China: The Country Leading Solar Success
Find out how much solar power China is churning out, and which other countries are following in their footsteps
By now, you may have noticed the steady decline in coal and oil around the globe. This recent downfall is mostly down to the powerful uprising of renewable energy, which is at an all-time high.
Currently, 25 countries around the world have declared a climate emergency, including the United Kingdom. This basically means that governments and big corporations are finally starting to plan for a fossil-fuel-free future. So how can we keep this momentum going?
Well, one of the most effective ways we can reduce our carbon emissions is to use more renewable energy. And, at a glance, we can see that certain countries are doing more than others.
Although it’s easy to feel disheartened about the state of the world, the rise in solar (and other renewables) will give you a glimmer of hope. But which country is leading the way to a greener world? Who is providing the most solar power? And what does the future of solar power look like?
Which country has the most solar capacity?
The solar power boom has taken off massively over such a small amount of time. In just one decade, the world’s total capacity has grown an enormous 473 gigawatts (GW). In 2008, the world was producing 14.39 GW – enough to power around 12 million kettles. Jump forward a decade, and we’re pumping out 487.82 GW – enough to power over 400 million kettles. But which country is dominating the solar industry?
At the top of the leader board is China. China’s growth in the solar industry has been jaw-dropping. Its solar capacity has soared from 2.5 GW of cumulative installation in 2011 to around 175.03 GW today. The runner up medal goes to Japan, with a capacity of 55.5 GW, with the USA swooping in at third with a solar capacity of 51.45 GW.
Check out the top ten countries with the highest solar capacity:
1 - China (capacity of 175.03 GW)
2 - Japan (capacity of 55.5 GW)
3 - USA (capacity of 51.45 GW)
4 - Germany (capacity of 45.93 GW)
5 - Italy (capacity of 20.13 GW)
6 - India (capacity of 19.87 GW)
7 - United Kingdom (capacity of 13.11 GW)
8 - Australia (capacity of 9.77 GW)
9 - France (capacity of 9.48 GW)
10 - South Korea (capacity of 7.86 GW)
Data sourced from Our World in Data
Clearly, China is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to solar power. On top of all this, more than 60% of the world’s solar panels are also manufactured in China. If only other world leaders would put their heart and soul into solar too.
Which country consumes the most solar energy?
You’d assume that those with the largest solar capacity would have the largest consumption rates – but you’d be wrong. Some of the results are unsurprising, but there are a few rogue appearances too. Check out the results below:
1 - China (total consumption of 177.5 TWh)
2 - USA (total consumption of 97.12 TWh)
3 - Japan (total consumption of 71.69 TWh)
4 - Germany (total consumption of 46.16 TWh)
5 - India (total consumption of 30.73 TWh)
6 - Italy (total consumption of 23.23 TWh)
7 - United Kingdom (total consumption of 12.92 TWh)
8 - Australia (total consumption of 12.08 TWh)
9 - Spain (total consumption of 12.52 TWh)
10 - France (total consumption of 10.16 TWh)
Data sourced from Our World in Data
There we have it, China is the ultimate solar top dog. Further down the table, Spain makes an appearance, after increasing its solar consumption drastically over the past few years.
Despite leading the way in terms of energy consumption, China and the USA are not winning the overall race. Both of these solar pioneers are also major coal culprits. This totally obliterates the benefits of solar energy they’re consuming, and the effect it has on the environment.
China, in particular, is the global leader in coal production, by an incredible margin. Annually, the country produces 3,474 metric tonnes (MT) of coal (a 2.9% increase for the second year running). Time to cut out the coal, China.
Which country has the largest solar panel plant?
Bucking the solar trend, this time China doesn’t come out on top. In fact, India holds the title for the largest solar plant.
India is home to the Shakti Sthala Solar Plant, which spans over 13,000 acres, is spread over five villages, and has a capacity of 2,000 MW.
What does the future of solar power look like?
We are marching towards a greener future. This future is set to be led by solar in the battle against fossil fuels, accounting for almost 60% of the expected growth between now and 2024. To put this into perspective, this increase is equivalent to the total installed power capacity of the USA today.
Above all, China is forecasted to continue its solar success – accounting for almost half of global solar PV growth. And yet, there is no sign of China’s coal factories diminishing.
What’s the verdict?
China is well and truly dominating the solar industry and is projected to continue its growth over time. But is all of this clean energy making a difference if it’s smothered in smog from coal factories?
Overall, the growth of renewables is an encouraging prospect, but for this to be efficient we need to simultaneously reduce our use of fossil fuels. Countries like Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark have all been praised for their green strategies, use of diverse renewable energy sources, and clean air quality. If the likes of China and the US take note of this type of approach to energy consumption, their solar stride could make the world of difference.
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Trump Pushes for a 1-Year, 10% Cap on Credit Card Interest Rates — and Banks Push Back
In a move that has reignited debate over consumer protection and financial regulation, former U.S. President Donald Trump has floated a proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year. The idea is simple on its surface: provide immediate relief to millions of Americans struggling under high-interest debt. But the reaction from banks and financial institutions has been swift and hostile, revealing deep divisions over how the U.S. credit system should function. At a time when credit card interest rates in the United States routinely exceed 20% and, in some cases, climb above 30%, Trump’s proposal strikes a populist chord. Yet critics argue that such a cap could disrupt lending markets, reduce credit availability, and create unintended economic consequences. So why is Trump pushing this plan, why are banks balking, and what could it mean for consumers? Why Credit Card Interest Rates Are Under the Spotlight Over the past few years, American households have increasingly relied on credit cards to cope with inflation, rising rent, and higher everyday expenses. As the Federal Reserve raised benchmark interest rates to fight inflation, credit card APRs surged alongside them. For many consumers, this has meant: Growing balances that are harder to pay down Monthly interest charges that exceed minimum payments A cycle of debt that feels nearly impossible to escape Against this backdrop, Trump’s proposal taps into widespread frustration. By capping interest rates at 10% for a limited, one-year period, the plan aims to give borrowers breathing room and slow the growth of household debt. The Political Strategy Behind the Proposal Trump has long positioned himself as a champion of “forgotten” or financially stressed Americans. This proposal fits neatly into that narrative, allowing him to argue that he is standing up to powerful banks on behalf of everyday consumers. Politically, the idea is strategic: It appeals to working-class voters burdened by debt It contrasts sharply with what many see as Wall Street-friendly policies It reframes economic debate around fairness rather than market efficiency Even though the proposal is temporary, its symbolism is powerful. A one-year cap suggests urgency without committing to a permanent overhaul of the credit system, making it easier to sell to voters while still appearing bold. Why Banks Are Pushing Back Hard Financial institutions wasted no time expressing concern. From their perspective, a 10% cap—especially one imposed quickly—poses serious risks. Banks’ main arguments include: 1. Reduced profitability Credit cards are one of the most profitable products for banks. Interest revenue helps offset defaults, fraud, and operational costs. A sharp cap would significantly reduce margins. 2. Higher risk, lower reward Banks argue that high interest rates compensate for lending to higher-risk borrowers. If rates are capped, they may simply stop offering credit to those consumers. 3. Less access to credit Rather than lowering rates, banks could tighten approval standards, leaving many Americans—especially those with lower credit scores—without access to credit at all. 4. Market interference concerns The banking industry maintains that interest rates should reflect market conditions, not political decisions. They warn that government-imposed caps distort lending behavior. In short, banks claim the proposal could hurt the very people it intends to help. Would Consumers Actually Benefit? For consumers carrying balances, the immediate benefits are obvious. A 10% cap could: Dramatically reduce monthly interest charges Help borrowers pay down principal faster Prevent balances from ballooning However, the longer-term impact is less clear. If banks respond by: Cutting credit limits Closing accounts Rejecting new applicants Then access to short-term credit could become more limited, particularly for lower-income households. Still, supporters argue that the current system already fails many consumers. With interest rates exceeding 25%, critics say the credit card market borders on exploitative, especially when borrowers are already financially vulnerable. How This Fits Into the Broader Economic Debate Trump’s proposal revives a long-standing debate in U.S. politics: Should there be a legal limit on how much lenders can charge? Historically, usury laws capped interest rates at the state level. Over time, deregulation and federal preemption weakened those limits, allowing banks to charge far higher rates nationwide. The proposal also intersects with broader questions about: Corporate responsibility Income inequality The role of government in regulating financial markets Supporters see the cap as overdue consumer protection. Opponents see it as economic overreach with potentially destabilizing effects. Is the Proposal Likely to Become Law? Realistically, the chances of this policy being enacted in its current form are slim—at least in the short term. Implementing a nationwide cap would require congressional support and face intense lobbying from the financial industry. However, even if it never becomes law, the proposal serves another purpose: shifting the conversation. By putting credit card interest rates front and center, Trump has forced policymakers, banks, and the public to confront an issue that often receives little attention. In that sense, the plan may already be achieving one of its goals. What Happens Next? As banks continue to push back and economists debate the consequences, consumers are watching closely. Whether through legislation or public pressure, calls for relief from high credit card interest rates are unlikely to fade. Trump’s proposal may be temporary, controversial, and politically charged—but it highlights a reality many Americans live with every day: debt is expensive, and the system often feels stacked against borrowers. Even if the 10% cap never materializes, the question remains: how long can sky-high interest rates persist before meaningful reform becomes unavoidable?
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in The Swamp
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