China's solar capacity reaches 1.286 TW, surpassing coal

By the end of July 2026, China reached a milestone in its renewable energy sector, recording a cumulative solar photovoltaic capacity of 1.286 TW. This figure edged past the 1.285 TW of coal-fired capacity for the first time in history, representing approximately 31.5% of the nation’s total installed power. The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported these figures on September 1, marking a historic shift where solar has become the largest source of generating capacity in the world’s most extensive electricity system. This transition, which ends a century of coal dominance, is driven by a combination of 704 GW in utility-scale projects and 582 GW in distributed solar systems.

The scale of this achievement is best understood through the rapid expansion of infrastructure over the last decade. In 2013, China’s cumulative solar capacity was just 17.45 GW, while coal accounted for roughly 63% of the total. Since then, solar capacity has grown nearly 74-fold. According to NEA statistics, coal capacity stood at about 790 GW in 2013, with solar making up only 1.4% of the mix. This recent acceleration follows carbon neutrality pledges made in 2020. The shift carries global weight, as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that China’s solar capacity represented about half of the world’s total by the end of 2025.

On the ground, the rollout of solar power has involved coordination between government agencies, private developers, and local communities. However, the NEA report indicates that the sector now faces new hurdles, including a slowdown in installation rates and constraints regarding grid integration. During the first half of 2026, China added approximately 71.8 GW of new solar capacity, a notable decrease from the 212.2 GW installed during the same period in 2025. This dip is partly attributed to market adjustments following a rush to complete projects before new pricing policies took effect. Furthermore, a decrease in the average utilization rate for photovoltaic systems suggests a growing need for improved transmission and energy storage.

Despite these challenges, the transition is moving toward a more sustainable growth model with significant economic and environmental benefits. Expanding solar capacity reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and helps lower carbon emissions. Solar generation reached 802.4 TWh in the first seven months of 2026, a 15.5% increase year-on-year that covered roughly 13% of national electricity consumption. While coal-fired plants still produced approximately 2.5 PWh during this time, the growth of the solar sector is expected to create new jobs and encourage investment in green technologies.

Looking ahead, the focus of the solar sector is likely to shift from simple capacity expansion to ensuring a reliable and stable supply of electricity. Experts note that addressing the intermittency of solar power is essential for maintaining the energy system. Future milestones will involve upgrading grid infrastructure, increasing storage capacity, and developing more flexible generation methods. As the international community monitors this progress, the move from coal to solar power stands as a pivotal moment in the energy landscape, providing a reference for other nations pursuing sustainable solutions.