China installed 48.2GW of solar in 2020, official figures show

January 20, 2021
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
A floating solar install in China's Guangxi Province. Image: Sungrow.

Official figures from China’s National Energy Administration reveal more than 48GW of solar PV was installed in the country last year.

The figures, released today (20 January 2021), state that new capacity from all renewables sources – including both solar and wind – topped 190GW, of which solar contributed 48.2GW. Around 72GW of wind and 13.2GW of hydropower was also installed.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The data also points to a significant rush of new solar installs in December 2020, with as much as 23.3GW of new solar installed in that month alone.

More to follow…

Read Next

Premium
January 15, 2026
Analysis: Expected changes to the EU’s cybersecurity laws that could have significant implications for the continent’s solar industry have been delayed, reportedly due to disagreement between officials and member states over how far they should go.
January 14, 2026
Solar dominated employment in the renewable energy sector in 2024, accounting for over 40% of the global renewables workforce, the most of any sector.
Premium
January 14, 2026
Analysis: As Eging PV comes under pressure to repay investment in an incomplete manufacturing facility, China’s solar manufacturers face an uphill struggle to put recent challenges behind them.
Premium
January 14, 2026
Africa added 2.4GW of new solar PV capacity in 2025, an accomplishment dubbed by AFSIA CEO John van Zuylen as 'very positive'.
January 9, 2026
The Chinese Ministry of Finance and the Taxation Administration issued an adjustment of export rebate policies for solar PV products and other items.
January 9, 2026
China’s market supervision body has warned of monopoly risks in the plans to consolidate the country’s polysilicon sector.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain