Global Solar Additions Hit Record 664 GW in 2025
Record‑breaking 2025: 664 GW of New Solar Installed Worldwide
The world added a record 664 GW of solar capacity in 2025, pushing total installed solar past the 3 TW mark early in 2026. That amount represents a very large amount of electricity generation and it reflects a 12 % growth year‑on‑year, which is the slowest pace in recent years.
The surge was driven largely by the Asia‑Pacific, which contributed 487 GW (73 % of the total). China alone installed 382 GW, keeping its dominant 57 % market share, while India added 45.7 GW, overtaking the United States as the second‑largest solar market.
Europe’s contribution was modest but steady at 81.6 GW (+3 % YoY), led by Germany. The Americas added 43.2 GW, a 13 % decline, whereas the Middle East & Africa saw a 51 % jump to 23.7 GW.
Slowing Growth Signals a Coming Contraction
While 2025 set a new record, the growth rate fell sharply: 85 % in 2023, 32 % in 2024, and only 12 % in 2025. SolarPower Europe’s medium‑scenario forecast predicts global installations will drop to about 612 GW in 2026, an 8 % decline – the first contraction in over two decades.
The report pins the slowdown mainly on China’s policy shift, which is expected to cut its 2026 installations by 24 %. “The decline outweighs continued growth in all other regions, highlighting China’s influence on global installations,” the outlook notes.
Regional Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
- Asia‑Pacific (outside China) – projected +18 % growth, driven by India, Japan, and Southeast Asian markets.
- Europe – modest +3 % increase, with Germany, Spain, and France maintaining steady pipelines.
- Americas – forecast +11 % expansion, led by the United States and Brazil.
- Middle East & Africa – a dramatic +48 % surge, reflecting ambitious renewable targets and new financing mechanisms.
SolarPower Europe also warns that grid congestion, limited storage, permitting delays, financing barriers, and supply‑chain resilience could curb further expansion. Nevertheless, the medium‑scenario still expects global solar capacity to double to around 6.6 TW by 2030, a revision from an earlier 7.1 TW projection.
What the Numbers Mean for Israel
Israel’s renewable electricity target is 30 % by 2030 (20 % by 2025). Using the typical Israeli residential yield of 1,750 kWh/kWp/year and a turnkey cost of ₪3,150/kWp, a 10 kW rooftop system would generate about 17.5 MWh annually and cost roughly ₪31,500 to install. At the current residential tariff of ₪0.48/kWh, that system could save ≈₪8,400 per year, delivering a payback period of ≈3.8 years – well within the 25‑year system lifetime.
If Israel were to capture even a modest share of the 2025 global additions, it could power millions of homes and offset a substantial amount of CO₂ each year, helping accelerate progress toward the 2030 renewable target and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The Long‑Term Outlook: Solar Remains the Backbone of Decarbonisation
Despite the short‑term dip, SolarPower Europe stresses that solar’s role in global energy security and decarbonisation is stronger than ever. In 2025, solar‑generated electricity equated to nearly five years of LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring its strategic importance amid geopolitical tensions.
CEO Walburga Hemetsberger emphasizes that integration, not just capacity, will define the next decade: “We urgently need to invest in grids, battery storage, and other non‑fossil flexibility solutions to continue integrating large volumes of renewables into our grids.” For Israel, this translates into a clear policy imperative – expanding grid‑level storage and modernising distribution networks to accommodate the rapid uptake of rooftop and utility‑scale solar.
Bottom Line
- 2025 set a record 664 GW of new solar installations, pushing total capacity past 3 TW.
- Growth slowed to 12 %, and a first‑ever contraction is forecast for 2026, driven mainly by China’s policy changes.
- Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East & Africa will continue to add capacity, with the latter expected to surge 48 %.
- For Israel, even a modest share of global additions could dramatically accelerate the nation’s renewable targets, offering tangible savings for homeowners and a substantial CO₂ reduction.
The solar story is far from over – the next chapter will be written by grid upgrades, storage solutions, and smart policy choices that turn today’s capacity gains into tomorrow’s clean, reliable electricity.
FAQ
- What was the total amount of solar added in 2025?
- The world added 664 GW of new solar capacity in 2025.
- Which region installed the most solar in 2025?
- The Asia‑Pacific installed 487 GW, accounting for 73 % of the global total.
- Why is global solar expected to contract in 2026?
- China’s policy shift is projected to cut its 2026 installations by 24 %, outweighing growth elsewhere.
- How does the 2025 addition compare to previous years?
- Growth fell from 85 % in 2023 to 32 % in 2024, and down to 12 % in 2025.
- What does this mean for Israeli homeowners?
- A typical 10 kW rooftop system could save ≈₪8,400 per year, paying back in under 4 years.
- What are the biggest challenges for future solar growth?
- Grid congestion, storage scarcity, permitting delays, financing hurdles, and supply‑chain resilience.
Key Facts
- 664 GW of solar added in 2025 – a record amount of new capacity.
- China contributed 382 GW, representing 57 % of global additions.
- Growth slowed to 12 % in 2025, the lowest rate in recent years.
- Middle East & Africa installations rose 51 % to 23.7 GW.
- A 10 kW Israeli rooftop system could save ~₪8,400 per year.
Sources & further reading
FAQ
How much solar capacity was added globally in 2025?
A record 664 GW of new solar capacity was installed worldwide in 2025.
Which country led solar installations in 2025?
China installed the most, adding 382 GW and holding a 57 % share of the global market.
Why is solar expected to shrink in 2026?
China’s policy changes are projected to cut its 2026 installations by about 24 %, outweighing growth elsewhere.
What does the 2025 solar boom mean for Israeli homeowners?
A typical 10 kW rooftop system could save roughly ₪8,400 per year, paying back in under four years.
Which region saw the biggest percentage increase in 2025?
The Middle East and Africa grew 51 % year‑on‑year, adding 23.7 GW.
What are the main challenges for future solar expansion?
Grid congestion, limited storage, permitting delays, financing barriers, and supply‑chain resilience.
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