Global solar capacity additions hit 380 GW in H1 2025, a 64% increase, with China leading the surge and India’s installations up by 49%.
Record-breaking growth in H1 2025:
Global solar installations are on track for a historic year, with 380 GW of new capacity added in the first six months of 2025, according to a new report from Ember. This figure represents a significant 64% increase compared to the 232 GW installed during the same period in 2024. The report highlights the rapid acceleration of solar deployment, noting that “in 2024, it took until September for global solar capacity additions to surpass 350 GW, whereas in 2025, the latest milestone was reached in June.” The research organization further states, “The rapid expansion of solar capacity in recent years has made it the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation.”
China maintains global lead:
China continues to be the primary driver of this growth, with installations more than doubling in H1 2025 compared to the previous year. The country now accounts for 67% of the global total, adding more than twice the solar capacity of the rest of the world combined.
India’s solar surge:
Outside of China, other countries collectively installed an estimated 124 GW. India emerged as a key player, recording the second-highest installations with 24 GW, a “49% increase over the already strong 16 GW added in deployment in H1-2024.” The United States followed with 21 GW.
Solar’s pivotal role in the global energy system:
Commenting on the findings, Nicolas Fulghum, Senior Energy Analyst, Ember, said, “These latest numbers on solar deployment in 2025 defy gravity, with annual solar installations continuing their sharp rise. In a world of volatile energy markets, solar offers domestically produced power that can be rolled out at record speed to meet growing demand, independent of global fossil fuel supply chains.”
The report concludes that with deployment surging in key markets, “2025 is on track to become another historic year for solar power. The numbers highlight not only solar’s momentum, but also its pivotal role in reshaping the global energy system.”
