The global transition to renewable energy has spurred the development of massive solar farms, harnessing the sun’s abundant energy to power millions of homes and reduce carbon emissions.
As solar technology advances and costs decline, countries are racing to build the largest solar farms in the world.
Here’s a look at the top 10 largest solar farms by capacity as of early 2025, ranked by their output, followed by a detailed breakdown of each.
List of the Top 10 Largest Solar Farms in the World
- Bhadla Solar Park, India – 2,245 MW
- Huanghe Hydropower Golmud Solar Park, China – 2,200 MW
- Pavagada Solar Park, India – 2,050 MW
- Tengger Desert Solar Park, China – 1,547 MW
- Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Power Project, UAE – 1,177 MW
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, UAE – 1,013 MW (Phase 5 completed)
- Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, India – 1,000 MW
- Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base, China – 1,000 MW
- Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, China – 850 MW
- Villanueva Solar Plant, Mexico – 828 MW
1. Bhadla Solar Park, India – 2,245 MW
Located in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, Bhadla Solar Park is the world’s largest solar farm, spanning 14,000 acres. Completed in 2020, it generates 2,245 MW, enough to power over 1.5 million homes.
Developed by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation and private partners like Adani Green Energy, the park benefits from the region’s high solar irradiance, averaging 5.8 kWh/m²/day.
Its modular design, with multiple developers, has enabled rapid scaling, though challenges like sandstorms and water scarcity for panel cleaning persist.
Bhadla has reduced CO2 emissions by 4 million tons annually, solidifying India’s position as a solar powerhouse.
2. Huanghe Hydropower Golmud Solar Park, China – 2,200 MW
Situated in Qinghai Province, the Huanghe Hydropower Golmud Solar Park covers 14,826 acres in the Qaidam Basin, a high-altitude desert ideal for solar generation.
Operational since 2011, its capacity reached 2,200 MW by 2023, powering 700,000 homes. The park integrates with the Longyangxia Hydro-Solar project, using hydropower to stabilize solar output.
Developed by Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., it benefits from China’s aggressive renewable energy policies but faces challenges like grid congestion, with up to 30% of output wasted due to infrastructure constraints.
3. Pavagada Solar Park, India – 2,050 MW
Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka, also known as Shakti Sthala, spans 13,000 acres and generates 2,050 MW. Completed in 2019, it powers 600,000 homes and was developed by the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Limited (KSPDCL).
The park’s unique leasing model allows farmers to retain land ownership while earning rent, addressing land acquisition challenges. Pavagada produces 3,600 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 3.2 million tons, though water scarcity for cleaning panels remains a hurdle in this drought-prone region.
4. Tengger Desert Solar Park, China – 1,547 MW
Known as the “Great Wall of Solar,” Tengger Desert Solar Park in Ningxia, China, covers 10,626 acres and generates 1,547 MW. Operational since 2017, it powers 600,000 homes and is developed by China’s National Energy Administration.
The park’s location in the Tengger Desert offers vast space and high solar potential but faces issues like sand accumulation on panels and grid integration challenges. It produces 2,500 GWh annually, cutting emissions by 1.8 million tons.
5. Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Power Project, UAE – 1,177 MW
The Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Power Project in Sweihan is the world’s largest single-site solar farm, generating 1,177 MW across 1,977 acres. Completed in 2019, it powers 90,000 homes and was developed by a consortium including Marubeni Corp and JinkoSolar.
The project uses 3.2 million solar panels and reduces emissions by 1 million tons annually. Its advanced tracking system maximizes energy capture, though high temperatures and dust storms pose operational challenges.
6. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, UAE – 1,013 MW
Located in Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park reached 1,013 MW with the completion of Phase 5 in 2024. Spanning 52,881 acres, it aims for a 5,000 MW capacity by 2030.
Developed by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), it powers 240,000 homes and integrates concentrated solar power (CSP) for night-time generation.
The park has reduced emissions by 1.5 million tons annually, though its ambitious scale requires significant investment.
7. Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, India – 1,000 MW
Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh spans 5,932 acres and generates 1,000 MW. Completed in 2017, it powers 200,000 homes and was developed by Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation.
The park produces 1,800 GWh annually, cutting emissions by 1.2 million tons. Its flat terrain and high solar irradiance are ideal, but water scarcity for panel cleaning remains a challenge.
8. Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base, China – 1,000 MW
Located in Shanxi Province, the Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base generates 1,000 MW across 6,178 acres. Completed in 2016, it powers 300,000 homes and was developed under China’s Top Runner program to promote advanced solar technology.
The park’s panda-shaped design has made it a symbol of renewable energy, though grid connectivity issues limit its full potential.
9. Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, China – 850 MW
The Longyangxia Dam Solar Park in Qinghai, China, generates 850 MW across 6,672 acres. Operational since 2015, it powers 200,000 homes and integrates with a hydropower dam for hybrid energy production.
Developed by Huanghe Hydropower, it produces 1,500 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 900,000 tons. Its high-altitude location enhances solar efficiency, though harsh winters pose maintenance challenges.
10. Villanueva Solar Plant, Mexico – 828 MW
The Villanueva Solar Plant in Coahuila, Mexico, generates 828 MW across 6,178 acres. Completed in 2018 by Enel Green Power, it powers 150,000 homes and uses single-axis trackers to boost efficiency.
The plant produces 1,700 GWh annually, cutting emissions by 780,000 tons. Its arid location is ideal for solar, but water scarcity for cleaning remains a concern.
These solar farms highlight the global shift toward renewable energy, with India, China, and the UAE leading the charge.
Collectively, they power millions of homes and reduce CO2 emissions by over 16 million tons annually.
However, challenges like grid integration, water scarcity, and environmental factors persist. As technology advances and investment grows, these solar giants pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.