Top 20 Countries With the Highest Solar Power Capacity

August 8, 2025

Solar energy is becoming a leading force in the global shift toward clean, renewable power. As the world faces climate change and rising energy demands, more countries are turning to the sun for sustainable solutions. But which nations are leading the way?

You can open Table of Contents show

This article ranks the Top 20 Countries With the Highest Solar Power Capacity based on installed capacity measured in gigawatts (GW). We explore how these countries achieved their status, what policies drive their success, and what the future holds for global solar energy. Whether you’re an eco-conscious reader, a student of renewable energy, or an investor looking into green technologies, this guide will give you valuable insight into the solar power race.

Global Solar Power Boom: A Quick Overview

The global demand for solar energy has skyrocketed in the last decade. Declining costs of photovoltaic (PV) panels, increased government support, and public awareness about climate change have contributed to this shift.

Key Global Trends:

Organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) regularly publish solar development data, helping nations align their growth strategies.

Trend	Description
Falling Costs	Solar panels are now over 80% cheaper than they were in 2010
Policy Push	Countries offer tax credits, feed-in tariffs, and subsidies
Tech Advancement	Better storage, tracking systems, and smart grids boost efficiency
Global Goals	UN SDGs and the Paris Agreement push for clean energy expansion

How We Ranked the Top 20 Countries

This list is based on the latest solar PV installed capacity data as of 2025, taken from IRENA, IEA, and national energy ministries. Countries are ranked by their total installed solar power capacity (in gigawatts – GW).

Factors considered:

Total operational solar PV capacity
Growth rate over the last 5 years
National policies promoting solar development

Top 20 Countries Leading the Solar Power Race [2025 Edition]

As solar energy continues to reshape the global energy market, these 20 countries have emerged as the frontrunners in solar adoption. From massive solar farms to innovative rooftop solutions, these nations are setting the pace for a cleaner, greener future. Their achievements not only reflect technological progress but also highlight the importance of policy, climate, and investment in renewable energy development.

1. China

China is the undisputed global leader in solar power, with over 500 GW of installed solar capacity. The country has made solar energy a central part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

China’s dominance is supported by strong government support, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and large-scale deployment of both utility and rooftop solar systems. It also leads in solar technology exports globally.

China is the undisputed global leader in solar power, with over 500 GW of installed solar capacity.

China dominates both in installation and manufacturing, producing 70% of the world’s solar panels.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	500+ GW
Key Region	Tengger Desert Solar Park, Qinghai province
% of Global Solar	~33%
Major Policy	Feed-in tariffs, manufacturing subsidies

2. United States

The U.S. has over 160 GW of solar capacity, largely driven by federal tax incentives and state-level policies. With a diverse energy landscape, solar is now among the fastest-growing energy sources in the country.

The U.S. combines technological innovation, a strong private sector, and consumer incentives to expand solar power. Several states have set ambitious 100% clean energy targets, accelerating adoption further.

The U.S. has over 160 GW of solar capacity, largely driven by federal tax incentives and state-level policies.

The U.S. also invests in solar research and innovation, boosting the grid with smart technologies.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	160+ GW
Top States	California, Texas, Florida
Growth Drivers	Inflation Reduction Act, net metering
Major Project	Topaz Solar Farm, California

3. India

India has rapidly climbed the ranks with more than 100 GW of solar power. The country views solar energy as key to meeting its growing energy needs and climate goals.

Massive solar parks and competitive auctions have helped India scale solar quickly. Rural electrification and industrial needs are also being met with hybrid solar systems.

India has rapidly climbed the ranks with more than 100 GW of solar power.

India’s success stems from aggressive solar auctions, land availability, and government incentives.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	100+ GW
Largest Park	Bhadla Solar Park (2.25 GW)
Government Scheme	National Solar Mission
Solar Target	280 GW by 2030

4. Japan

Despite limited space, Japan has installed around 80 GW of solar power, mostly through rooftop systems. After the Fukushima disaster, Japan prioritized renewables for energy security.

Japan has integrated solar into homes, schools, and offices, using its advanced building codes to encourage green energy development. Floating solar systems are also gaining popularity.

Despite limited space, Japan has installed around 80 GW of solar power, mostly through rooftop systems.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	80 GW
Key Segment	Residential and commercial rooftops
Government Support	Feed-in tariffs, building mandates
Limitation	Land scarcity, aging grid

5. Germany

Germany, an early adopter of solar technology, has over 70 GW of installed PV capacity. It set a global example with its comprehensive Energiewende energy transition policy.

Germany’s decentralized model empowers homeowners, cooperatives, and small businesses to invest in solar. Despite its less sunny climate, strong support policies make it a solar leader.

Germany, an early adopter, has over 70 GW of solar PV.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	70 GW
Top Feature	Solar rooftops and community solar
National Goal	Climate-neutral by 2045
Unique Approach	“Energiewende” (energy transition policy)

6. Australia

Australia’s solar boom has led to 55+ GW of installed capacity. With abundant sunshine and falling panel prices, solar adoption has soared.

Over 30% of households have rooftop systems, making Australia a world leader in per capita installations. However, challenges with grid integration and energy storage still remain.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	55+ GW
Rooftop Penetration	Highest in the world
Climate Impact	Strong solar irradiance
Key Challenge	Grid stability issues

7. South Korea

South Korea has around 40 GW of solar energy capacity. It aims to reduce reliance on nuclear and coal by boosting renewables.

The government encourages solar installations on schools, public buildings, and urban infrastructure. Floating solar is gaining traction as a space-efficient solution.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	40 GW
Policy Push	Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
Urban Solar	Focus on solar in dense areas
Emerging Tech	Floating solar projects

8. Spain

Spain has re-emerged as a solar leader with over 38 GW capacity. The country enjoys high solar irradiance, especially in southern regions.

Government incentives and improved grid access have sparked a wave of utility-scale and community solar projects. Spain is also aligning with EU-wide clean energy targets.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	38 GW
Strength	Utility-scale solar farms
Government Push	EU Green Deal support
Trend	Community solar projects

9. Italy

Italy has embraced solar with more than 32 GW installed. Its Mediterranean climate and dense urban areas make it ideal for rooftop systems.

Generous tax incentives like the Superbonus have spurred installations. The country is also exploring agrivoltaic solutions to combine solar and farming.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	32 GW
Residential Solar	Strong adoption due to sun exposure
Incentives	Superbonus scheme, net metering
Challenge	Permitting delays

10. Brazil

Brazil’s solar market has surpassed 30 GW, with massive potential. Its vast territory and sunlight abundance offer unmatched opportunities.

Both residential and utility-scale projects are booming, thanks to decentralized energy policies and lower technology costs.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	30+ GW
Rooftop Solar	Strong growth in remote areas
Key Factor	Decentralized generation policy
Outlook	High solar potential near equator

11. France

France has installed more than 28 GW of solar power. The country is accelerating its clean energy transition under the Multiannual Energy Plan.

France promotes agrivoltaics and dual land use projects to meet solar targets while preserving farmland.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	28 GW
Government Goal	100 GW by 2050
Priority	Integrating solar with agriculture (agrivoltaics)
Support	Feed-in tariffs and tenders

12. United Kingdom

The UK has over 25 GW of solar power capacity. While it has less sunlight than many peers, policy support has sustained growth.

Small-scale rooftop solar is widespread, and the Smart Export Guarantee encourages grid feed-in. The UK’s net-zero 2050 target also promotes solar adoption.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	25 GW
Popular System	Rooftop solar in homes and businesses
Challenge	Less sunlight, seasonal generation
Support	Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

13. Mexico

Mexico has over 22 GW of solar installations. Its geographical location gives it consistent sun exposure throughout the year.

Large-scale projects and residential systems are growing, though policy uncertainty has slowed progress recently.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	22 GW
Key Projects	Villanueva Solar Park (828 MW)
Geography	Strong sun coverage year-round
Barrier	Regulatory hurdles under changing government policies

14. Netherlands

Netherlands has installed more than 20 GW, mostly from rooftops. High population density and limited land push the adoption of dual-use solar.

Solar panels are commonly placed on warehouses, homes, and even water bodies. The country also leads in solar capacity per capita.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	20+ GW
Unique Practice	Dual land use (solar + agriculture)
Incentive	Subsidized residential solar
Density	High solar density per capita

15. Vietnam

Vietnam has rapidly expanded to over 18 GW of solar power. Much of this growth occurred in just two years.

Generous feed-in tariffs (now expired) triggered massive installations, especially in the southern region. However, grid congestion remains a concern.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	18+ GW
Surge	Explosive growth in 2020-2022
Key Driver	Generous feed-in tariffs (expired in 2023)
Issue	Grid congestion challenges

16. Turkey

Turkey’s solar sector has reached 17 GW and continues growing. The government has created a strong roadmap for renewable energy expansion.

Turkey also encourages domestic solar panel manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	17 GW
Solar Strategy	National Renewable Energy Action Plan
Investment	Local manufacturing encouraged
Target	23 GW by 2030

17. South Africa

South Africa has crossed 15 GW, aiming to reduce reliance on coal. Frequent power cuts have made solar a vital part of energy resilience.

Government IPP programs and falling panel prices have attracted international investments.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	15+ GW
Motivation	Load shedding and energy security
Government Plan	Renewable Energy IPP Programme (REIPPP)
Strength	High solar potential due to climate

18. Chile

Chile has become a South American solar leader with 14 GW. The Atacama Desert offers some of the highest solar radiation in the world.

The country plans to derive 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, with solar as a major contributor.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	14 GW
Leading Region	Atacama Desert
Policy	Clean Energy Law
Outlook	70% renewable power target by 2030

19. Egypt

Egypt has installed 13 GW of solar capacity. The government has made renewable energy a priority under Egypt Vision 2030.

Large-scale solar farms in desert regions are helping diversify the country’s energy mix.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	13 GW
Notable Project	Benban Solar Park (1.65 GW)
Vision	Egypt Vision 2030 Plan
Benefit	Strong desert sun availability

20. Belgium

Belgium rounds out the list with 12 GW of solar capacity. The country focuses heavily on rooftop installations.

Despite limited land, Belgium’s green certificate scheme and citizen-driven energy cooperatives drive solar adoption.

Metric	Value
Installed Capacity	12 GW
Policy	Green certificate system
Focus	Rooftop solar adoption
Issue	Limited land for utility-scale development

Solar Power Capacity by Country: At-a-Glance Table

Rank	Country	Installed Capacity (GW)	Notable Feature
1	China	500+	Largest capacity, strong exports
2	USA	160+	Federal and state tax incentives
3	India	100+	Massive solar parks
4	Japan	80	Rooftop dominance
5	Germany	70	Energiewende policy
6	Australia	55+	High rooftop adoption
7	South Korea	40	Floating solar expansion
8	Spain	38	Utility-scale growth
9	Italy	32	Residential solar
10	Brazil	30+	Equator location advantage
11	France	28	Agrivoltaics projects
12	UK	25	Rooftop growth
13	Mexico	22	Villanueva Solar Park
14	Netherlands	20+	Dual land-use approach
15	Vietnam	18+	Fast policy-driven growth
16	Turkey	17	National strategy
17	South Africa	15+	Energy crisis response
18	Chile	14	Atacama solar dominance
19	Egypt	13	Benban Solar Park
20	Belgium	12	High rooftop density

What We Can Learn From Solar Leaders

Government Support Is Crucial

Most solar success stories involve strong policies, such as tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, or auction-based systems.

Innovation Accelerates Growth

From floating solar to agrivoltaics, countries that invest in new solar tech lead the pack.

Geography Still Matters

Sun-rich nations have a natural edge, but even cloudy countries thrive with the right incentives and technology.

Future Outlook of Global Solar Energy Capacity

The IEA predicts global solar capacity could triple by 2030, reaching over 6,000 GW.
New players like Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines are entering the top solar market.
Innovations like solar hydrogen, vertical solar, and perovskite cells may further reduce costs and land use.

Takeaways

The global shift toward solar energy is accelerating. Countries with smart policies, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability are leading the solar revolution. Whether you’re looking to invest, support clean energy, or simply stay informed, tracking the countries with the highest solar power capacity gives valuable insight into the future of energy.