Top wind and solar PV countries per capita

Switzerland’s SolarSuperState Association has published its new global rankings for cumulative wind energy and solar panel capacity.

While Australia hasn’t ranked in the top 10 for either technology, watts-per-person capacity has grown significantly in both; particularly in solar PV.

2012 solar panel capacity (watts per capita) rankings:

  • 1 - Germany - 301
  • 2 - Vatican City - 267
  • 3 - Italy - 210
  • 4 - Liechtenstein - 195
  • 5 - Czech Republic - 185
  • 6 - Belgium - 183
  • 7 -  Spain - 93
  • 8 - Slovakia -  87
  • 9 - Luxembourg - 59
  • 10 - Greece - 58
  • 11 - Australia - 57
  • 12 - France - 40
  • 13 - Slovenia - 40
  • 14 - Japan - 38
  • 15 - Switzerland - 27

Australia’s position remains unchanged from last year. However, the number of watts per capita has increased from 22 in 2011’s results to 57 in this year’s rankings.

2012 wind power (watts per capita) rankings:

2012 wind power (watts per capita) rankings:

  • 1 - Denmark - 706
  • 2 - Spain - 459
  • 3 - Portugal - 387
  • 4 - Ireland - 355
  • 5 - Germany - 355
  • 6 - Sweden - 297
  • 7 - Cyprus - 160
  • 8 - Canada - 153
  • 9 - Greece - 151
  • 10 - USA - 150
  • 11 - New Zealand - 141
  • 12 - Estonia - 140
  • 13 - Netherlands - 140
  • 14 - Austria - 129
  • 15 - Italy - 111

While South Australia has massive wind power capacity, it wasn’t enough to boost the nation into the top 15. This year, Australia sits at no.21, down 1 spot from from last year. In 2011’s results, there was 82 watts per capita of cumulative installed capacity - this year, that has increased to 88 watts.

SolarSuperState notes Japan and the USA fared badly in both categories of the competition in terms of the 2012 ranking compared 2011. Netherlands was “the biggest loser” in the wind energy ranking, ranked 13; down from position 7. Honduras mad the biggest jump from rank 137 to 47; overtaking South Korea and Switzerland.

The 2012 rankings are based on cumulative installed capacity per capita as at December 31, 2011.The  SolarSuperState Association is based in Zurich and is an international non-profit organization

SolarSuperState notes Japan and the USA fared badly in both categories of the competition in terms of the 2012 ranking compared 2011. Netherlands was “the biggest loser” in the wind energy ranking, ranked 13; down from position 7. Honduras mad the biggest jump from rank 137 to 47; overtaking South Korea and Switzerland.

The 2012 rankings are based on cumulative installed capacity per capita as at December 31, 2011.The  SolarSuperState Association is based in Zurich and is an international non-profit organization

The 2012 rankings are based on cumulative installed capacity per capita as at December 31, 2011.The  SolarSuperState Association is based in Zurich and is an international non-profit organization

Like this content? Join our growing community.

Your support helps to strengthen independent journalism, which is critically needed to guide business and policy development for positive impact. Unlock unlimited access to our content and members-only perks.

Most popular

Featured Events

Publish your event
leaf background pattern

Transforming Innovation for Sustainability Join the Ecosystem →