In the first seven months of 2026, the national power installed capacity map is undergoing a significant structural adjustment. The latest statistical data released by the National Energy Administration on August 25th outlines a new industry landscape in which the growth rate of the new energy track shifts and monthly new data rebounds against the trend. The development logic of the wind and solar industry is undergoing a subtle transformation.

The installation structure shows a trend of differentiation

As of the end of July, the cumulative installed power generation capacity in China reached 4.08 billion kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 11.0%. Among them, the installed capacity of solar power generation was 1.29 billion kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 16.1%, and the installed capacity of wind power was 690 million kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 19.5%. The overall growth rate of wind and solar power was significantly higher than the national average.

From January to July, the total newly installed capacity of wind and solar power in China was 133.22 million kilowatts, accounting for 68.7% of the total newly added electricity installed capacity, which is still the core driving force for the growth of national installed capacity. In the first seven months, the newly installed solar power capacity was 86.15 million kilowatts, a year-on-year decrease of 61.4%, and the newly installed wind power capacity was 47.07 million kilowatts, a year-on-year decrease of 12.3%. The overall pace of new additions in the first half of the year slowed down significantly compared to last year.

Monthly data releases rebound signal

Entering July, there was a significant reversal in the industry's operational situation. In the same month, the national solar energy installed capacity increased by 14.08 million kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 27.5%, and the wind power installed capacity increased by 8.45 million kilowatts, a year-on-year surge of 270.6%. The two major new energy categories simultaneously achieved monthly positive growth, and the monthly growth rate of wind power reached a new high in recent years.

Correspondingly, the cumulative average utilization hours of power generation equipment in China from January to July were 1671 hours, a decrease of 135 hours compared to the same period last year. Against the backdrop of continuous expansion of wind and solar installed capacity, the pressure on power grid consumption is still accumulating, and the operational efficiency of existing assets will become the core competitive indicator of the industry in the future. Keywords: National Electric Power Installation Map, New Energy Track

From the overall slowdown in growth in July to the strong rebound in monthly data in July, the domestic new energy industry is shifting from a high-speed expansion phase to a new cycle that emphasizes both growth and quality. With the gradual improvement of the supporting mechanism for consumption, the growth resilience of the wind and solar industry will be further released.Editor/Cheng Liting