China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, accelerated solar power installations in the first half, adding enough capacity in the period to equal Australia's entire supply of power from sunlight in 2013.

China added 3.3 gigawatts of solar capacity in the six months to June 30, doubling last year's additions, the National Energy Administration said on Thursday.

A total of 23 GW of solar power supply is almost seven times that of Australia, whose government describes it as the world's highest recipient of radiation per square meter.