5 Global Trends Driving the Rise of GW-Scale Solar in 35 Countries

Falling module prices, growing investor confidence, and climate-driven urgency propelled global solar PV capacity additions up nearly 29% year-on-year in 2024, according to the IEA-PVPS report. Global solar installations have now surpassed 2.26 TW, with over 47% of capacity added in the past three years, the latest Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2024 report shows.

The study found that more than 35 countries achieved GW-scale annual installations. Regions such as Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are ramping up solar capacity, contributing significantly to the global renewable energy mix.

Following two years of strong growth, 2023 nearly doubled 2022’s annual additions due to falling module prices. In 2024, growth accelerated further as consumers and investors increasingly trusted solar PV to deliver reliable, cost-predictable electricity amid continued market volatility. Meanwhile, China’s market concentration declined over the last three years.

Global installed capacity reached around 2,261 GW by the end of 2024, in line with previous estimates of 2,246 GW. The report estimates 553.3 GW as the minimum capacity added in 2024, with 601.1 GW as the most probable figure—a 29% rise from 2023. The growth surge is attributed to climate-driven initiatives, declining module prices, and China’s efforts to absorb manufacturing overcapacity.

#1 GW-Scale Solar Expands to 35 Countries

Residential modules of 350 Wp to 435 Wp are now deployed in nearly 35 countries, equivalent to 1–3 modules per person. IEA-PVPS member countries installed at least 485.3 GW in 2024, while non-PVPS markets added an estimated 87.4 GW.

China accounted for 59.4% of global installations, mirroring Germany’s dominant role in the mid-2000s. Its cumulative installed capacity ranges from 958.5 GW to 1,048.5 GW.

Europe added 73.4 GW in 2024, rising in absolute terms but dropping to 12% of the global market share. The region’s cumulative capacity now stands at 398.7 GW.

#2 Merchant Utility-Scale PV Expands in Europe

Merchant utility projects first emerged in Spain, Germany, and France, with expansion into Romania. These projects are expected to grow alongside corporate PPAs. China’s manufacturing surplus continues to drive modules into open European markets rather than the US and India.

Developers increasingly pursue greenfield projects with private remuneration contracts, either selling to corporate clients in Europe and North America or directly to electricity markets (merchant PV) in countries like Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Romania, Spain, and select African projects in Namibia.

#3 Saudi Arabia Leads Middle East Solar Growth

The Middle East added over 6 GW in 2024, bringing cumulative installations to 21.5 GW. Saudi Arabia led with 3.7 GW, raising its total to 6.7 GW. The UAE added 500 MW, and Israel installed 900 MW.

Government subsidies previously limited PV competitiveness, but nations including Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and the UAE are now raising renewable energy targets.

Distributed PV is gaining ground with reforms such as net-metering in Egypt and Dubai, a revised cap in Dubai (2023), and transitions to net-billing in Bahrain and Jordan (2024). FiTs and similar incentives operate in Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia, with plans under consideration in Qatar and Morocco.

Government-backed projects like Masdar City (UAE), Spark, and Neom (Saudi Arabia) are emerging as renewable-energy showcase cities. Saudi Arabia’s sixth NREP round includes 3 GW of tenders, while Tunisia issued 200 MW in October 2024. Green ammonia and hydrogen projects are progressing in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, with the UAE focusing on decarbonizing steel production. Egypt and Morocco plan large-scale green ammonia facilities, and Jordan is developing a 530 MW solar-powered ammonia plant near Aqaba.

#4 South Africa Leads African Solar Growth

Africa’s cumulative solar capacity reached 19.2 GW in 2024, with 2.6 GW added during the year. The region remains the smallest global market due to weak reporting and untracked off-grid systems.

South Africa led with 1.2 GW of new capacity, slightly slower than 2023, bringing its total to 8.7 GW. Utility-scale projects are progressing in Ivory Coast (50 MW), Botswana (100 MW), Namibia (100 MW), Mali (200 MW), and South Africa (120 MW). A 23 MW system was commissioned in Gambia.

Zambia and Togo are developing utility-scale projects with storage. Commercial and industrial installations are gaining traction, and large-scale PV for low-carbon hydrogen production is advancing. Experts believe Africa can achieve highly competitive green hydrogen supply.

Infrastructure challenges remain due to small, weak national grids, often below 500 MW. Mini-grids are increasingly deployed in Nigeria and Zimbabwe, although the segment remains grant-dependent. Investor caution and high upfront costs persist, but interest is growing in solar replacing diesel in remote areas.

Off-grid solutions such as solar water pumps are expanding access to affordable power. Policy and regulation remain essential to support rising electricity demand and green hydrogen production ambitions.

#5 Commercializing Off-Grid Solar

In Asia and Africa, off-grid systems with backup provide alternatives to traditional grid expansion. Two types dominate: mini-grids and standalone systems.

• Mini-grids (isolated or stand-alone systems) supply power to households, small businesses, and appliances. Batteries extend energy availability.

• Standalone solar home systems (SHS) also operate independently of central grids, supporting individual energy needs and leveraging batteries to extend daily use.

Off-grid PV applications such as water pumping are expected to play a growing role in expanding affordable electricity access. Early programs focused on rural electrification, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s First Nations energy initiatives (since 2005) and Canada’s 2018 Federal Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program, have evolved into broader national energy transition frameworks emphasizing leadership, equity, and market-based clean energy access. Australia’s 2024 National First Nations Clean Energy Strategy is a recent example of this trend.