How many watts of solar power are generated worldwide

The world currently has a cumulative solar energy capacity of 850.2 GW (gigawatts). 4.4% of our global energy comes from solar power. China generates more solar energy than any other country, with a current capacity of 308.5 GW. The US relies on solar for 3.9% of its energy, although this share is increasing rapidly every year.

In the US alone, the figure is slightly lower. The latest data shows solar producing 3% of total US electricity in 2020. The EIA predicts that this share will increase to 20% by 2050. What percentage of renewable energy is solar?

While the contribution of solar energy to global electricity production remains generally low at 3.6%, it has firmly established itself among other renewable energy technologies, comprising nearly 31% of the total installed renewable energy capacity in 2022 (IRENA, 2023).

Solar energy consumption worldwide has accelerated in the last 20 years. China remains a global powerhouse for renewable energy, producing 427.72 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity from solar power in 2022. This figure is over 200 TWh more than the U.S. and greater than four times the generation of Japan.

The competitive landscape reveals that China continues to dominate global solar PV capacity; as of 2023, it accounted for a staggering 43% (609 GW) of total installed capacity worldwide. The United States follows with about 10% (137.73 GW), while Japan, Germany, and India each command around a 5-6% share respectively.

Based on several indicators, the world's solar power consumption appears to be increasing. 2023 saw significant growth in solar energy, setting a production record at 346 GW. Of total renewable electricity capacity additions of 507 GW, nearly 75% came from solar PV additions.