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Solar capacity in China overtakes coal as top power source

China ended July with 1,286 GW of solar capacity, taking a 31.5% share of installed generation and beating coal that stood at 1,275 GW at end-June.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Energy

Solar has become China’s largest electricity capacity source, surpassing coal in a milestone for the country’s renewable rollout, OilPrice reports.

Chinese media cited data from the National Energy Administration showing solar power capacity reached 1,286 gigawatts at the end of July, representing 31.5% of total installed power generation in China as of July 31.

The outlet said solar capacity rose from 1,274 GW at the end of June, when coal-fired installed capacity was 1,275 GW.

OilPrice also noted official data showing the share of coal in China’s electricity output fell below 50% in the first half of 2026 for the first time on record, with renewable generation up about 9% year over year and renewables accounting for 41.2% of total generation in the period.

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