The world is witnessing a large scale transformation in terms of solar adoption. The 5 countries which are leading in Solar Energy is China, U.S, Japan, Germany & India. How the world is progressing to adopt solar at larger scale.
The global energy has been dominated by fossil fuels for centuries. The use of fossil fuels has led to enormous damage to the human and environmental health, which has translated into huge economic costs.
In the recent decade, the rising awareness of reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have paved the way for alternatives. Solar being one of the alternate can lighten up the whole world.
The worldwide solar photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity at the end of 2022 stood at 1,046.61 GW up as compared to 136.57 GW at the end of 2013.
Here’s an overview of the top five nations leading in deployment of solar energy based on statistics by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
1. China
China remains the leader in terms of solar PV installed capacity. The total cumulative installed capacity stands at 392.43 GW thereby dominating 37.5% of the global market.
China contributes roughly 27% of the global emissions. Hence, China’s transition to a low-carbon economy is imperative for achieving global climate goals.
Back in September 2020, United Nations General Assembly president Xi Jinping said, “We aim to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.”
2. U.S.
The U.S. comes second in terms of cumulative PV installed capacity. The installation of 17 GW of PV in 2022 pushed its cumulative PV installations to 110.1 GW.
Based on surveys, the solar market to triple in size over the next five years, bringing total installed solar capacity to 378 GW by 2028.”
The Biden-Harris Administration aims for a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The administration announced an additional $45 million for its domestic solar manufacturing sector in July 2023.
3. Japan
Japan total installed PV capacity stands at 78.83 GW putting Japan at 3rd spot.
In October 2020, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide announced Japan’s resolve to reduce GHG emissions to zero, to make Japan a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society by 2050.
Japan has been working on advancements in solar technology, which include space-based solar power (SBSP) and next-generation flexible solar cells.
To test flexible solar cells, Japan has plans of a demonstration test in April 2024 by installing perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
4. Germany
At the end of 2023, Germany’s cumulative PV installed capacity stood at 66.55 GW—up from 59.37 GW at the end of 2022. Germany ranks fourth in terms of installed solar capacity.
Germany aims to speed up solar energy projects to reduce its external dependence.
At the core of Germany’s energy policies and politics is “Energiewende,” a term which means “energy transition.”
Germany has set an ambitious target to fulfil all its electricity needs with supplies from renewable sources by 2035.
5. India
Globally, India stands fifth in solar power with a cumulative PV installed capacity of 62.80 GW.
India’s solar market is estimated to be at 79.07 GW by the end of 2023 and is projected to reach 195.11 GW after five years, registering a CAGR of 19.8% during the forecast period
India ranks third in terms of highest global GHG emitters at 7% along with the European Union.
Next Five
Australia (26.7 GW), Italy (25 GW), Brazil (24 GW), Holland (22.5 GW) and South Korea (20.9 GW) complete the list of top ten nations in terms of cumulative installed solar capacity.
The above five Nations contribute extensively in Solar Energy.
