In a context of climate emergency and energy transition, solar energy is emerging as an increasingly credible alternative to fossil fuels. While production costs continue to fall and technologies improve, certain countries stand out for their massive investments in this renewable energy. Let’s discover the world’s top 10 countries with the most installed solar energy, a ranking which reveals the new geopolitical and economic dynamics at work in the energy sector.
A global race for solar energy
The development of solar energy is experiencing unprecedented acceleration on a global scale. At the head of the pack, we unsurprisingly find economic giants, but also a few more modest nations which have bet on solar power to ensure their energy independence.
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China, the undisputed giant
With an installed capacity exceeding 300 GW, China largely dominates the ranking. The country has invested massively in solar energy in recent years, pursuing a dual objective: reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and establishing itself as the world leader in the photovoltaic industry. China’s strategy is based on large-scale production of solar panels, a large part of which is exported, making the country the world’s leading supplier.
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The United States, a booming market
Second in the ranking, the United States has an installed capacity of around 100 GW. The country benefits from favorable sunshine in many states, particularly in California and the Southwest. The incentive policies put in place in recent years, such as the “Inflation Reduction Act”, should further accelerate the development of solar energy in the United States.
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Japan, technological pioneer
Japan, with nearly 75 GW installed, occupies third place on the podium. The country of the Rising Sun relied very early on this technology, particularly after the Fukushima disaster which pushed the government to diversify its energy mix. Japan stands out for its capacity for innovation, with high-performance solar panels and advanced energy storage solutions.
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Germany, European leader
First European country in the ranking, Germany has a capacity of around 60 GW. Despite less favorable sunshine than other nations, the country has been able to benefit from a proactive policy in terms of renewable energies. The German “Energiewende” (energy transition) is often cited as an example for its ambition and effectiveness.
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India, a promising emerging market
With more than 50 GW installed, India is positioning itself as a major player in solar power. The country benefits from exceptional sunshine and a vast territory, ideal for the deployment of large photovoltaic power plants. Indian authorities have set ambitious targets for the coming years, aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
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Italy, the Mediterranean pioneer
Italy, with around 25 GW of installed capacity, stands out for its early adoption of solar energy. The country has been able to take advantage of its favorable sunshine and effective incentive policies to develop its photovoltaic fleet.
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Australia, land of sunshine and innovation
Benefiting from exceptional sunshine, Australia has rapidly developed its solar park, reaching a capacity of around 20 GW. The country stands out for its innovations in energy storage and smart grid management.
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France, a potential being exploited
With an installed capacity of around 15 GW, France is progressing regularly in this ranking. The country has significant potential, particularly in the South, and has recently accelerated its investments as part of its energy transition strategy.
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South Korea, technological ambition
South Korea, with nearly 15 GW installed, is banking on solar energy to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The country stands out for its technological advances, particularly in the field of new generation solar panels.
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Spain, the comeback
Closing this top 10 with around 14 GW of installed capacity, Spain is experiencing renewed interest in solar after several years of stagnation. The country benefits from exceptional sunshine and a territory conducive to the development of large photovoltaic power plants.
The challenges to face for a solar future
Despite the impressive progress made by these leading countries, the development of large-scale solar energy still poses many challenges. Among the main issues to be addressed:
- Energy storage: The intermittent nature of solar energy requires efficient storage solutions to ensure a stable supply of electricity.
- Network integration: increasing the share of solar in the energy mix requires adaptation of existing electricity networks.
- Panel recycling: managing the end of life of solar installations is becoming a major environmental issue.
- Access to raw materials: the production of solar panels depends on sometimes rare or strategic resources, raising questions of geopolitics and supply.
Towards a new geopolitics of energy
This ranking of leading countries in solar energy reveals a new global energy map. Nations that can master this technology and effectively integrate it into their energy mix will have a considerable strategic advantage in the decades to come.
Solar energy thus appears to be a lever for profound transformation of global economic and geopolitical balances. It offers countries the opportunity to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, while stimulating innovation and job creation in a sector of the future.
As the fight against climate change intensifies, the development of solar energy constitutes a major challenge in achieving the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The countries at the top of this ranking show the way, but it is the commitment of the entire international community that will make it possible to make solar a pillar of the global energy transition.