Data reveals China setting new solar record
(MENAFN) China set a new monthly record for solar power capacity installation in May, according to official figures from the National Energy Administration. The country added 93 gigawatts of solar panels in just one month—exceeding the total solar capacity installed by any other nation throughout 2024, as reported by Bloomberg. This represents more than four times the capacity installed in May last year and surpasses the previous record of 71 gigawatts set in December.
The surge in installations was driven by developers rushing to complete projects ahead of upcoming regulatory changes expected to significantly lower renewable energy prices. Strong installation figures in April and May pushed China’s total solar additions for the first five months of 2025 to 198 gigawatts, averaging over 1 gigawatt per day.
Normally, solar installations peak in December, but this year developers accelerated their efforts due to new policies: a regulation effective May 1 restricted rooftop solar connections to the grid, and another starting June 1 removed guaranteed pricing protections for solar projects.
Experts predict these changes will slow the installation pace over the summer, increasing pressure on Chinese solar manufacturers who have struggled with excess capacity and falling prices for over a year. All major Chinese solar firms reported losses in Q1 2025, citing weak prices and growing trade tensions following the return of US President Donald Trump.
In April, Trump imposed steep tariffs on imports from over 90 countries, including China, prompting Beijing to retaliate. After escalating tariff hikes, both sides agreed in May to a 90-day pause and maintained a 10% baseline tariff, though tensions flared again recently with accusations of deal violations.
Meanwhile, the China Photovoltaic Industry Association has called for urgent industry consolidation, warning that unchecked expansion and aggressive price competition threaten to push the sector into a damaging “race to the bottom.”
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