Marking a decade of global impact, the Global Solar Council calls for urgent action to scale solar power, drive investment, and make solar the world’s leading energy source by 2030.
The Global Solar Council (GSC), an international trade body representing more than 97% of the world’s installed solar PV capacity, is commemorating its 10th anniversary with a powerful message: the next decade must be a turning point for solar energy. As the world races to meet climate goals, GSC is urging policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to supercharge solar deployment and make it the dominant source of global electricity.
Founded during COP21 in 2015 alongside the signing of the Paris Agreement, GSC has evolved into a vital platform for international cooperation, driving real-world solutions to advance solar adoption and remove market barriers. Over the past decade, solar power has become a cornerstone of climate action — helping to avoid more than 2.4 billion tons of CO₂ emissions, saving over 200 billion liters of water, and supporting 4.9 million jobs globally.
“The past 10 years proved the power of solar. The next 10 must make it the planet’s leading energy source,” said Sonia Dunlop, CEO of GSC. “To grow from 2 TW today to over 8 TW by 2030, we need bold steps: affordable finance, smarter infrastructure, robust supply chains, and skilled workers.”
With solar PV now deployed in over 190 countries and costs plummeting by over 80% in several regions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that solar could become the world’s top electricity source by 2035 — but only with decisive and immediate action.
GSC’s network spans 70+ countries across seven key regions, including India, Brazil, China, and the UK. It plays a pivotal role in shaping energy policy and supporting solar integration into emerging markets. The Council remains committed to a just, inclusive transition, promoting solar as a path to prosperity and sustainability through its ongoing campaign #PossibleWithSolar.
Looking ahead, GSC is rallying global stakeholders to meet the urgent goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. Key priorities include streamlining permitting processes, boosting investment in grids and storage, cutting financing costs, and expanding equitable access to solar technologies.
To mark this milestone, GSC will host a series of high-impact events, roundtables, and campaign initiatives throughout 2025 — starting with Intersolar Europe and culminating at COP30 in Belém, Brazil — to honor past achievements and spark momentum for the next era of solar progress.