A drone photo taken on Dec. 24, 2025 shows solar panels at an offshore photovoltaic power station in waters off Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

China's solar power sector saw steady expansion in 2025, contributing significantly to the growth of the nation's overall power generation capacity, according to data released Wednesday by the National Energy Administration (NEA). 

As of the end of 2025, China's total installed power generation capacity reached 3.89 billion kilowatts (kW), a year-on-year increase of 16.1 percent. Solar energy was the standout performer in the country's energy mix, with installed capacity surging 35.4 percent to 1.2 billion kW. 

Wind power also continued its steady expansion, with installed capacity reaching 640 million kW, up 22.9 percent year on year. 

The NEA data also showed the cumulative average utilization of power generating equipment (for power plants rated 6,000 kW and above) was 3,119 hours in 2025, a decrease of 312 hours compared to 2024. 

China has built the world's largest renewable energy system, vowing to accelerate the green transition across the board.