China’s cumulative solar capacity reached 1.286 TW at the end of July, overtaking coal for the first time and accounting for around 31.5% of total installed power capacity. The milestone comes as the PV sector faces slowing installations, grid-integration constraints and overcapacity, shifting the focus from rapid deployment to reliable electricity supply.

China's installed solar energy capacity has surpassed that of coal-fired power for the first time, the national energy body said on Sept. 1, hailing the milestone.

China has seen an explosive growth in its renewable installation, with coal's share in its energy mix edging down in recent years.