From 2000 to 2021, global solar photovoltaic capacity has increased from 1,288 megawatts to 940,000 megawatts. Which countries are using the most solar energy? You might be surprised!
1. China 31.7%
By the end of 2021, China was using 31.7% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 254,355 megawatts. That’s a total of 35.6% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 134,964 quadrillion Btu.
2. United States 16%
By the end of 2021, the United States was using 16% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 75,572 megawatts. That’s a total of 10.6% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 98.337 quadrillion Btu. American companies like Tesla are leading the way.
3. Japan 8.4%
By the end of 2021, Japan was using 8.4% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 67,000 megawatts. That’s a total of 9.4% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 2.565 quadrillion Btu.
4. India 6.6%
By the end of 2021, India was using 6.6% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 39,211 megawatts. That’s a total of 5.5% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 18.988 quadrillion Btu.
5. Germany 4.7%
By the end of 2021, Germany was using 4.7% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 53,783 megawatts. That’s a total of 7.5% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 4,082 quadrillion Btu.
6. Australia 3%
By the end of 2021, Australia was using 3% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 17,627 megawatts. That’s a total of 2.5% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 18.012 quadrillion Btu.
7. Spain 2.6%
By the end of 2021, Spain was using 2.6% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 14,089 megawatts, that’s a total of 2% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 1.618 quadrillion Btu.
8. Italy 2.4%
By the end of 2021, Italy was using 2.4% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 21,600 megawatts. That’s a total of 3.0% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 1.343 quadrillion Btu.
9. South Korea 2.1%
By the end of 2021, South Korea was using 2.1% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 14,575 megawatts. That’s a total of 2.3% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 1.885 quadrillion Btu.
10. France 1.4%
By the end of 2021, France was using 1.4% of the world’s solar power and had a photovoltaic capacity of 11,733 megawatts. That’s a total of 1.6% of the world’s solar power capacity. The country’s total annual energy production in 2021 was 4.841 quadrillion Btu.
Conclusion
Solar power use is increasing worldwide, and McKinsey and Company project that the global renewable-electricity capacity will increase by more than eighty percent by 2026 (source). As clean energy use increases, the global picture of solar energy use is likely to change, too, but just how it will change remains to be seen.
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Taylor Gilbert is the admin and freelance writer at How About Tech since 2020. He primarily writes Tech articles, How-to guides and Entertainment as well.