China solar capacity overtakes coal for first time, 1,286 GW installed

China's installed solar capacity reached 1,286 GW by end-July, surpassing coal as the largest power source at 31.5% of total, per NEA data. This marks a structural shift in the world's largest energy market, though installed capacity does not equal generation, and coal still dominates output. The milestone signals accelerating energy transition and potential implications for coal demand and emissions.