Global Solar Power Hits a Major Milestone: 600 GW Installed Worldwide in 2024

In 2024, global solar power installations soared to 597 gigawatts (GW), marking a 33% jump over the previous year. This surge has pushed the global capacity to over two terawatts (TW), a significant milestone, as reported in SolarPower Europe’s latest Global Market Outlook. The report forecasts that solar installations could hit a staggering 1 TW annually by 2030.

The lion's share of this expansion came from China, which added a colossal 329 GW of new solar capacity—over half (55%) of the global total. This outstripped the next largest market, cementing China’s dominance in the solar sector. However, a slowdown is expected in 2026, driven by upcoming changes to China’s market structure slated for 2025.

The United States remained second, contributing 50 GW to the global tally. Meanwhile, India surged with a record-breaking 30.7 GW of new installations in 2024, a remarkable 145% increase from 2023. This leap elevated India to the third spot globally, and the country has ambitious plans to install 200 GW in the next five years as part of its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.

Brazil added 18.9 GW, continuing its strong growth. At the same time, several European nations made notable contributions: Germany installed 17.4 GW, Spain 8.7 GW, and Turkey 8.5 GW. Other countries, including Italy (6.8 GW), Japan (6.2 GW), and France (4.7 GW), rounded out the key players in solar expansion for the year.

By the end of 2024, solar power accounted for 46% of the world’s renewable capacity, totalling 2.2 TW. Looking to the future, global solar installations are projected to surpass 7 TW by 2030, making up about 65% of the 11 TW of renewable capacity needed to meet international climate goals.

SolarPower Europe’s chief executive, Walburga Hemetsberger, said: “The solar age is truly here.

“While the uptake of solar varies across regions across the world, a common theme is the importance of flexible, electrified energy systems, underpinned by critical technology like battery storage.

“Decision-makers across the globe should ensure that their flexibility plans match and maximise the solar reality.”

Regionally, the Americas saw a 40% increase in solar installations, while Europe grew by 15%. As the report defines Europe, it includes the EU27, the UK, Turkey, Ukraine, and several neighbouring countries. However, growth stagnated in the Middle East and Africa due to ongoing investment challenges and infrastructure hurdles. The report highlights that while solar expansion is thriving in certain countries, targeted policy shifts are urgently needed to ensure broader success.

Advanced markets are urged to improve grid flexibility and modernise regulations to accommodate the growing share of variable generation. Expanding battery storage and expediting permitting and grid connections will be critical in sustaining this growth.

 The call to action is clear in less-developed regions: increased investment is crucial. Building a skilled workforce and setting clear solar and storage goals are essential to unlocking these markets' full potential and ensuring a more sustainable, solar-powered future.