Global Solar Power Expands as Chinese Panel Imports Surge 60%
Solar power capacity is rapidly increasing worldwide, with imports of Chinese solar panels rising 60% in the 12 months to June, according to climate think tank Ember.
China, which produces around 80% of the world’s solar panels, remains the primary supplier. Over the past year, more countries have imported at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity—up from fewer nations the previous year.
South Africa continues to lead in purchases, though demand has slowed as its power supply stabilizes. Nigeria has surpassed Egypt to become a major market, securing more than 1,700 megawatts of capacity, while Algeria ranks third.
Overall, imports of solar capacity jumped to 15 gigawatts from 9.4 gigawatts the year before. In some countries, these panels could generate electricity equivalent to a significant portion of total 2023 power output once installed.
Experts say the shift to solar could save millions in fuel imports, with systems paying for themselves in as little as six months in key markets like Nigeria.
Solar power is energy from the sun, harnessed to generate electricity or provide heat, using technologies like photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal systems. PV systems use semiconductor materials to convert sunlight directly into electricity, while solar thermal uses mirrors to concentrate solar energy to produce heat for electricity generation or other applications. This clean, renewable energy source is rapidly growing globally, offering benefits like reduced electricity bills and energy independence.