Global Solar PV Capacity Surpasses 3 TW as 698 GW Installed in 2025, IEA Report Shows
Date: June 5, 2026 | Paris, France
The global solar photovoltaic (PV) industry reached a historic milestone in 2025, with total installed capacity approaching 3 terawatts (TW), according to the latest Snapshot of Global PV Markets report released by the IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS). The 13th edition of the report confirms solar PV as the fastest-growing power generation technology worldwide, supplying over 10% of global electricity demand.
Key Highlights:
- Record Installations: The world added approximately 698 GW of new solar PV capacity in 2025, bringing cumulative installations to nearly 3 TW, up from 2.3 TW at the end of 2024.
- China Dominates: China accounted for roughly 60% of global installations (~419 GW), reinforcing its position as the world’s largest solar PV market.
- Market Diversification: Nearly 40 countries installed at least 1 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, signaling broadening adoption across developed and emerging markets alike.
Global Market Outlook:
The report highlights robust growth in markets outside China, led by the European Union, India, and the United States. PV electricity now accounts for approximately 12% of global electricity consumption, a significant increase from previous years. The IEA-PVPS notes that while installation growth remains strong, the industry’s focus is shifting toward system integration, grid flexibility, and energy storage as key enablers for the next phase of solar expansion.
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