July 22 (Renewables Now) – Solar generation met up to a quarter of demand in the UK on Tuesday this week when the country suffered record high temperatures, with generation reaching a peak of 7.77 GW at midday.
Over the preceding seven days solar provided about 9% of the UK’s electricity.
The figures come from Sheffield Solar’s PV Live website and were highlighted by trade association Solar Energy UK. It said that while the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar panels is impacted by temperature, this is not to a great degree.
Solar records are usually observed in the spring. According to Sheffield Solar data, the current record of 9.89 GW was registered at midday on April 22, 2021.
“This is climate change. This is happening. This is not a drill. We have the next decade to accelerate the renewables sector,” commented Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett. “What’s good news now is that solar and wind are the most affordable way to generate electricity in the UK. We have the solutions to the energy security crisis,” added Hewett.
Join Renewables Now’s free daily newsletter now!