The global solar industry installed a record 664 GW of new photovoltaic capacity in 2025, lifting worldwide solar capacity beyond 3 terawatts (TW) in early 2026, according to the Global Solar Market Outlook 2026–2030 released by SolarPower Europe.
The report said annual installations rose by 12% from 2024, although the pace of growth slowed compared with previous years.
The Asia-Pacific region dominated the market, accounting for 487 GW, or 73% of new capacity, with China alone installing a record 382 GW, representing 57% of global additions.
India emerged as the world’s second-largest solar market after adding 45.7 GW, surpassing the United States.
Europe installed 81.6 GW of new solar capacity in 2025, while the Americas added 43.2 GW. The Middle East and Africa recorded the fastest growth rate, with installations increasing by 51% to 23.7 GW.
SolarPower Europe noted that solar now supplies around 9% of global electricity demand, three times its share five years ago, and accounted for nearly 80% of all renewable energy capacity additions in 2025, exceeding the combined additions of fossil fuel and nuclear power generation.
Despite the record performance, the report forecasts global solar installations will decline to around 612 GW in 2026—the first annual contraction in more than two decades—primarily due to an expected slowdown in China’s market following policy changes.
However, growth is projected to continue across all other major regions.
