THE BIGGEST SOLAR PRODUCING COUNTRIES

The United Kingdom overtook France and Spain in 2015 in terms of installed capacity . Alongside major commercial solar installations , successive governments have supported initiatives that encourage solar panel uptake among schools and homeowners . Between April and September 2016 , the UK ’ s solar panels produced more electricity than coal – on one particularly sunny day solar farms produced six times more energy than coal .

Italy ’ s presence in the rankings is atypical since it is a net energy importer and lacks many of the assets of its peers . In spite of this solar makes up almost 10 percent of the country ’ s energy mix and is set to double in the next decade ; Eurostat has even suggested that Italy could exceed its 2020 target . This method of power generation not only represents an opportunity for Italy to exploit a resource it has in abundance , but also a chance to reduce dependence on foreign generation .

Solar farm in Germany

Germany has hit the headlines in recent years for making a number of significant commitments to renewable energy . Its Energiewende strategy aims to ensure that , by 2050 , the country obtains at least 60 percent of its energy from renewable sources as part of its drive to slash carbon emissions . As Europe ’ s leading country for renewables , Germany boasts nearly 30 significant PV generation plants , which each generate at least 20MW annually . And , similar to the UK , the country is breaking its own solar records this year .

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