In 2025, solar power led the charge in renewable energy growth, with the world installing an average of 1.4 gigawatts of solar capacity daily, totaling 511 GW for the year. This brought the global solar capacity to 2.4 Terawatts, making it the largest renewable energy source, surpassing wind and hydro. Despite solar’s lower capacity factor, it generated 7% of the world’s power in 2024, close to wind’s 8% and nuclear’s 9%. The affordability of solar panels has encouraged installations even in less sunny areas. Overall, renewable energy capacity grew by 700 GW, accounting for 86% of global capacity growth. This expansion highlights the resilience and market preference for renewables amid fossil fuel price shocks.
QUESTION: How might the rapid growth of solar energy influence the future of energy consumption and environmental policies in your community?
Renewables dominate 2025’s newly installed generating capacity
