Britain sets July solar generation record

Solar energy supplied 14.4% of Great Britain’s electricity generation in July, setting a new monthly record, according to Solar Energy UK.

The trade body said solar generated 3.2TWh of electricity during the month, surpassing the previous monthly record of 12.4% of generation set in May and well above the 9.6% recorded in July 2025.

Solar Energy UK added that 142,536 solar installations were completed across the UK in the first half of 2026, making it the strongest six-month period in the post-subsidy era.

The organisation said most of the installations were on residential rooftops, while commercial-scale projects are largely unrecorded in official figures because they fall outside the planning system.

On 12 July, solar accounted for 18.8% of Britain’s electricity generation, close to the record of 19.5% set on 24 May.

At peak between 10.30am and midday that day, solar provided 44% of Britain’s electricity generation, reaching a maximum output of 15,427MW, according to National Energy System Operator data.

Solar Energy UK noted that the record for embedded solar generation remains 16.3GW, set on 23 April 2026.

The organisation also highlighted official figures showing solar generation in 2025 increased by 34.2% compared with 2024, supported by higher installed capacity and longer hours of sunshine.

Renewable sources accounted for 52.1% of Britain’s electricity generation in 2025, according to the figures.

“These figures show that Britain’s solar sector continues to go from strength to strength, with electricity generation reaching a monthly record high last month,” said Michael Shanks, Minister for Energy.

“After two fossil fuel crises in five years, the lesson is clear: the more power we generate here in Britain, the less exposed families and businesses are to global energy price shocks.”

Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, said: “Fifteen years ago, solar energy was a footnote in the electricity mix.”

“Now it is a major player, delivering home-grown, cheap, clean and reliable energy.”

“It’s a success story that the whole nation should be proud of.”

More information:https://www.renews.biz/solar/britain-sets-july-solar-generation-record/