TASK — 1

Snapshot 2026

authors(s):

  • Melodie de l’Epine, Guillermo Dominguèz, Izumi Kaizuka, Arnulf Jäger-Waldau

doi:

10.69766/WXLW1389

isbn:

978-1-923734-04-3

IEA PVPS Task 1 has published the Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2026 report. Based on official data from national authorities and industry experts estimations, the report provides a preliminary overview of global PV deployment in the previous year. It serves as an early indicator of market trends ahead of the more detailed Trends in Photovoltaic Applications report published later in the year. Now in its 13th edition, the Snapshot is a trusted source of market intelligence for policy makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers worldwide. 

In 2025, global photovoltaic capacity rose to nearly 3 TW, up from 2.3 TW in 2024, with an estimated 698 GW of new PV systems installed worldwide. The report confirms that PV remains the fastest-growing power generation technology globally and is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of modern electricity systems. PV supplied more than 10% of global electricity demand and around 12% of electricity consumption. 

China once again dominated global deployment, accounting for around 60% of all new installations, while growth outside China remained robust, led by the European Union, India and the United States. Nearly 40 countries installed at least 1 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, underlining the continued diversification of global PV markets. 

“PV has entered a new era. Market growth remains strong, but system integration, flexibility and storage are now becoming the defining factors for the next stage of global deployment.” Melodie de l’Epine, lead-author.