From the perspective of regional competition patterns, data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that in 2018, Asia held the largest share of the global cumulative installed PV capacity. Asia's cumulative installed capacity reached 274,894.2 MW, accounting for 56% of the total. Europe followed with 121,152.6 MW, representing 25%, while North America had 57,158 MW, accounting for 12%.

Analysis of Regional Competitive Landscape of Global Photovoltaic Power Generation in 2018

Data source: Compiled by Qianzhan Industry Research Institute

By country, the top three in cumulative installed PV capacity among major photovoltaic power generation countries in 2018 were China, Japan, and the United States. Together, they accounted for 58% of the global total, with China alone representing 36%.

2018 Global Cumulative PV Installed Capacity Statistics by Major Country