Solar energy has attracted nearly twice as much investment as wind in 2011 according to the latest report by United Nations Environment Programme.
According to this report the global investment in solar power has increased by staggering 52% to $147 billion for 2011. The other interesting information for this report also includes:
1. U.S. almost overtook China as the top global renewable energy investor in 2011. U.S. renewable energy investments grew by 57% in 2011 climbing to $51 billion while China has $52 billion worth of renewable energy investment.
2. Renewable sources (hydropower included) have supplied 16.7 % of global energy consumption in 2011.
3. India was the fastest growing renewable energy market in terms of investments, achieving 62% increase to a total investment of $12 billion in 2011.
4. Renewable energy sources, excluding large hydro-electric, accounted for 44% of all new generating capacity added worldwide in 2011.
5. Renewable energy is rapidly expanding into new countries.
6. At the end of 2011, total global renewable power capacity exceeded 1,360 GW.
7. There are 118 countries in the world that have set renewable energy targets.
8. In United States, renewable energy sources (large hydro included) accounted for 12.7% of total nation's electricity in 2011.
9. China still leads the world in wind turbine installation and still remains the top hydropower producer.
10. In EU renewable energy sources provided more than 71% of total electricity generating capacity additions in 2011.
