Solar PV capacity - new installations worldwide by country 2021

In 2021, China installed the largest share of the world’s new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, at 31 percent of the total capacity. This was a smaller share than it had in 2018, when despite reduced feed-in-tariff (FIT) payments and certain policy changes, China was able to surpass its national solar capacity target for 2020. In comparison, the United States installed 15 percent of the world’s 182 gigawatts of capacity additions, the country's construction of photovoltaic systems added 26.9 gigawatt in that year.

Viability of global solar technology

Global cumulative installed solar PV capacity stood at 773.2 gigawatts in 2020, in comparison to some 1.3 gigawatts at the beginning of this century. Solar is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the global market as the average cost of using solar PV has decreased over the years. The reduction in costs has made it one of the most competitive options for residential and commercial markets as well as utility projects. Addressing policy, regulatory instability, as well as financial challenges will be essential for the further integration of solar PV into global electricity generation.