In 2023, solar energy accounted for three-quarters of renewable capacity additions worldwide. Most of this growth occurred in Asia, the EU, and the U.S., continuing a trend observed over the past decade. In this graphic, Visual Capitalist's Bruno Venditti illustrates the rise in installed solar photovoltaic PV capacity in China, the EU, and the U.S. between 2010 and 2022, measured in gigawatts GW. Bruegel compiled the data..
Additionally, China dominates the production of solar power components, currently controlling around 80% of the world’s solar panel supply chain. In 2022, China’s solar industry employed 2.76 million individuals, with manufacturing roles representing approximately 1.8 million and the remaining 918,000 jobs in construction, installation, and operations and maintenance. The EU industry employed 648,000 individuals, while the U.S. reached 264,000 jobs.