In this article, we discuss 5 countries that produce the most solar energy. If you want to see more countries that produce the most solar energy, go directly to 15 Countries That Produce the Most Solar Energy.
5. India
Installed photovoltaic (PV) power: 49.34 GW
Given it has one of the largest economies in the world, India consumes a lot of electricity. In terms of the production to meet the nation’s electricity needs, solar has played an increasingly important role as solar capacity in India has increased from 0.6 GW in 2011 to 49.3 GW in 2011, ranking the country #5 on our list of 15 Countries That Produce the Most Solar Energy. Considering India’s economy is expected to continue to develop for the future, it is likely the country’s solar capacity will continue to increase.
4. Germany
Installed photovoltaic (PV) power: 58.46 GW
Germany is Europe’s largest solar producer with installed photovoltaic power of 58.46 GW in 2021. Given energy price increases as a result of the Russia Ukraine war, solar adoption in Germany accelerated this year as the installation of solar systems in the country rose 22% year over year in the first six months of 2022 according to the Germany Solar Association. In the longer term, the country’s solar capacity will likely increase further given Germany has a goal of attaining 100% renewable power by 2035.
3. Japan
Installed photovoltaic (PV) power: 74.19 GW
Japan ranks #3 on our list of 15 Countries That Produce the Most Solar Energy given its installed photovoltaic power of 74.19 GW in 2021 when the power source accounted for 9.26% of the nation’s total electricity generation. Given solar power’s increasing economic competitiveness and the need for Japan to reduce carbon emissions, Japan’s government hopes solar capacity will account for 14-16% of its total electricity generation by 2030.
2. United States
Installed photovoltaic (PV) power: 93.71 GW
The United States is the second largest producer of solar energy in the world with installed photovoltaic power of 93.71 GW at the end of last year thanks to substantial growth. From 2011 to 2021, the United States’ solar capacity increased at an average growth rate of 33.6% per annum. Given many leading companies are trying to reduce their carbon emissions, demand for solar in the leading nation is expected to increase further in the next decade.
1. China
Installed photovoltaic (PV) power: 306.4 GW
China ranks #1 on our list of 15 Countries That Produce the Most Solar Energy given its installed photovoltaic power of 306.4 GW in 2021, which represents 36.3% of the world’s total solar capacity for the year. China leads the world in solar energy given the government has subsidized the industry’s growth over the years. China also has the world’s second largest economy which means there’s a lot of demand for electricity. While China’s solar industry is already huge, the country’s solar capacity could increase even further as the country aims to nearly double its total wind and solar capacity by 2030.
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