Solar power in China has set a new record,
as its installed capacity surpassed that of coal-fired power plants for the first time, according to an announcement by the National Energy Administration.
As of the end of July 2026, the installed capacity of solar panels reached approximately 1.286 billion kilowatts, compared to 1.285 billion kilowatts for coal-fired power plants.
As a result, photovoltaic power has become China’s leading source of electricity in terms of installed capacity.
This shift reflects the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects as part of Beijing’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
China has pledged to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030, before achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
The administration clarified that these figures relate to installed capacity, without disclosing the actual output of solar power and coal-fired plants during the same period.
The amount of electricity generated may differ from the total capacity due to operating hours and weather conditions.
Furthermore, electricity production from photovoltaic power increased by 15.5 percent between January and July 2026.
Compared to the same period in 2025.
These results underscore the growing role of solar energy in securing the electricity supply and supporting the gradual transition of China’s energy sector.
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