As of 2023, China has the largest solar energy capacity in the world at 609,921 megawatts (MW), contributing approximately 3% to the country's total electricity production. It is followed by the United States at 139,205 MW and Japan at 89,077 MW. Values displayed in megawatts (MW), a unit of measurement equivalent to 1 million watts (or 1,000 kilowatts). Solar power is clean, green, inexpensive, and renewable energy that is produced when sunlight strikes human-made solar cells and is subsequently converted into electricity. 3% of the world's solar energy in in 2022 – more than double the US's 15. What's new? Welcome to the Global Solar Atlas. Do you know why solar energy is so special? The reason behind this is that solar energy is a renewable. With over 54 GW of solar installed, enough energy to power over 15 million homes. 2 GW installed and is expected to continue to grow.