Installed solar energy worldwide output between 1950 through 2023.
Solar energy technology has been rapidly evolving over the past few decades, and the worldwide output of installed solar energy has grown significantly. However, solar energy installations did not begin until the mid-20th century, and data on solar energy output from before the 1990s is limited. Here is a general overview of the installed solar energy output worldwide between 1950 through 2023:
- 1950s-1970s: Very few solar energy installations were made during this time period, and solar energy output was minimal.
- 1980s: The first significant growth in solar energy installations occurred in the 1980s, driven largely by government incentives and a growing interest in renewable energy. By the end of the decade, global solar energy output had reached approximately 21 megawatts (MW).
- 1990s: Solar energy installations continued to grow in the 1990s, particularly in Germany and Japan. By the end of the decade, global solar energy output had reached approximately 1.3 gigawatts (GW).
- 2000s: The 2000s saw explosive growth in solar energy installations, particularly in Europe, driven by supportive government policies and falling costs of solar technology. By the end of the decade, global solar energy output had reached approximately 23 GW.
- 2010s: The 2010s saw continued rapid growth in solar energy installations worldwide, particularly in China and the United States. By the end of the decade, global solar energy output had reached approximately 630 GW.
- 2020s: The trend of rapid growth in solar energy installations is expected to continue into the 2020s, with falling costs of solar technology and increasing government support for renewable energy. As of early 2023, global solar energy output is estimated to be over 1.3 terawatts (TW).
Note: The above information is based on available data and estimates as of September 2021 and may be subject to change as new data becomes available.
