China Adds 315 GW of Solar Capacity in Record-Breaking 2025

China added approximately 315 GW of new solar capacity in 2025, alongside about 119 GW of new wind power, setting new annual records for both technologies. By the end of the year, total installed power generation capacity reached approximately 3.89 TW.

Cumulative solar capacity rose to around 1.20 TW, while wind capacity reached roughly 0.64 TW. Together, solar and wind accounted for more than 47% of total installed capacity. When hydropower and nuclear generation are included, non-fossil energy sources represented over 60% of installed capacity, surpassing thermal power for the first time.

Solar installations accelerated sharply toward year-end, with December additions alone exceeding 40 GW. This surge was driven by project commissioning deadlines and the continued rollout of large-scale renewable energy bases.

Despite the record year, most forecasts anticipate a moderation in new installations from 2026 onward, reflecting a high comparison base and evolving electricity market conditions. Future growth is expected to be shaped increasingly by grid integration, storage deployment, and market reforms.