions, totaling 88.4% of new capacity.
IRENA reported 692 GW of renewable capacity additions in 2025, led by solar, with Asia dominating growth and Middle East gains tied to Saudi Arabia.
International Renewable Energy Agency data shared with Reuters reports record global renewable capacity in 2025, led by solar growth and approaching COP28 tripling targets.
China, the European Union, and the United States expand solar photovoltaic capacity as costs fall and coal generation shares decline from 2015 levels.
China and the European Union lead rapid solar PV expansion from 2015 to 2025 as module price declines drive cost competitiveness, despite remaining grid and storage constraints.
U.S. Energy Information Administration reported January 2026 U.S. renewable generation above a quarter and projected further solar, wind, and battery additions through January 2027.
IRENA reported that global solar PV added 510GW in 2025, lifting total renewable capacity to 5,149GW and making renewables 85.6% of new electricity capacity.
IRENA reported renewables provided 85.6% of global capacity expansion in 2025, but non-renewable rebound and insufficient acceleration threaten COP28 2030 targets.