Solar power generation hours in Category 2 regions

Where can I find solar resource data?

Explore solar resource data via our online geospatial tools and downloadable maps and data sets. Access our tools to explore solar geospatial data for the contiguous United States and several international regions and countries.

Is solar energy a future energy resource?

The utilization of renewable energy as a future energy resource is drawing significant attention worldwide. The contribution of solar energy (including concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic (PV) power) to global electricity production, as one form of renewable energy sources, is generally still low, at 3.6%.

What is a solar resource database?

It is provided by the World Bank Group as a free service to governments, developers and the general public, and allows users to quickly obtain data and carry out a simple electricity output calculation for any location covered by the solar resource database.

Which country installs the most solar power in 2022?

While China, the US, and Japan are the top three installers, China's relative contribution accounts for nearly 37% of the entire solar installation in 2022. Fig. 1 illustrates the contribution of energy sources to both electricity generation and total installed power capacity by 2050.

Where does solar PV development occur in the world?

Rapid solar PV development has occurred in other areas since 2013, particularly in China. In 2017, China became the largest solar PV market, outperforming Europe, with approximately 1/3 of the world’s installed capacity. The world's cumulative installed solar PV power capacity passed 1046 GW in 2022 (IRENA, 2023). Table 3.

What is total solar power installed capacity?

Total solar (on- and off-grid) electricity installed capacity, measured in gigawatts. This includes solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power. IRENA (2024) – processed by Our World in Data