Fact Check: "China installed 93 GW of solar in May, nearly 100 panels every second."
What We Know
In May 2025, China achieved a remarkable milestone by adding 93 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, as reported by the National Energy Administration (NEA) of China. This installation rate translates to approximately 100 solar panels every second, as calculated by Lauri Myllyvirta, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, who noted that the total solar capacity installed in May amounted to around 230 million solar panels (source-1). This surge in capacity was part of a broader trend, with China's cumulative solar capacity surpassing 1 terawatt (TW), reaching 1.08 TW by the end of May 2025 (source-3).
The increase in installations was driven by a rush to connect projects to the grid before new energy market rules took effect in June 2025, which could potentially reduce the profitability of new solar projects (source-5). Analysts have noted that this record-breaking month reflects China's strategic focus on renewable energy and its ability to mobilize resources rapidly to meet ambitious targets (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that China installed 93 GW of solar in May and that this equates to nearly 100 panels every second is supported by multiple credible sources. The NEA's official data confirms the 93 GW figure, which is corroborated by reports from reputable news outlets such as Bloomberg and The Guardian (source-5, source-4).
Lauri Myllyvirta's calculation of 100 solar panels every second is based on the total number of panels installed in May, which aligns with the reported capacity increase. This figure is significant as it emphasizes the scale of China's solar expansion compared to global standards. The context provided by analysts regarding the urgency of installations before regulatory changes adds depth to the understanding of this rapid growth (source-1).
While there are concerns about a potential slowdown in future installations due to new government policies, the data from May stands as a clear indicator of China's current capabilities and commitment to renewable energy (source-7).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "China installed 93 GW of solar in May, nearly 100 panels every second" is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms both the total capacity installed and the rate of installation, highlighting China's significant advancements in solar energy during this period.
Sources
- "Just staggering:" China installs 100 solar panels a second as total PV capacity tops 1 terawatt. Renew Economy
- www.baidu.com_百度知道. Baidu
- China breaks solar installation record in a big way. USA Solar Cell
- China breaks more records with surge in solar and wind power. The Guardian
- China Solar Additions Surge to Record in May Ahead of Deadline. Bloomberg
- China hits 1 TW solar milestone - pv magazine International. PV Magazine
- China Smashes Solar Installation Record. OilPrice.com
