Industry body the Global Solar Council (GSC) is marking its 10th anniversary by urging governments and investors to step up efforts to turbocharge the next decade of PV growth.
GSC said that with over 2TW of solar PV installed, 4.9 million jobs created, and more than 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions avoided, solar energy is reshaping the global energy system.
The trade body said the next decade is a chance to continue driving forward the growth of solar.
As the world looks to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, GSC is calling for urgent action to fast-track permitting, scale investment in grids and storage, lower the cost of finance, and build inclusive solar markets that reach every region and community.
To celebrate its milestone anniversary and encourage the acceleration of future solar developments, GSC will be hosting a series of events, roundtables, and campaign activations at all major industry and political events throughout the rest of the year.
Launched at COP21 in 2015, on the sidelines of the historic signing of the Paris Agreement, GSC was established to serve as the unified voice of the global solar PV industry.
Over the past decade, it says it has expanded its reach, strengthened international partnerships, and grown into a platform for real-world collaboration – co-ordinating global action to address persistent barriers and accelerate progress.
GSC chief executive Sonia Dunlop said: “The last decade was about proving what solar can do. The next will be about ensuring it becomes the world’s leading electricity source.
“From 2TW today to over 8TW by 2030, we know what’s needed: cheaper and more accessible finance, smarter grids, investment in storage, resilient supply chains, and a skilled global workforce. That’s what will unlock the full potential of solar.”
Today, solar PV is installed in more than 190 countries, and costs have fallen by more than 80% in many markets.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2035, solar will become the single largest source of electricity generation globally – but only if countries act now to overcome systemic barriers.
Today, GSC represents a global membership spanning over 70 countries, with a presence across seven regions – including India, Brazil, China, Belgium, Italy, Norway, and the UK.