Russia continues to gradually increase its solar power generation, although the sector’s growth rate remains moderate and capacity estimates vary. According to the Russia Renewable Energy Development Association (RREDA), the installed capacity of solar power plants in the country stood at 2,209.2 MW (a total of 77 facilities) as of January 1, 2026. At the same time, GlobalData analysts estimate the total capacity to be higher at about 3.1 GW as of the end of 2025. The difference is due to the calculation methodology: RREDA primarily takes into account projects implemented under the existing support mechanisms, whereas international estimates usually consider a broader range of facilities, including distributed generation. It should be noted that both Russian and international estimates converge on forecasting a 200 MW annual increase in solar power capacity, which will bring the country’s installed solar power capacity to 5.3 GW by 2035.
The British analysts suggest that the biggest contribution to the capacity increase will come from large solar power plants in the southern and eastern regions of Russia, where solar radiation levels are higher. GlobalData analyst Mohammed Ziauddin notes that the sector’s development is largely supported by capacity supply agreements that provide investors with guaranteed fixed capacity payments for up to 15 years. Distributed generation is undergoing an expansion as well: households and businesses are allowed to install solar panels with a capacity of up to 15 kW and sell excess electricity to the power grid through a net metering system at a price of about 1.7–2 rubles per kWh.
According to GlobalData, solar is increasingly being used in isolated Russian power systems. In remote regions, for instance, it is used in hybrid systems alongside diesel generation, which helps reduce the cost of electricity. In completed projects, solar power costs about $0.19–0.29 per kWh, which is more cost-effective than conventional diesel generation. In Yakutia, hybrid power systems that were brought into operation between 2021 and 2024 have made it possible to save more than 3,500 tons of diesel fuel.
Renewable energy development continues to be driven by localization policies, GlobalData says. Participation in renewable energy projects requires 50% to 70% of equipment to be manufactured domestically, which stimulates the development of Russian industry.
All things considered, analysts believe that renewable energy in Russia will grow faster than conventional power sources. The country’s aggregate renewable energy capacity is projected to increase from 9.8 GW in 2025 to 18.4 GW by 2035. Wind power will take the leading position among renewables, with solar remaining in second place.
Meanwhile, thermal power generation, primarily gas-fired generation, will continue to dominate the energy mix: its capacity could increase from 143.5 GW to 151.2 GW. Coal-fired generation will gradually decline, whereas oil-fired generation will remain at roughly its current level.
