Global Solar Market 2025: Size, Imports, Exports & Growth Trends

As global electricity prices continue to rise, both households and businesses are turning to solar energy to reduce costs and improve sustainability. Solar energy systems not only cut electricity bills but also contribute to a cleaner environment — a win-win for consumers and the planet.

Governments worldwide are responding with tax reductions, incentives, and domestic solar manufacturing policies that encourage clean energy adoption. As a result, the global solar market continues to expand rapidly, supported by technological innovation and growing investment across every continent.

Global Solar Market Size and Growth Trends

As per Precedence Research, the global solar energy market was valued at 121 billion USD in 2024. By the end of this year, 2025, it is expected to reach the value of 137 billion USD. The market is projected to generate revenue of 398 billion USD with a CAGR of 12.32% by 2034.

The world is moving towards renewable energy sourcing, which has increased the solar installation worldwide as well. It is replacing wind and other renewable energy because of the numerous benefits it offers. The best thing is that companies have also introduced solar batteries, which can be charged by heat and sunlight and provide electricity, regardless of day or night.

Better and smarter solar technologies are being introduced in the market; for instance, TOPCon and HJT panels are making the headlines in the solar industry, as these efficient panels can generate more electricity from the sun than the usual ones. Perovskite and thin-film solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and more affordable, thanks to the research and development centers that have made solar energy more accessible, effective, and cost-effective.

Advanced countries, such as the USA, China, and the UK, are making conscious efforts to expand their renewable energy infrastructure and are investing heavily in solar farms and solar systems, with the mission of providing clean energy at cost-effective rates.

Major Solar Exporting Countries

Knowing about the solar exporting countries and the products that have demand in these countries will enable global importers to connect with leading exporters from the top countries.

1_China holds its position as the top exporter of solar panels and solar systems to global markets. According to reports, China sold solar systems and equipment of around 120,427 MW at profitable prices and remains at the top, dominating the international solar energy market. Around 43% of the solar products are imported by European countries. In 2025, China will also sell solar cells and wafers, which will account for 40% of the country's solar exports.​

2_Germany is known for its innovative, advanced technological inventions. In 2022, it imported 87% of photovoltaic power stations from China, which was worth around 3.1 billion USD. The country exports solar systems, equipment, solar plates, etc, to global buyers. German firms like SMA Solar Technology and Siemens Energy are known worldwide for reliability and advanced tech.​

3_Japan holds the majority share of high-performance solar cells and advanced materials. Brands like Panasonic, Sharp, and Kyocera are making efforts to provide customers with high-quality solar panels with longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and conversion rates. Semiconductor-grade materials and solar-related electronics are being exported from Japan to European countries, the US, and south asian countries as well.

4_South Korea also imports solar systems to the international market, all thanks to its government, which initiates the growth of the solar industry and plays a crucial role in strengthening its economy. Hanwha Q CELLS and LG Energy Solution are the leading companies when it comes to manufacturing and exporting solar modules and solar energy systems.

5_The United States is also a key exporter of solar energy modules, panels, and other parts. The country exports a wide range of solar products to developed countries at profitable prices, and this plays a vital role in the country's economy. Its strong clear energy policies stand it out against competitors.

Major Solar Importing Countries

On the import side, India, Brazil, Mexico, and EU nations rank among the top buyers of solar equipment.

• India’s hot climate makes it ideal for utility-scale solar farms.

• Brazil and Mexico are scaling solar to meet rural electrification goals.

• European countries continue to import high-efficiency solar panels from China and Southeast Asia to meet decarbonization targets.

Key Solar Products in Global Trade

The global solar trade primarily revolves around:

• Solar PV modules and panels

• Inverters

• Batteries and energy storage

• Mounting and racking systems

• Solar glass, wafers, and polysilicon

Panels and inverters dominate global shipments, while bifacial modules and perovskite cells are driving the next wave of efficiency gains. As these technologies become more affordable, they are expected to reshape both residential and commercial solar markets.

For detailed data, the IEA’s World Energy Outlook and NREL’s PV Manufacturing Analysis provide in-depth projections on future pricing and market share by technology type.

Trade Policies, Tariffs, and Global Supply Chain Challenges

The solar trade around the world is subject to a number of challenges. The U.S. and Europe have tariffs and anti-dumping duties that impact pricing and competitiveness. These are policies commonly intended to shield the local manufacturers against the low-cost imports, primarily from China. 

Implementing carbon border regulations is also being done to guarantee greener manufacturing. In the meantime, the polysilicon shortage and shipping delays have decreased the exports due to supply chain disruptions. 

Governments are taking countermeasures through new green energy policies and incentives to stabilize the trade and attract solar investments. It is increasingly moving towards having a more transparent and sustainable global solar supply chain.

How Trade Platforms and Data Can Help Solar Businesses

Online B2B trading platforms like Tradewheel enable you to find and connect with genuine buyers and sellers of solar panels. Such websites offer you extensive products and a buyer's directory to explore and find the right product or buyers for your business. Using these websites is equally as easy as connecting with the manufacturers or buyers of solar panels, grids, or stations.

Other than that, you can explore trade directories like ThomasNet, Kompass, etc. These directories offer you data related to millions of companies looking to sell or source solar panels or products in bulk at profitable prices.

Conclusion

The global solar market is becoming one of the most important parts of the renewable energy trade. China remains the top exporter, while India, the EU, and Latin America are leading importers. 

As the world moves toward clean energy, trade in solar products like panels, batteries, and inverters will keep growing. This blog is a helpful guide where you will get to know the solar market size, imports, and exports, along with major trade policies.

Author Bio: Ayesha Zahid

Ayesha is a Senior Executive in Web Marketing at Tradewheel, where she specializes in crafting creative, problem-solving content for B2B audiences. She enjoys writing articles that answer user queries and deliver practical value across a range of topics.