Global solar generation overtakes wind for longest ever stretch
By Gavin Maguire
August 30, 2024 12:19 PM EDT

LITTLETON, Colorado, Aug 29 (Reuters) - 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.


Global solar output overtakes global wind generation during summer of 2024

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.

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Global electricity generation capacity by source

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