Solar Beats Wind for First Time Ever After 'Unprecedented' Growth

Why It Matters

The crossover marks a decisive turning point in the global energy mix, accelerating decarbonization and reshaping investment priorities for utilities, developers, and policymakers.

Key Takeaways

• Solar generated 2,778 TWh in 2025, overtaking wind’s 2,715 TWh.
• Global renewables output reached 10.7 TWh, edging past coal’s 10.5 TWh.
• Chinese PV expansion contributed over half of worldwide renewable growth.
• Battery costs fell to $70/kWh, 45% cheaper than 2024.
• US solar grew 28%, powering 74% of electricity‑demand increase.

Pulse Analysis

The 2025 data from Ember’s Global Electricity Review underscores a historic inflection point: solar power has finally eclipsed wind on a global scale. This milestone reflects not only the relentless cost declines in photovoltaic modules but also the sheer scale of China’s deployment, which supplied more than 50% of the net increase in renewable generation. Analysts note that solar’s 30% year‑on‑year growth outstrips any historical electricity source, positioning it as the primary engine of the clean‑energy transition.

Renewables’ collective output surpassing coal for the first time further validates the viability of a low‑carbon grid. The report highlights that total renewable generation reached 10.7 TWh, narrowly beating coal’s 10.5 TWh, while battery storage costs plunged to $70 per kilowatt‑hour—a 45% reduction from the previous year. These cheaper storage solutions enable solar to supply power beyond daylight hours, as seen in Chile, Australia, and parts of the United States, effectively smoothing intermittency and enhancing grid reliability.

Regionally, the dynamics vary. The United States saw solar growth of 28%, accounting for 74% of its electricity‑demand increase, whereas wind growth stalled at 2.8% amid capacity constraints. Europe’s wind output dipped due to low wind speeds, yet solar added 65 GW, a 20% rise. Policy and permitting remain critical levers; faster regulatory approvals could unlock even faster deployment, especially for storage projects. As battery costs continue to fall and solar capacity expands, the momentum is set to reshape global power markets for the next decade.