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China’s solar capacity overtakes coal for first time

9/4/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

China Solar Surpasses

China’s National Energy Administration says solar capacity surpassed coal, reaching 1,286 GW versus 1,285 GW.
Solar now accounts for about 31.5% of China’s total installed generation capacity.
Coal’s generation share fell to 49.7%, the first time it dropped below 50%.
Solar output rose 15.5% YoY to 802.4 TWh, roughly 13% of national consumption.
Installations slowed in 2026, with 71.8 GW added versus 212.2 GW in the same period 2025.

Summary

China Invests

China will invest over CNY5 trillion (USD 744 bn) in a new-type power grid from 2026-2030.
The National Energy Administration will prioritize integrated PV-storage, PV-thermal hybrid and solar-hydrogen projects.
China now produces about 80 % of global solar modules, creating the world’s most complete PV industrial chain.
Lin Boqiang of Xiamen University says coal will serve as backup to support renewable grid stability.

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China Solar Surpasses

China’s National Energy Administration says solar capacity surpassed coal, reaching 1,286 GW versus 1,285 GW.
Solar now accounts for about 31.5% of China’s total installed generation capacity.
Coal’s generation share fell to 49.7%, the first time it dropped below 50%.
Solar output rose 15.5% YoY to 802.4 TWh, roughly 13% of national consumption.
Installations slowed in 2026, with 71.8 GW added versus 212.2 GW in the same period 2025.

1 / 2