Global solar installations reach nearly 600 GW in 2024

Last year’s additional capacity slightly increased from the previous 12 months.

Solar energy accounted for the majority of the renewable power installed in 2024, with 597 gigawatts (GW) grid-connected last year.

According to Solar Power Europe’s latest “Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025-2029” report, solar energy accounted for 81% of the 735 GW of new renewable capacity installed worldwide in 2024.

“This marks a slight increase from 78% in 2023 and further cements solar’s role as the primary driver of the energy transition,” the report read.

Solar’s contribution to global electricity also rose to 6.9% from 5.6% in 2023. Last year, it produced 474 terawatt-hours more than the year before with a 29% annual growth, outpacing all other power generation technologies, the report noted.

Overall, total renewable capacity additions increased by 159 GW in 2024 – a robust 28% jump from 2023. This was associated with solar energy’s growth since the wind sector stagnated with a mere 0.3% growth. 

“With 117 GW installed like last year, wind’s contribution decreased by 4 percentage points to 16%, compared to 20% in 2023,” Solar Power Europe said.