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Solar PV
Solar PV
Cite Share
Energy
TWh
8000
NZE
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 20
China was responsible for about 38% of solar PV generation growth in 2021, thanks to large capacity
additions in 2020 and 2021. The second largest generation growth (17% share of the total) was
recorded in the United States, and third largest in the European Union (10%). Solar PV proved to be
resilient in the face of Covid-19 disruptions, supply chain bottlenecks and commodity price rises
experienced in 2021 and achieved another record annual increase in capacity (almost 190 GW). This, in
turn, should lead to further acceleration of electricity generation growth in 2022.
However, reaching an annual solar PV generation level of approximately 7 400 TWh in 2030, aligning
with the Net Zero Scenario, from the current 1 000 TWh requires annual average generation growth of
about 25% during 2022-2030. Although this rate is similar to the average annual expansion recorded in
the past five years, it will require increased effort to maintain this momentum as the PV market grows.
Technology deployment
GW
6000
NZE
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 20
In the environment of increasing fuel and electricity prices in 2021, distributed PV became an
increasingly attractive alternative for many consumers, which has driven investment. Utility-scale PV
remains the most competitive source of PV generation in most parts of the world; however building
large-scale installations is becoming increasingly challenging in many parts of the world due to the
lack of suitable sites.
Increased support for all segments will be needed to get on track with Net Zero Scenario milestones,
reaching annual solar PV capacity additions of about 600 GW to correspond with the 2030 capacity
level. Distributed and utility-scale PV need to be developed in parallel, depending on each country’s
potential and needs.
Innovation
Policy
● China published its 14th Five-Year Plan in June 2022, which includes an ambitious target of 33%
of electricity generation to come from renewables by 2025 (up from about 29% in 2021),
including an 18% target for wind and solar technologies.
● In August 2022 the federal government of the United States introduced the Inflation Reduction
Act, a law significantly expanding support for renewable energy in the next 10 years through tax
credits and other measures.
● In July 2021 the European Commission proposed to increase the bloc’s renewable energy target
for 2030 from 32% to 40%. The proposed target was further increased by the REPowerEU Plan to
45% in May 2022 (which would require 1 236 GW of total installed renewable capacity, including
600 GW of solar PV). Many European countries have already expanded their solar PV support
mechanisms in order to accelerate capacity growth with a view to the 2030 targets and in
response to the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
● During COP26, held in November 2021 in Glasgow, India announced new 2030 targets of 500
GW of total non-fossil capacity and 50% renewable electricity generation share (more than
double the 22% share in 2020), as well as net zero emissions by 2070, with solar PV being one of
the main technologies used to achieve these goals.
Policies
PolicyCountryYearStatusJurisdiction
Rural Clean Energy Initiative & Support to rural energy transitionUnited States2023In forceNational
Increase in grants for thermal insulation of roofs and installation of photovoltaic systems on homesCyprus2022In force
National
RePowerEU Plan : Joint European action on renewable energy and energy efficiencyEuropean Union2022In force
International
International collaboration
Private-sector strategies
● Companies entering into corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) – signing direct
contracts with solar PV plant operators for the purchase of generated electricity. Solar PV plants
dominate renewables PPAs, with a share of almost 75% in 2020.
Resources
Learn more:
IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Technology Collaboration Programme
International Solar Alliance
Data explorers
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Analysis
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Solar PV Global Supply Chains Renewable Energy Market Update - May 2022
An IEA Special Report Outlook for 2022 and 2023
Fuel report — July 2022 Fuel report — May 2022
Renewables 2021
Analysis and forecasts to 2026
Fuel report — December 2021
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