According to a report released Friday by thinktank Ember, the world's solar power capacity is now capable of meeting a fifth of its midday peak electricity demand on the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, up from 16% last year.
The report highlights solar energy as the fastest-growing source of electricity globally, driven by declining technology costs. Experts predict it could become the largest source of electricity worldwide before 2050.
“Last year, solar generated a record 5.5% of global electricity,” the Ember report stated, noting that 34 economies now derive over 10% of their electricity from solar power.
On the summer solstice, which occurs on June 21 in the northern hemisphere, solar generation closely mirrors the monthly average due to the relatively uniform day lengths in June. Ember estimates that 89% of the world's solar panels are installed in the northern hemisphere.
“Based on a 24-hour average, solar can provide 8.2% of global total electricity on June 21,” the report indicated. In specific regions, such as China, the largest solar market globally, Ember forecasts solar's share of total electricity generation to reach 9.6% for the month of June.
In the European Union, solar is expected to account for 20% of electricity generation in June, while the United States and India are projected to see shares of 6.9% and 7.1%, respectively.
Kostantsa Rangelova, an electricity analyst at Ember, emphasized the significance of solar's increasing contribution: “At 20% share, solar is now a serious global electricity source. Battery costs have collapsed, meaning solar power is already being used in the evening, not just in the daytime.”
The report underscores the growing role of solar energy in the global electricity mix, supported by technological advancements and widespread adoption across diverse geographical regions.
