China installed a record 60 GW of new PV capacity in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in rooftop deployment ahead of updated grid-access rules, says Rystad Energy.
With the world's largest, most complete new-energy industry chain, China is expected to install 230 to 260 gigawatts of solar capacity this year, topping the record of 217 GW set last year, according to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association.
Home » Renewables » “Just staggering:” China installs 100 solar panels a second as total PV capacity tops 1 terawatt China's cumulative solar capacity has surpassed one terawatt (1TW), after the addition of a 198 gigawatts (GW) of new PV capacity so far this year, including a “staggering” 93 GW in May alone.
How many solar PV installations are there in China this year?
"Solar PV installations have maintained a quite high pace this year, and we had seen an average of over 18 GW of monthly installations this year in China till October," said Zhu Yicong, vice-president of renewables and power research at global consultancy Rystad Energy.
Global consultancy Rystad Energy expects 255 GW new solar PV installation from China in 2024, which is at the same level as the forecast after adjustment. Another surge in installation toward the end of the year is also expected, of around 20 GW from November and 50 GW from December, it said.
“China installed 92.9GW of solar and 26.3GW of wind in just the month on May 2025! Before we get too excited, there is a pull-forward on installs with a national strategic policy change on renewables that took effect from June 2025 – so we see a real risk of a significant slowdown for the rest of 2025.
Year-to-date May 2025 China has installed 198GW of solar (+150% yoy) and 46GW of wind (+134% yoy). Just staggering.