This report provides estimated data about photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the countries reporting to the IEA PVPS Programme and additional key markets. According to the report, at least 227 GW of PV are now installed worldwide, while in 2015, just 50 GW of PV were installed globally. 

Preliminary market numbers show that the PV market grew again in 2015. In total, about 49 GW of PV capacity were installed in the IEA PVPS countries and in other major markets during 2015. This number reaches a total of 50 GW when additional smaller markets are included. The total installed capacity in the IEA PVPS countries and key markets has risen to at least 227 GW. 

In 22 countries, the annual PV contribution to electricity demand has passed the 1% mark, with Italy at the top of the list at around 8%, followed by Greece at 7,4% and Germany at 7,1%. The overall global PV contribution amounts to around 1,3% of the world’s electricity demand. 

Finally, PV has become a major source of electricity at an extremely rapid pace in several countries all over the world. The speed of its development stems from its unique ability to cover most market segments; from the very small individual systems for rural electrification to utility-size power plants (today over 750 MWp). From the built environment to large ground-mounted installations, PV finds its way, depending on various criteria that makes it suitable for most environments. 

The full report can be downloaded here.