Let’s talk solar — because 2024 was nothing short of historic.
The world saw solar power growth in 2024 skyrocket by 33%, hitting a massive 597 gigawatts (GW) of newly installed capacity. Yep, you read that right — 597 GW added in just one year.
And here’s the kicker: Solar energy made up 81% of all new renewable power added globally, according to Energy Live News. That means solar wasn’t just leading the clean energy charge — it was dominating it.
So, what caused this explosion in solar growth? And where is the industry headed in 2025? Let’s break it all down and look at what solar professionals can expect — and how to make the most of it.
First off, we have technology to thank. Over the years, solar panels have become way more efficient — and way more affordable.
We’re seeing advanced tech like TOPCon and HJT cells improve panel performance, and prices have dropped by over 80% in the last decade. In 2024, this trend continued. High-efficiency panels plus cheaper components? That’s a recipe for record growth.
New inverter technologies, smart meters, and integrated monitoring systems have made it easier than ever to optimize solar installations for better yield and reduced maintenance.
Not to mention, solar design software has come a long way, too. Tools like ARKA 360 help solar pros create smart, accurate designs in no time. That means less delays, better proposals, and a lot of installations.
Governments around the world also played a major role. In 2024, we saw an influx of clean energy policies, incentives, and funding.
Both public and private sectors invested money in solar, pushing projects forward and increasing investor confidence.
In the U.S., for example, the Inflation Reduction Act continued to pivot toward immense solar expansion. Europe, Asia, and emerging markets followed suit, each with its own support schemes.
Large institutional investors, green bonds, and venture capital have flooded the solar energy sector, recognizing it as one of the safest and fastest-growing avenues in clean energy.
One country that really stood out? India.
In 2024, India added a whopping 30.7 GW of solar capacity — a 145% jump from the previous year. That’s a huge leap and shows just how serious the country is about meeting its renewable energy targets.
This growth was fueled by government incentives, better financing options, and large-scale solar parks. If India keeps this up, it could become one of the global leaders in solar by the end of the decade.
India is also betting big on hybrid solar-wind projects and grid-scale battery storage, helping integrate variable renewables into its national grid more effectively.
Beyond India, we saw a lot of action in emerging markets.
Countries in Latin America, like Brazil and Chile, added capacity through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). Meanwhile, parts of Africa focused on off-grid solar for rural electrification.
In Southeast Asia, energy security concerns pushed nations like Vietnam and the Philippines to ramp up solar deployment.
What’s remarkable is how solar energy has transitioned from an alternative option to a mainstream energy source. In countries like China, Germany, and Australia, solar has already become a top electricity generator during daytime hours.
As the technology matures, solar is starting to shape grid operations, utility planning, and long-term energy strategies.
After such a massive leap in 2024, the solar industry is expected to take a slight breather in 2025.
Projections suggest we’ll see around 10% growth, bringing us to 655 GW of new solar capacity by year-end. Not as dramatic as 2024, but still solid, especially compared to most other industries.
This moderation doesn’t mean a slowdown in interest. It just means the market is stabilizing, catching its breath after a sprint.
Grid limitations, permitting delays, and supply chain hiccups are some of the reasons for the projected dip. But demand? Still strong.
The global solar power industry is moving toward a future where we could see 1 terawatt (TW) of new installations per year by 2030. It’s ambitious, but it’s also achievable if current momentum is maintained.
Expect to see:
These trends will shape the solar energy market in 2025 and beyond.
Now, if you’re in the solar business — or thinking about getting in — 2025 still offers tons of opportunity.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
The key to growth in 2025 is working smarter, not harder.
Here’s a quick peek at how things are shaping up:
Let’s recap some reasons for the 2024 explosion:
In short: the world got serious about solar — and it paid off.
Even with a slower pace forecasted, 2025 is still full of potential. If you’re wondering how to capitalize on solar energy growth in 2025, here’s a simple playbook:
Look for strategic partnerships, community solar projects, and grid modernization opportunities to further future-proof your solar business.
So, where does that leave us?
2024 shattered expectations. With solar power growth in 2024 reaching 597 GW and solar energy accounting for 81% of all new renewables, it’s safe to say the solar revolution is real — and here to stay.
Looking ahead to 2025, even with growth expected to cool to around 10%, the fundamentals remain strong. The solar energy market in 2025 will still be booming, just in a more mature, focused way.
If you're in the solar space, now is the perfect time to level up your toolkit.
That’s where ARKA 360 comes in. As an all-in-one software for solar design, it helps professionals design, optimize, and scale projects with speed and precision. It’s built for where the industry is headed — and for those ready to lead the charge.