Solar power capacity in China 2012-2024

As of 2024, China has an installed solar power capacity of over 886 gigawatts. The country has made enormous strides in building up its solar power capacity within the past decade, growing cumulative capacity from only 4.2 gigawatts in 2012 to 886 gigawatts in 2024. 

Renewable energy expansion

The surge in solar capacity is part of China's national development strategy to expand renewable energy capacity. In 2023, the country's total renewable energy capacity reached nearly 1.45 terawatts, marking a 14 percent increase from the previous year. This expansion encompasses various clean energy sources, including wind power. China’s territory includes a vast land mass and an extensive coastline, which provides an abundance of renewable energy resources. 

Regional solar power developments

As a result, China's solar power growth is not evenly distributed across the country. Xinjiang province is expected to lead in solar capacity additions, with plans to build almost 99 gigawatts of solar power capacity as of June 2024. The province's vast land area and low population density make it ideal for large-scale installations. Meanwhile, Ningxia province is home to China's largest operating solar power plant, the Tenggeli Desert project, boasting a capacity of three gigawatts. Similar to Xinjiang, the dry and sunny climate in Ningxia provides optimal conditions for solar power generation.