Which country ranks first in solar energy production?

As per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable power capacity at the end of 2025 amounted to 5,149 GW. Solar energy accounted for the largest share of the global total, with a capacity of 2,393 GW or approximately 46 per cent of the total global renewable capacity.

Solar energy contributed 511 GW (about 75 per cent of the new renewable capacity alone) during 2025. The rapid expansion of renewable energy was not driven largely by climate goals but also by the need for energy security amid geopolitical tensions and volatile fossil fuel markets.

As per the 'Renewable 2025' report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity is expected to double between 2025 and 2030, increasing by 4,600 gigawatts (GW). Solar photovoltaic (PV) accounts for almost 80% of the global increase, followed by wind, hydropower, bioenergy and geothermal.

With low costs, broad social acceptance, and faster permitting, solar PV capacity is set to more than double over the next five years, noted the IEA report. Solar PV is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies which uses electronic devices, also called solar cells, to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Which country ranks first in solar energy production?

China ranks first in solar energy production. China is the undisputed global leader in the solar industry, with solar PV power capacity reaching approximately 1,200 GW by end of 2025, as per IRENA statistics. In 2025, China alone added 440 GW in 2025.

China continues to account for nearly 60% of global renewable capacity growth and is on track to reach its recently announced 2035 wind and solar target five years ahead of schedule, extending its track record of early delivery, as per the IEA Renewables 2025 report.

China's President Xi Jinping had announced at the 2020 Climate Ambition Summit that China planned to have 1,200 GW of combined solar and wind energy capacity by 2030. This target was reached in 2024, six years ahead of the 2030 goal.

China's photovoltaic industry began by making panels for satellites, and transitioned to manufacturing domestic panels in the late 1990s. Afte a few government incentives in 2011, China's solar power market boomed and China became the world's leading installer of photovoltaics in 2013. 

In 2015, China surpassed Germany as the world's largest producer of photovoltaic energy. And it became the first country to have over 100 GW of total installed photovoltaic capacity in 2017 and over 1,000 GW of total installed PV capacity by 2025.

What is India's rank in solar energy production?

India ranks third globally in solar energy production, according to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 by IRENA. Driven significantly by 150.26 GW of solar energy, India witnessed 53.28 times increase since 2014. The largest solar energy producer state in india in Rajasthan.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi said India now ranks third globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, according to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026.

India’s renewable expansion is driven by higher auction volumes, new support for rooftop solar projects, and faster hydropower permitting. The country is on track to meet its 2030 target and become the second-largest growth market for renewables, with capacity set to rise by 2.5 times in five years, noted the IEA Renewables 2025 report.

Top 5 Largest Solar Power Plants in the World

1. Gonghe Talatan Solar Park, Qinghai Province, China (15,600 MW/ 15.6 GW) 

2. Hobq Solar Park, Inner Mongolia, China (4,000 MW/ 4 GW)

3. Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan, India (2,245 MW/ 2.25 GW)

4. Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, Qinghai, China (2,200 MW/ 2.2. GW)

5. Pavagada Solar Park, Karnataka, India (2,050 MW/ 2.05 GW)

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