Solar Energy in 2025: A Revolution in World Energy

Historical Breakthrough: The Sun Becomes the Main Energy Source

2025 was a turning point for global energy. For the first time in history, renewable energy sources overtook coal, and solar energy took the leading position in the global energy balance. Global solar capacity doubled from 2022 to 2024, reaching 7% of total world electricity production. (New Scientist, Carbon Brief)

The cost of solar panels has fallen by 90% over the last 15 years, making solar energy the cheapest source of electricity in the world. This opens up real prospects for a complete transition to renewable energy in the coming decades.

Record Growth in the First Half of 2025

In the first half of 2025, 380 GW of new solar capacity was installed worldwide — a 64% increase compared to the same period in 2024. (Ember)

China — The Absolute Leader

China installed 256 GW of new panels — more than all other countries in the world combined. Of particular note is the massive project on the Tibetan Plateau covering 162 square miles at an altitude of about 3000 meters — one of the largest high-altitude solar power plants in the world. (Focus.ua, The New York Times)

According to forecasts by the International Energy Agency, China will account for almost 60% of the world’s renewable energy growth over the next five years. (Utility Dive)

Europe: Solar Overtakes Nuclear and Wind

The Historic Milestone of June 2025

June 2025 was a historic month for the European Union: solar energy for the first time provided 22.1% of all electricity generation, surpassing nuclear energy (21.6%) and wind energy. Record production volumes were recorded in at least 13 EU countries, including Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. (Gazeta.ru, Ember, Euronews)

Overall, in the second quarter of 2025, solar panels provided nearly 20% of the block’s total electricity, and renewables provided over half of the production. (PV Tech)

Cost Reduction

The cost of electricity from photovoltaic systems in Europe is expected to drop to 4.6 cents per kWh by the end of 2025, making solar energy cheaper than coal and comparable to nuclear. (In-Power.ru)

Challenges of Growth

Despite the successes, 2025 is marked by the first decade-long slump in new capacity installations in the EU — a 1.4% decline is predicted due to reduced subsidies and problems with the network infrastructure. An active discussion is beginning in Europe about the readiness of power grids to cope with the instability and peak loads from renewable sources. (SolarPower Europe, Bloomberg)

To achieve climate goals by 2030, Europe needs to install an additional approximately 750 GW of solar capacity

The Balkans: Huge Potential and New Opportunities

The Energy Potential of the Region

The Western Balkans have significant potential in solar and wind energy — about 23 GW of projects at various stages of readiness, which is almost four times the volume of planned gas in the region. The region can become a pioneer in abandoning gas in favor of clean energy, saving billions of euros and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. (Global Energy Monitor)

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Reforms 2023–2025

A large-scale reform program aimed at developing solar energy and integration into the EU has been approved in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Plans include simplifying access to solar installations for private homeowners and developing opportunities for “prosumers” — those who not only consume but also sell surplus energy. (PV Knowhow)

Regional Cooperation

In October 2025, the Solarplaza Summit Balkans was held in Zagreb (Croatia) — the largest industry event in the region, bringing together solar energy professionals. The summit discussed regulation, investments, and technological solutions to overcome barriers such as fragmented legislation and outdated infrastructure (Solarplaza, Globy)

USA: Bringing Production Back Home

In 2025, the solar energy production chain in the US was fully restored — from the production of silicon wafers to energy storage systems. National production capacity exceeded 60 GW, embodying the policy of “Solar Energy Made in America”. (Solar Power World)

Large Projects

ENGIE North America signed an agreement with Meta to supply electricity for the new 600 MW Swenson Ranch solar project in Texas, aimed at providing green energy for data centers. (Solar Power World)

Technological Innovations

Perovskite Solar Cells

The active adoption of perovskite solar cells, which promise to increase efficiency up to 25%, continues in 2025. This technology is considered one of the main breakthroughs capable of significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency in the foreseeable future.

Other Innovative Developments

• Bifacial solar panels in Malaysia, capable of capturing sunlight from two sides
• Integration with agriculture in China to increase land use efficiency
• Photovoltaic modules with a heating system for operation in winter conditions (Norway)

(Recyclemag.ru)

Prospects and Forecasts

According to forecasts, in 2025, investments in clean energy, including solar, will for the first time exceed investments in oil and gas. (Integrity Energy)

Experts agree that solar energy is capable of covering a significantly larger share of global electricity consumption in the coming years due to its low cost, accessibility, and environmental friendliness.

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Useful Resources

Articles and Analytics

• New Scientist: Solar energy is going to power the world
• Ember Energy: Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2025
• Solar Magazine

Podcasts

• SunCast — a long-term project with interviews from manufacturers, start-ups, and experts in green technologies (FeedSpot)
• Solar-News — a Russian-language podcast about solar energy news (Apple Podcasts)

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The article was prepared based on current sources from November 2025 for toplakuca.me