Solar power reached a significant milestone on June 21 - the International Day of the Solstice - when, according to leading energy research firm Ember, solar energy accounted for 20% of the world's electricity generation during midday peaks, up from 16% last year.
This surge reflects a broader trend of solar's increasing prominence in the global energy mix, driven largely by installations in the Northern Hemisphere's summer months.
Ember forecasts that for the entire day of June 21, solar would average 8.2% of global electricity generation, marking a steady rise from previous years.
Despite variations in daylight hours across June, solar generation remained robust, contributing consistently to global energy demands. Notably, for the month, June is projected to have increased solar output by 28% compared to the same period in 2023, totalling 201 terawatt-hours (TWh).
Key markets such as China, the EU, the US and India are pivotal to this growth, with varying but substantial contributions to solar generation. China leads globally with a 36% share of solar generation, followed closely by the EU, where solar is expected to exceed 20% of total electricity during June.
Ember's data underscores solar power's rapid expansion, outpacing traditional sources like coal and gas in capacity growth and cost competitiveness. As the world continues to embrace renewable energy, solar stands out as a pivotal force driving the global clean power revolution.
Australia currently produces almost 20% of its power from solar but many sunny countries have yet to tap the potential of solar — two in three countries generate less than 5% of their electricity from solar.