Solar panels are making it possible to produce clean and renewable energy from sunlight. In the last decade, solar technology has become very popular in Australia, but also in many other parts of the world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the global solar panel statistics. How much of the power produced in the world is coming from solar technology? And what countries are the top 10 when it comes to solar energy production?
Here you will find the answers!
What percentage of global power is solar?
According to the International Energy Agency, IEA, solar panel energy accounts for 3.6% of the global electricity production in 2022. This makes solar power the third most popular renewable electricity technology in the world after wind and hydropower.
In 2019, around 2% of the international electricity production was solar. In other words, solar technology is replacing more and more traditional energy production.
Is solar power getting more popular worldwide?
Yes, according to data from IEA, the use of solar energy increased by 22% from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, the solar energy output was 179 TWh higher than the year before.
These numbers show us that more and more countries are focusing on solar energy, which is also important to reach international climate goals.
If we reduce our climate gas emissions – for instance by replacing fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal with renewable energy sources like wind, hydro and solar energy – this might help us limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius.
What countries produce the most solar energy?
Global solar panel statistics show us that more and more countries are investing in solar technology. However, the growth of solar power varies strongly from country to country. Both climate and economy are important factors that affect these variations.
Some countries have a sunnier climate than others, which also makes solar energy more relevant. The photovoltaic power potential is usually higher in the areas around the equator, as these areas generally have more sunlight throughout the year.
However, it is also possible to benefit from solar power in countries and areas that aren’t known to be specifically sunny.
This is the top 10 countries when it comes to the use of solar technology:
- China
- USA
- Japan
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- Australia
- South Korea
- Vietnam
- Spain
China is world-leading when it comes to solar power production
China is considered to be the country that produces the largest amount of solar energy globally. During the first half of 2022, China generated more than 30 GW of solar power.
China is also the biggest distributor and manufacturer of solar panels and produces around 70% of all the solar panels in the world.
Australian solar panel statistics
By the end of 2021, around 2.984 million solar panel systems had been installed in Australian households and business buildings. In 2022 the number is even higher, and more than 3 million Australians now benefit from solar technology.
With around 9.8 million households, around 30% of all Australian households have solar panels on their roof in 2022.
The number of solar installations increases every year
In 2016, around 125,000 solar installations were performed in Australia. The next year, the number increased, and nearly 175,000 solar panels were installed across the country. In 2020, 375,000 solar panel installations took place.
Renewable energy in Australia
Around 22.5% of all electricity produced in Australia in 2020 were coming from renewable energy sources. Of all renewable energy production methods in the country, including hydro and wind power, solar power is the biggest.
Around 35% of all the energy that comes from renewable energy production is solar. If we look at the total energy production in Australia (including energy from non-renewable sources), solar energy accounts for 8% of it.
Are you planning on going solar?
Global statistics are showing us that solar energy is getting increasingly popular throughout the world. In some countries, like Australia, solar technology is experiencing rapid growth.
The government also has initiated a rebate scheme to make solar technology more affordable for Australian residents. At the same time, solar prices are lower than ever, making it easier to invest in solar panels.
With solar panels on your roof, you can not only contribute to the solar growth in Australia and the rest of the world. You can also enjoy the benefits of lower electricity costs and at the same time use clean and green energy.
If you are planning on going solar, you should first find a CEC-approved solar installer. The installer can give you useful advice about solar system size and type. Find a solar panel system that fits your needs, today!