UK solar power set a new peak generation record of 14GW at 12:30 BST on 8 July, according to Solar Energy UK, citing data from the University of Sheffield.
At that time, solar was supplying 39% of the country’s electricity demand.
The previous record, set on 6 April, has now been revised to 13.8 GW. Solar Energy UK noted that such peaks usually occur in spring, when clear skies coincide with cooler temperatures, but recent weather and the sector’s rapid expansion have shifted expectations.
A similar milestone was reached in France on 10 July. At 14:00 local time, solar generation exceeded 19.5GW, meeting nearly 40% of national demand and temporarily pushing energy prices below zero.
“The new records underline just how quickly the solar sector is growing, both at home and abroad,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK.
“We estimate that well over 21.5GW of capacity is now in place in the UK, a figure expected to more than double by the end of the decade, delivering secure, clean, green and – crucially – cheap power for us all.”
The UK government recently released its Solar Roadmap, outlining plans to increase installed capacity to 45–47GW by 2030, with potential to reach around 57 GW.
[Image credit: Solar Energy UK]
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