Monthly Wind and Solar Capacity Data Methodology

The document details the technical approach for calculating and harmonising monthly wind and solar capacity data. It defines 'installed capacity' as the maximum potential output and explains the process for converting solar data between AC and DC values, using a default conversion factor of 1.3. The methodology describes how onshore and offshore wind are distinguished, often relying on IRENA data when primary sources lack a breakdown. It also specifies the publication schedule (twice monthly) and the use of proxies and linear interpolation to estimate missing data for global aggregates and specific countries. Detailed country-specific sections list data sources, publication lags, and specific adjustments for 25 territories, including the US, China, and the EU.

• As of March 20, 2026, the dataset covers 25 countries and/or regions, representing approximately 91% of global wind capacity and 92% of global solar capacity.
• To ensure comparability, solar capacity is harmonised to GWDC; where a source only provides one value, Ember calculates the alternate using a default AC/DC conversion factor of 1.3.
• Wind capacity is reported as onshore and offshore separately when sources allow; if a source does not differentiate, Ember uses IRENA data to determine if offshore capacity exists, otherwise classifying it as 'Unknown wind' or onshore.
• Global and regional aggregates (EU, G7, G20, OECD) are estimated by scaling monthly data from reporting countries based on their share of annual totals, using China solar export trackers as a proxy for missing solar data.
• The dataset is updated twice monthly, specifically on the 5th and 27th (or the first working day thereafter), with the second update delayed until major capacities like the USA and China publish their data.
• For China, solar data from April to November 2016 was linearly interpolated due to missing publications, and offshore wind is modeled using GEM’s Global Wind Power Tracker to match NEA quarterly totals.

APA

Ember (n.d.). Monthly Wind and Solar Capacity Data Methodology. https://files.ember-energy.org/public-downloads/capacity/outputs/ember_monthly_capacity_methodology.pdf

Chicago

Ember. Monthly Wind and Solar Capacity Data Methodology. n.d. https://files.ember-energy.org/public-downloads/capacity/outputs/ember_monthly_capacity_methodology.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Ember |title=Monthly Wind and Solar Capacity Data Methodology |url=https://files.ember-energy.org/public-downloads/capacity/outputs/ember_monthly_capacity_methodology.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{emberndmonthly, author = {{Ember}}, title = {{Monthly Wind and Solar Capacity Data Methodology}}, institution = {Ember}, url = {https://files.ember-energy.org/public-downloads/capacity/outputs/ember_monthly_capacity_methodology.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }