Solar energy is far surpassing expectations as it grows rapidly worldwide

Solar power is expanding faster than predicted, with improved technology and lower costs driving record-breaking growth in global capacity this year.

Umair Irfan reports for Vox.

In short:

• Solar energy installations are up 29% in 2024, equivalent to a quarter of the output of all coal plants globally.
• Efficiency improvements and falling costs make solar one of the cheapest and most scalable energy sources.
• Challenges remain, such as energy storage and infrastructure limitations, but solutions are advancing.

Key quote:

“ It’s been roughly 30 percent growth each year for 30 years. And costs continue to fall so new users — and new uses — continue to emerge.”

— Gregory Nemet, author of How Solar Energy Became Cheap.

Why this matters:

Solar energy is becoming a key player in the transition from fossil fuels, essential for addressing climate change. Its rapid growth offers hope, but infrastructure and storage challenges need to be addressed to maximize its potential.

Related EHN coverage:

• Solar power on the rise at US schools
• Coal to solar switch could save 52,000 US lives per year.
• Global renewable energy has quadrupled over past decade