In May 2025, China installed more solar power capacity in one month than any other country has in an entire year, according to multiple energy sector sources.
The country added between 92.92 and 93 GW of new solar power capacity in May alone — a historic monthly record.
Sources: energynews.pro, saurenergy.com, mercomindia.com
This monthly result exceeded the entire 2024 annual solar installation of any single nation.
Total Growth in 2025 So Far
In the first five months of 2025, China added 197.85 GW of new solar capacity, marking a 388% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Source: saurenergy.com
The country’s total installed solar capacity reached 1.08 TW, up 56.9% from May 2024.
Sources: pv-magazine.com, mercomindia.com
What’s Driving the Growth?
Analysts attribute the explosive growth to a policy deadline tied to fixed feed-in tariffs. A preferential rate was valid until June 1, 2025 — prompting developers to accelerate project completion before the transition to market-based tariffs.
As reported by Mercom India:
“The May spike is politically driven — new policy rules acted as a catalyst for pushing projects across the finish line.”
Not Just Solar: Wind and Thermal Power Growth
In addition to solar, China added the following energy capacities in May:
- 26 GW of wind power
Sources: reddit.com, energynews.pro, bloomberg.com - 4.6 GW of thermal power
Source: x.com (formerly Twitter)
What’s Next?
Analysts caution that the growth rate may slow in the second half of 2025 due to the end of fixed tariffs and ongoing challenges with grid integration.
Moreover, China continues to expand its coal-fired power capacity, approving over 94 GW of new coal plants in 2024 — the highest level since 2015.
This dual-track strategy raises concerns about the overall impact of China’s renewable energy progress.
Expert Quotes
“With 93 GW of solar installed in just one month, China has outpaced every other country’s annual performance.”
“The combined growth of wind and solar in 2024-2025 does not eliminate contradictions — the simultaneous rise of coal power complicates the path to decarbonization.”China’s rapid clean energy expansion solidifies its global leadership in renewables, but raises questions about the long-term balance between clean energy transition and continued fossil fuel dependency.
