The 5 Countries That Produce the Most Solar Energy

Attempting to harness the power from the sun, several countries have taken the lead in capturing the energy and using it as a viable source of electricity. The United States has made strides in positioning itself as one of five leaders in solar energy production, along with China, the European Union (EU), India, and Pakistan, as ranked by the International Energy Agency.

Although solar power was once considered a niche market, countries are proving that this source of renewable energy is a legitimate response to the world’s search for alternatives to fossil fuels.

1. China

As the nation with the largest population and carbon footprint, China’s clear commitment to renewable energy is encouraging. According to the U.S.-China Joint Glasgow Declaration in 2021, the United States and China affirmed their commitment to work together and with other parties to strengthen the implementation of the Paris Agreement and welcome the significant efforts being made around the world to address the climate crisis. In 2025, however, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement. 

In 2024, China installed more than 350 GW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity, bringing its total installed capacity to 1,048.5 gigawatts (GW). This PV capacity is enough for China to keep its market leader position, with the Chinese market representing 59% of total global installations.

The majority of photovoltaic products, or solar panels, are being installed in remote areas by solar farms that sell the energy to utilities. Satellite imagery confirms the incredible growth of these enormous solar farms in China.

China’s drastic increase in solar power stems from the nation’s desperate need for electricity and its severe air pollution crisis.

2. European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 countries and is ranked the second-largest producer of solar energy. The number of European Member States conducting auctions for solar energy has increased and has successfully driven down prices.

In 2024, the European Union experienced growth with 66 GW, holding 9.4% of the market. Germany, Spain, and Italy were the key markets, followed by Poland and France.

The total installed PV power capacity in the European Union surpassed 354 GW in 2024. An estimated 58% were residential and commercial rooftop installations—impressive, since the PV market had declined in 2012 before rising in 2018.

3. United States

The United States has continued to improve its standing as a leader in solar power by expanding its utility sector and residential market installations. Much of the increase is attributable to substantial government incentives given to the residential sector, which is a fast-growing market segment.

In 2024, the utility sector reached 40.3 GW. The total new installed capacity for 2024 came in at 47.1 GW, which brought the U.S. to 225 GW of cumulative installed capacity.

As the cost of solar power becomes more cost-competitive with nonrenewable resources, U.S. output is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

4. India

India installed 32 GW of PV capacity in 2024, bringing its total installed capacity to 124.6 GW. The Indian market comprises 6% of the world’s total installations.

India has commissioned a 126-megawatt (MW) floating PV system in Omkareshwar and opened bidding to build a 234-MW floating PV system in Jharkhand. These next-generation “solar islands” contain thousands of water-resistant solar panels and have several advantages, such as their ability to be efficiently cooled with water.

India was also the third-largest employer in the PV sector in 2024, behind China and the EU. India’s full-time PV employees were estimated between 225,000 and 375,000.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan added 18 GW of PV capacity in 2024. This brought its total installed capacity to 22.4 GW, a stunning 409% increase from 2023.

The International Energy Agency credited the surge in Pakistan to “low-cost imports allowing consumers and businesses to invest for stable electricity supplies and electricity costs to offset the fragile and expensive electricity supply situation.” Textile manufacturers installing PV systems have helped fuel the growth on the business side. As for consumers, more homeowners are installing PV systems to keep their air conditioners running.

The Pakistani market accounts for 3% of total installations worldwide. The growth in PV capacity, combined with significant hydropower use as an electricity source, helped Pakistan avoid CO2 emissions in almost one-third of all electricity sector emissions.