GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Solar Panels Industry Statistics

The solar panels industry continues to experience significant growth, with global installations reaching 129.6 gigawatts in 2019.

Highlights: Solar Panels Industry Statistics

  • The United States currently has over 85 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, enough to power more than 18 million homes.
  • In the third quarter of 2020, the U.S. installed just over 3.8 GW of solar PV capacity, their largest quarter in history.
  • As of 2020, the solar industry generates $18 billion of investment in the American economy annually.
  • The solar industry in the USA employed 230,000 people in 2020.
  • China is the world's largest producer of solar panels. It manufactured around 70% of global solar panel production in 2018.
  • Globally, the solar industry is forecast to reach $223.3 billion by 2026.
  • Residential solar panel installations in the US grew 11% in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Around 40% of Europe's photovoltaic module production in 2019 took place in Germany.
  • The cost of solar has decreased by more than 70% over the last decade.
  • In 2020, roughly 4% of all electricity generation in the U.S was from solar power.
  • The world's largest solar park, the Pavagada Solar Park in India, has a capacity of 2,050 MW.
  • California had the highest solar electric capacity in the United States in 2020, with over 14,000 megawatts.
  • By 2050, solar power is projected to become the world's largest source of electricity.
  • It is expected that by 2023 global cumulative installed solar PV capacity will exceed 1,095 GW.
  • A report by the Solar Energy Industries Association indicated that U.S. homes and businesses installed a new solar project every 78 seconds in 2019.
  • Japan ranks 3rd worldwide in solar PV installed capacity, with over 55 GW installed as of 2018.
  • In Australia, one in five houses use solar energy.
  • Saudi Arabia plans to install 58.7 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
  • The total installed U.S. PV capacity is expected to more than double over the next five years.

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The Latest Solar Panels Industry Statistics Explained

The United States currently has over 85 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, enough to power more than 18 million homes.

The statistic indicates that the United States has a total installed solar capacity of over 85 gigawatts, which is a significant amount of energy production from solar sources. This level of capacity is sufficient to provide power to over 18 million homes, highlighting the scale and impact of solar energy in meeting the residential electricity needs of a sizable portion of the population. The statistic showcases the growing importance and adoption of solar energy as a renewable and sustainable power source in the United States, emphasizing its potential to contribute towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions while providing clean energy for households across the country.

In the third quarter of 2020, the U.S. installed just over 3.8 GW of solar PV capacity, their largest quarter in history.

The statistic states that in the third quarter of 2020, the United States installed a record-breaking amount of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, specifically 3.8 gigawatts (GW). This signifies a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards renewable energy sources. The increase in solar PV capacity installation indicates a growing trend towards sustainable energy production, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. The record-breaking quarter reflects the increasing affordability and efficiency of solar energy technology, as well as the government incentives and policies aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption. Overall, this statistic highlights the positive progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in the United States.

As of 2020, the solar industry generates $18 billion of investment in the American economy annually.

The statistic states that in the year 2020, the solar industry contributed $18 billion in investments to the American economy on an annual basis. This figure reflects the total amount of money being channeled into various aspects of the solar sector, including research, development, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems. Such substantial investment denotes the growing significance of solar energy as a key player in the renewable energy sector, providing economic opportunities, job creation, and technological advancements. This statistic serves as a testament to the increasing adoption of solar energy in the United States and highlights the potential for further growth and impact in the future.

The solar industry in the USA employed 230,000 people in 2020.

The statistic “The solar industry in the USA employed 230,000 people in 2020” indicates the number of individuals working in the solar industry in the United States in the year 2020. This figure serves as a measure of the economic impact and growth of the solar energy sector, highlighting its contribution to job creation and workforce development. The data suggests that the solar industry has become a significant employer in the US economy, reflecting the increasing adoption and investment in renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the statistic may also be used to track trends in job opportunities within the solar industry over time and inform policy decisions related to promoting renewable energy initiatives and green job creation.

China is the world’s largest producer of solar panels. It manufactured around 70% of global solar panel production in 2018.

The statistic that China is the world’s largest producer of solar panels, manufacturing approximately 70% of global solar panel production in 2018, highlights the country’s dominant role in the renewable energy sector. With a strategic focus on clean energy technologies and strong government support, China has been able to significantly scale up its manufacturing capabilities and drive down the cost of solar panels, making them more affordable and accessible worldwide. This statistic underscores China’s position as a key player in the global transition towards sustainable energy sources and its potential to drive further growth and innovation in the solar energy industry.

Globally, the solar industry is forecast to reach $223.3 billion by 2026.

The statistic indicates the projected growth and financial scale of the solar industry on a global level, with an estimated market value of $223.3 billion expected to be achieved by the year 2026. This forecast suggests a significant expansion in the industry’s economic impact, driven by factors such as increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, advancements in solar technology, supportive government policies, and growing awareness of environmental sustainability. The statistic underscores the growing importance of solar energy as a key player in the global energy transition, with substantial investments being made to leverage the potential of solar power in addressing energy needs and combating climate change.

Residential solar panel installations in the US grew 11% in 2020 compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates that the number of residential solar panel installations in the United States increased by 11% from 2019 to 2020. This growth suggests a rising trend in the adoption of solar energy among homeowners, likely driven by factors such as increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of renewable energy sources, government incentives and rebates for solar installations, and decreasing costs of solar technology. The 11% growth rate highlights a significant expansion in the use of solar power at the residential level, contributing to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy sustainability, and potentially lowering electricity bills for households across the country.

Around 40% of Europe’s photovoltaic module production in 2019 took place in Germany.

The statistic states that approximately 40% of Europe’s photovoltaic module production occurred in Germany in the year 2019. This indicates that Germany held a significant share of the photovoltaic module manufacturing market within Europe during that time. The country’s strong focus on renewable energy and commitment to solar power generation likely contributed to its leading position in this industry. Additionally, Germany’s established infrastructure, technological expertise, and supportive policies may have further facilitated its prominence in photovoltaic module production compared to other European countries.

The cost of solar has decreased by more than 70% over the last decade.

The statistic indicates that the cost of solar energy technology has experienced a significant reduction of over 70% in the past ten years. This decline in costs is a promising trend as it allows solar energy to become more competitive with traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels. The decreasing costs can be attributed to advancements in technology, economies of scale, government incentives, and greater market adoption of solar energy solutions. This statistic suggests that solar energy has become a more financially feasible and attractive option for consumers and businesses, making it a key player in efforts to transition towards more sustainable and clean energy sources.

In 2020, roughly 4% of all electricity generation in the U.S was from solar power.

The statistic that in 2020, roughly 4% of all electricity generation in the U.S. was from solar power indicates the significant and increasing role of solar energy in the country’s energy mix. This figure reflects a growing trend towards renewable energy sources as a means to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power’s contribution to electricity generation has been steadily increasing over the years, driven by advancements in technology, government incentives, and environmental concerns. The 4% figure showcases the progress made in integrating solar energy into the electricity grid, highlighting the potential for further expansion and adoption of clean energy solutions in the U.S.

The world’s largest solar park, the Pavagada Solar Park in India, has a capacity of 2,050 MW.

The statistic that the world’s largest solar park, the Pavagada Solar Park in India, has a capacity of 2,050 MW represents the total amount of electricity that the solar park is capable of generating at its peak performance. This massive capacity of 2,050 MW signifies the significant scale and impact of the solar park in producing clean and renewable energy to meet the electricity needs of a large population. The capacity of the solar park indicates the substantial investment and commitment to transitioning to sustainable energy sources in India, as well as the potential to offset a significant amount of carbon emissions compared to conventional energy generation methods.

California had the highest solar electric capacity in the United States in 2020, with over 14,000 megawatts.

The statistic indicates that California had the largest installed solar electric capacity among all states in the United States in 2020, totaling over 14,000 megawatts. This suggests that California has made significant investments in solar energy infrastructure, making it a leader in renewable energy generation. The high capacity reflects the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability, and transitioning towards a cleaner energy mix. Such a substantial solar capacity indicates California’s potential to derive a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources, contributing to environmental goals and energy resilience.

By 2050, solar power is projected to become the world’s largest source of electricity.

The statistic suggests that by the year 2050, solar power is expected to surpass all other sources of electricity production to become the primary source of energy generation globally. This projection is based on current trends indicating exponential growth in solar energy installations and advancements in technology that have made solar power increasingly cost-effective and efficient. Factors such as environmental concerns, government incentives, and the declining costs of solar panels are driving this shift towards renewable energy sources. The transition to solar power as the largest source of electricity by 2050 signifies a significant milestone in the global energy landscape, highlighting the increasing importance of sustainable and clean energy solutions to meet the world’s growing electricity demands.

It is expected that by 2023 global cumulative installed solar PV capacity will exceed 1,095 GW.

The statistic indicates a projected milestone in the growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy capacity worldwide by the year 2023. Specifically, it anticipates that the total combined amount of solar PV systems installed globally will surpass 1,095 gigawatts (GW). This forecast suggests a significant and accelerating trend towards the adoption of solar energy as a renewable power source on a global scale. The increasing capacity of solar PV installations reflects efforts to transition towards cleaner energy alternatives, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Achieving a cumulative installed capacity of over 1,095 GW by 2023 would mark a notable advancement in the expansion of solar power generation and contribute to the ongoing shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy sector.

A report by the Solar Energy Industries Association indicated that U.S. homes and businesses installed a new solar project every 78 seconds in 2019.

The statistic from the Solar Energy Industries Association reveals that in 2019, the rate of new solar project installations in the United States was remarkably high, with a new project being installed approximately every 78 seconds. This data point underscores the increasing adoption and investment in solar energy technologies by both residential and commercial entities throughout the country. The frequency of installations, as indicated by the statistic, highlights the growing popularity of solar energy as a renewable and sustainable option for meeting energy needs, along with its potential for reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and contributing to environmental conservation efforts on a large scale.

Japan ranks 3rd worldwide in solar PV installed capacity, with over 55 GW installed as of 2018.

The statistic indicates that Japan holds the third position globally in terms of cumulative installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, with an estimated capacity exceeding 55 gigawatts as of 2018. This suggests that Japan has made significant investments in solar energy infrastructure, positioning itself as a leading country in the adoption of solar power technology. The high installed capacity reflects Japan’s commitment to renewable energy sources and sustainability, as solar PV is a key component of the country’s energy transition towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly sources of electricity generation.

In Australia, one in five houses use solar energy.

The statistic ‘In Australia, one in five houses use solar energy’ indicates that approximately 20% of residential homes in the country utilize solar power as an energy source. This suggests a growing trend towards renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices in the housing sector. The increasing popularity of solar energy among homeowners in Australia can be attributed to factors such as government incentives, declining costs of solar technology, and an increased awareness of environmental issues. The statistic highlights a significant shift towards renewable energy sources and signifies a positive step towards reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels for electricity generation.

Saudi Arabia plans to install 58.7 GW of solar capacity by 2030.

This statistic signifies that Saudi Arabia intends to significantly expand its solar energy infrastructure by adding a total capacity of 58.7 gigawatts (GW) within the next decade, culminating in the year 2030. This initiative reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, which have traditionally dominated its energy sector. The substantial planned increase in solar capacity suggests a major shift towards renewable energy, which could have significant environmental and economic benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and creating new job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to embrace sustainable energy practices and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

The total installed U.S. PV capacity is expected to more than double over the next five years.

The statistic indicates that the total installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States is projected to increase by at least 100% within the next five years. This significant growth suggests a rapid expansion in the adoption of solar energy across the country. Factors driving this anticipated growth may include decreasing costs of PV technology, advancements in solar energy efficiency, supportive government policies, and increasing awareness of the benefits of renewable energy sources. The expected doubling of U.S. PV capacity reflects a growing shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources in the country, which bodes well for reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change concerns.

References

0. – https://www.www.renewable-ei.org

1. – https://www.www.greentechmedia.com

2. – https://www.www.alliedmarketresearch.com

3. – https://www.www.eia.gov

4. – https://www.www.iea.org

5. – https://www.www.pv-magazine.com

6. – https://www.www.solarpowereurope.org

7. – https://www.www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au

8. – https://www.www.irena.org

9. – https://www.www.power-technology.com

10. – https://www.www.energysage.com

11. – https://www.www.nsenergybusiness.com

12. – https://www.www.seia.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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