Solar Power Projected to Account for Quarter of Global Electricity by 2030
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology supplied approximately 9% of global electricity in 2025, which represents a doubling of its share from four years prior. Based on current annual growth rates of 25-30% for solar generation and an estimated 3% rise in electricity demand, an analysis suggests solar power could account for roughly a quarter of the world's electricity by 2030. This projection comes amidst a historical trend where International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts for solar optimism have consistently been surpassed by actual developments.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for an estimated 9% of global electricity generation in 2025. This figure represents a significant increase, doubling the share achieved just four years earlier.
An analysis from the Agartha project suggests that if the current annual growth rate for solar generation, estimated at 25-30%, continues, and global electricity demand rises by approximately 3% annually, solar power could supply about 25% of the world's electricity by 2030.
This optimistic forecast is set against a backdrop where the International Energy Agency (IEA) has reportedly considered similar projections unrealistic for two decades, yet actual growth in solar adoption has consistently exceeded these expectations.
However, several potential challenges could impact this exponential growth. These include issues such as interconnection queues for new projects, the need for increased storage solutions to manage evening peak demand, permitting complexities, and the availability of raw materials essential for solar panel production and infrastructure development.
According to Reddit r/Futurology, the analysis was shared by a representative of the Agartha project.
