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Global Solar PV Capacity Set to Triple by 2026, Surpassing Natural Gas and Coal

Summarized by NextFin AI
  • The global solar PV capacity is projected to almost triple by 2026, adding approximately 1,500 GW and surpassing natural gas and coal in power generation.
  • The solar PV market size was valued at over USD 323.5 billion in 2025, with a forecasted CAGR of around 8.1% from 2026 to 2035.
  • Emerging trends include the adoption of bifacial solar panels and solar trackers, which significantly enhance electricity generation efficiency.
  • Technological advancements aim for 30% efficiency in solar panels by 2030, with innovations in materials and recycling enhancing sustainability.

Global Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Market Daily Summary Report

Date: 2026-04-02

1. Market Forecast and Direction (up to 2030)

  • The global solar PV capacity is projected to almost triple in the near term, with an increase of approximately 1,500 GW by 2026.
  • Solar PV capacity is expected to exceed natural gas by 2026 and coal by 2027 in terms of power generation capacity.
  • The solar PV market size was valued at over USD 323.5 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of around 8.1% from 2026 to 2035.
  • The Solar PV Market worth 2.91 terawatt in 2026 is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 20% to reach approximately 7.23 terawatt by 2031.
  • Global solar rooftops could support up to 100 million homes by 2030, contributing significantly to clean energy targets.

2. Emerging Trends

  • Bifacial solar panels, which can generate 10-15% more electricity than traditional panels, are gaining traction.
  • Solar trackers are increasingly used, with single-axis trackers boosting output by up to 30% and dual-axis trackers by 50-70%.
  • The market is seeing increased integration of solar with storage solutions, improving energy reliability and grid stability.
  • Flexible solar panels and advances in recycling technologies are enabling more sustainable and versatile solar solutions.
  • Despite some short-term challenges and market adjustments, solar remains a primary new source of electricity generation worldwide.

3. Technological Advancements

  • Current commercial solar panels achieve around 20% efficiency, with emerging technologies aiming for 30% efficiency by 2030 using multi-junction cells.
  • Innovations include lightweight perovskite solar cells, improved cell design, and manufacturing techniques enhancing durability and performance.
  • Recycling innovations now allow nearly 100% reuse of glass and aluminum components from solar modules.
  • Development of solar panel paints with nanoparticles and powder-based reuse methods are emerging for sustainability.

4. Market Growth Drivers

  • Significant cost reductions in solar PV technology are making solar more accessible to businesses and consumers globally.
  • Versatile applications across sectors — including off-grid power, agricultural irrigation, and desalination — drive wider adoption.
  • Policy support and incentives in key markets stimulate continued investment and capacity expansion.
  • Increasing demand for clean and reliable energy sources, especially in regions with unstable power grids, supports solar PV growth.

5. Key Market Players

  • Leading companies include LONGi Green Energy, JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, and First Solar.
  • China remains the dominant market and manufacturing hub, with strong growth expected despite some market transitions.
  • Other major players across regions contribute to innovation, supply chain resilience, and global deployment efforts.

This report is compiled from authoritative sources including the International Energy Agency (IEA), Wood Mackenzie Solar 2026 Outlook, and the Global Solar Council.

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