The world is facing an energy crisis. The supply of conventional resources such as coal, oil, and gas has become unpredictable due to rising geopolitical tensions. But the power demand refuses to abate.

It is unsurprising then, that countries are scrambling to build their renewable energy capacity.

One resource that leads this energy shift is solar power. It is the 3rd largest renewable energy resource, after wind and hydropower. Solar energy’s economic viability along with vast availability contributed to its unprecedented growth in recent years.

According to an IEA report, global solar capacity reached 1.6 TW in 2023. Additionally, projections indicate this capacity could quadruple over the next decade.

On the global scale of solar capability, some countries are undoubtedly performing better than others. Here are the top 5 solar countries in the world, based on their installed capacity:

Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, China

China’s solar prowess is staggering. With a whopping 710 GW solar capacity (as of June 2024), the country is the largest producer of solar energy in the world.

In the first half of 2024, the country added over 102 GW of new solar capacity. Additionally, more than 180 GW of utility-scale solar power is currently under construction.

China recently announced plans to develop 1200 GW of solar and wind energy capacity by 2030. But reports reveal that the country is on track to reach this target by the end of 2024.

In June 2024, the country launched a 5 GW solar farm in Northwestern Xinjiang. Spanning 20,000 acres, the facility is now the world’s largest solar power plant.

The nation is also the largest manufacturer of solar equipment. According to reports, China has invested over 50 billion USD, in new PV supply capacity since 2011. This figure is ten times greater than the amount invested by the entire continent of Europe in the same industry.

China’s share in all manufacturing phases of solar panels exceeds 80%. Today, subsidy-free solar power has become cheaper than coal in China.

Topaz Solar Farm, USA

With 200+ GW of installed capacity (as of June 2024), the USA stands second in the list of top solar countries. From a measly capacity of 0.34 GW in 2008, the nation has come a long way in the solar domain.

A recent report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie reveals that the country added over 40 GW of new solar capacity in 2023 and has already installed 11.8 GW in the first half of 2024.

Apart from this, the US is also ramping up its module manufacturing capacity. As per the U.S. Solar Market Insight Q2 2024 report, approximately 11 GW of manufacturing capacity came online in the first six months of 2024.

Presently, 3% of the US’s electricity is sourced through solar power plants.

Moreover, the US’s solar potential is huge. According to a report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an area the size of Lake Michigan (around 22,000 sq. miles), covered with solar panels, would be enough to power the entire country. If the efficiency of the panels is raised, this area could be reduced by half.

The solar market in the US is also growing at a rapid rate. Sources claim that solar jobs have increased by 167% in the nation.

Neuhardenberg solar power plant, Germany

Germany leads the European countries in renewable energy. As of 2024, the nation’s solar capacity was 90 GW. 

The country installed 7.5 GW of new PV capacity in the first half of 2024. Moreover, Germany has doubled its total solar power capacity in the last 6 years. 

The Ukraine war has created tension between many European nations and Russia. Germany is also facing the consequences of this friction in the form of a shortage of gas. To manage this energy crisis, the German government is striving to introduce policies and expand renewable energy capacity.

Recently the country floated a tender to develop 1.5 GW of additional solar energy to meet the rising power demand.

Further, the government has a plan to reach net neutrality by 2045. To meet this goal, the nation has set a solar power target of installing 215 GW capacity by 2030.

Bhadla Solar Park, India

India’s installed solar power capacity reached 89.4 GW as of August 2024.

In the first half of 2024, the country has added 15 GW of new PV capacity. Moreover, India overtook Japan to become the 3^rd largest solar power producer in 2023.

The country has vast solar potential, as most states of India receive sunshine for more than 300 days a year.

To harness this potential, the Indian government is constantly churning out policies and initiatives that encourage the shift to solar among the population. The nation is also determined to reduce import dependence in the solar sector and build domestic manufacturing capabilities.

In September 2022, the government of India approved the Performance Linked Initiative (PLI) scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV panels. This decision aims to incentivize enterprises for sales of indigenously produced solar equipment and thus strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-sufficient) initiative.

To boost solar adoption in the residential sector, the Indian government has launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli yojana in February 2024. The scheme aims to solarize 1 crore households by providing financial incentives to consumers.

Moreover, the nation has set a target of creating 280 GW of solar power capacity by 2030.

Setouchi Kirei Mega Solar Power Plant, Okayama, Japan

Japan’s total solar capacity exceeds 87 GW.

According to a Reuters report, in the first two months of 2024, solar power became the country’s largest source of clean energy, generating over 14 TWh of electricity.

The nation is considered the fastest growing in terms of promoting Solar PV. Further, with 45% of the world’s photovoltaic cells manufactured in Japan, the country leads the world in the photovoltaic market.

As per Japan’s Environment and Trade Ministries, the nation is looking to add 20 GW of solar capacity in the next 8 years, to reach the 108 GW target by 2030. To achieve this target, the Japanese government is planning to install solar panels in over 50% of central government and municipal buildings.

If you are looking to install solar at your home, Ojas is the fastest and most reliable option. With just 4 hours of your time, 3 tools, and 2 people installation team, we will give you a solution that will generate free electricity for more than 25 years!

Ornate Solar is India’s leading solar company with 10 years of experience. By partnering with the best-in-class global solar brands, we bring the most reputed solar panels, inverters, and solar accessories to you and make your shift to solar cost-effective and easy.

We have also developed India’s first Integrated InRoof system- which turns solar panels into the roof and eliminates the need for sheet roofing.

We deliver across India.

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