Monthly Wind and Solar Capacity Data Methodology

This guide details the methodology used by Ember for its monthly wind and solar capacity dataset, which as of March 20, 2026, covers 25 countries and regions representing approximately 92% of global solar and 91% of global wind capacity.

• Ember defines 'installed capacity' as the maximum potential output of a fuel type over a specific period, noting that for intermittent renewables like wind and solar, this represents the maximum output under ideal conditions.
• To ensure comparability across different reporting standards, Ember provides solar capacity in both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). While it follows country-specific reporting for source values, it uses a default AC/DC conversion factor of 1.3 when a conversion is required.
• The dataset harmonizes data to GWDC for the API endpoint, data tool, and the 'Wind and solar' aggregate category. This creates a discrepancy with Ember's yearly dataset because the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports solar capacity in AC.
• Wind capacity is reported as onshore and offshore separately when sources allow. If a source does not differentiate, Ember uses IRENA data; if IRENA shows no offshore installations, all capacity is classified as onshore. If offshore installations exist but are not disclosed by the source, the capacity is labeled as 'Unknown wind'.
• The dataset is updated twice monthly, specifically on the 5th and the 27th (or the first working day thereafter). The second monthly publication is delayed until major capacity countries, specifically China and the USA, have released their latest data.
• Global and regional aggregates (including EU, G7, G20, and OECD) are estimated by scaling monthly data from reporting countries based on their share of annual regional totals. For non-reporting countries, solar is estimated using Ember's China solar export tracker (assuming an 85% export-to-capacity deployment rate and a six-month lag), and wind is estimated by extrapolating growth patterns from reporting countries.

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} }