Solar power outpaces wind for record-breaking duration

Global electricity generation from solar farms has exceeded generation from wind farms since May, marking the longest ever stretch when solar power has been the top source of utility-scale renewable electricity worldwide.

Solar electricity generation exceeded wind generation in May by 1.65 terawatt hours (TWh), and in June by 9.57 TWh, according to energy think tank Ember.

The data on global generation for the month of July has not yet been released, but will most likely show an even larger generation surplus for solar assets given that July is the peak month for solar output across the northern hemisphere.

August data is also likely to show solar generation topping wind output, as August is usually the second highest solar generation month and also marks the typical annual low point for global wind generation due to low wind speeds at turbine level.

Previously, solar power generation only exceeded wind generation in August and June of 2023 and has never before strung together such a sustained stretch of higher generation.

However, once solar output levels dip from next month due to the changing angle of the sun's rays, wind output will regain its spot as the top renewable power globally, aided by rising wind speeds as winter sets in across Europe, North America and Northern Asia.

And for 2024 as a whole, total wind-powered electricity generation will likely be at least 30% greater than total solar generation, given that the peak wind generation period is during winter when wind output can be more than twice solar output.

Closing the gap

Wind farms have been by far the largest source of renewable electricity output for over 20 years, and in 2023 generated 2,311 TWh of electricity compared to 1,632 TWh by solar assets.

However, solar generation has grown twice as quickly as wind generation over the past five years, due in large part to the far lower cost and speedier construction times of solar farms relative to wind projects.

Solar generation capacity has also outpaced wind generation capacity, growing by 188% from 2018 to 2023 compared to 80% growth in wind capacity during the same window.

Solar's stronger momentum has continued in 2024, with solar generation during the first half of 2024 climbing by 26.5% from the first half of 2023, compared to 8% growth in wind output.

Continued strong capacity growth in key markets including China, the United States and Europe look set to further lift solar generation levels at a faster pace than wind generation.

That in turn should result in solar output regularly exceeding wind generation for long spells each year going forward, especially during the northern hemisphere summer when solar production peaks just as wind generation hits its annual lull.

But due to the ability of wind farms to generate electricity around the clock, as opposed to only during the day for solar farms, wind assets will likely retain their place as the world's largest source of renewable electricity.

And over the coming years several large offshore wind projects are expected to finish construction, and trigger a fresh growth spurt in global wind generation.

Over the nearer term, however, solar generation will likely continue to eat into wind power's lead, and will register further periods of higher generation than wind assets during the sunniest times of year.