China is on an accelerated path to shatter its renewable energy goals, poised to exceed its ambitious 2035 wind and solar power target of approximately 3.6 terawatts (TW) at least five years ahead of schedule. This remarkable progress is fueled by a massive surge in installations that saw the nation’s combined wind and solar capacity surpass 1.4 TW by the end of 2024.
Accelerating Growth in China solar energy Installations
China’s solar power capacity is expanding at a pace that continues to outstrip projections. The country is not just meeting its targets but fundamentally reshaping its energy landscape. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China now accounts for nearly 60% of all new global renewable capacity. Strong policy support and immense domestic demand are the primary drivers of this growth.
The momentum has been staggering. After achieving a stunning 56.9% increase in 2024 to reach the 1 TW milestone, the expansion continued unabated. By May 2025, an additional 93 GW brought the country’s total installed solar capacity to over 1.08 TW. This rapid growth is a testament to China’s commitment to its updated national goals, which include having non-fossil fuels make up over 30% of its primary energy consumption by 2035.
While China is set to exceed its solar power targets, the country still faces challenges in its broader energy transition. It remains the world’s largest consumer of coal. However, a pivotal milestone was reached in 2024 when, for the first time, China’s installed capacity from wind and solar surpassed that of thermal power plants. This symbolic shift underscores the scale of the green transition, even as coal continues to play a significant role in actual energy generation.
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Record Installations Continue into 2025 for China solar energy
The record-breaking pace of installations shows no signs of slowing. In a remarkable display of its industrial capacity, China installed a record 104.9 GW of solar PV in just the first four months of 2025. You can find more updates on the latest developments in our China solar news archives.
This growth is part of a broader trend across Chinaโs renewable energy sector. The country has also been aggressively expanding its wind capacity, contributing to the milestone of surpassing thermal power capacity. These efforts are central to the countryโs strategy to combat climate change. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2030, achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels by 2035.
Impact on Global Solar Market of China solar energy
China’s rapid expansion is having a profound impact on the global solar market. The sheer volume of its installations drives global growth, while its manufacturing dominance influences prices and technology trends worldwide. For homeowners and businesses in Germany, this translates directly into more affordable and accessible solar panels.
China’s leadership is not just about installed capacity; it extends across the entire supply chain. Chinese companies dominate the solar panel manufacturing process, from sourcing solar panel raw materials to producing finished modules. This industrial might, supported by advanced solar panel manufacturing machines, means that around 80% of the world’s solar panels originate in China. Anyone interested in the sector should understand the basics of solar panel manufacturing to appreciate this scale.
The boom in renewable energy is also attracting massive investment. In 2023, Chinaโs investment in renewables reached $546 billion, over half of the global total. This trend is set to continue as the country builds out its renewable infrastructure. For prospective investors, understanding the financial aspects, such as a solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown, is crucial.
China’s overall renewable energy capacity is projected to reach 2.5 TW by 2026, with non-fossil fuels accounting for 54% of installed power capacity. This progress highlights China’s unwavering commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. However, the challenge remains to translate this installed capacity into actual generation and integrate it effectively into the grid, requiring continued investment in energy storage and smart grid technologies to meet its long-term climate goals.
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