Analysis

Data analysis

All our analysis is derived from the combined figures from all the projects on the extensive Wiki-Solar Database

Capacity growth by continent

Data analysis and outputs available

We hold a wide range of data parameters against each project in the Wiki-Solar Database. This enables us to cumulate global and regional totals, and to assess average and best-case performance against a range of calculated ratios.

We therefore assess and disseminate the following information:

Capacity deployed and in development

The current global totals are shown on the right.

We also produce a ranking table of the top national markets and analyse figures regionally:

All such deployment tables show the cumulative capacity of utility-scale projects in MWp, with the number of individual plants or projects.

Activity by project participants

We total the contributions of all the partners to projects in the Wiki-Solar Database. This enables us to rank the leading participants for each of the key upstream and downstream contributions analysed.

Again this analysis, and listings of the key participants are available on a regional basis as described here.

Key project design, development and performance ratios

We assess the following key ratios (as defined more fully here):

  • Performance ratio (MWAC per MWp);
  • Load factor (MWh per MWp) and typical households served;
  • Site area (hectares per MW);
  • Carbon emissions savings (tonnes per MW) and typical equivalent vehicles;
  • Average project values and financing ratios

This analysis is available both globally and regionally by continent, country and province as above.

In addition to comparisons between separate projects in the Wiki-Solar Database, some of these ratios can also be compared with theoretical or published global and national data on parameters such as solar array density, household electricity usage and carbon intensity of the grid. Some typical figures are given here.

Latest global totals

Based on the projects on the Wiki-Solar Database in mid 2021, the global utility-scale solar activity was as follows:

Classification

                               

Projects number

Capacity  GWAC

Operational projects



4 MWAC+

11,700

300

New since end 2019



4 MWAC+

3,200

90

Projects in development



4 MWAC+

4,400

310

Data analysis outputs

In addition to dissemination through this website and our news releases, we produce regional reports, customised partner identification lists and market overviews for your areas of interest.