Overtakes electricity generated by nuclear for the first-time ever

As the UK approaches the May bank holiday and basks in glorious sunshine, the electricity generated by solar power has today hit a new record.

STA CEO Paul Barwell:

"With the UK bathed in glorious sunshine today, we at the STA had forecasted that solar would break the previous record for output on a weekday. We were delighted that at around midday today 8.75GW was generated by solar, supplying nearly 25% of the UK's total demand. This is the first time that solar has generated more than nuclear, second only to gas.

Currently, 12.1GW of solar has been installed throughout the UK from Scotland to Cornwall, enough to power 3.8 million homes. This is a colossal achievement in just 5 years, and sends a very positive message to the UK that solar has a strong place in the decarbonisation of the UK energy sector."


Background on the Solar Trade Association

The mission of the Solar Trade Association is to empower the UK solar transformation. We are paving the way for solar to deliver the maximum possible share of UK energy by 2030 by enabling a bigger and better solar industry. We represent both solar heat and power, and have a proven track record of winning breakthroughs for solar PV and solar thermal.