Solar Power Reaches Record Share of Great Britain's Electricity Supply
A sunny July and continued growth in rooftop solar installations helped renewable energy reach a new monthly milestone.
By The Guardian
Solar power generated a record 14.4% of Great Britain's electricity in July, setting a new monthly high as prolonged sunshine boosted renewable energy production across the country.
The figure surpassed the previous record of 12.4%, set in May, and represented a significant increase on July last year, when solar accounted for 9.6% of electricity generation.
The rise coincided with an exceptionally sunny month, with some parts of the UK recording almost twice the average number of sunshine hours. The favourable conditions enabled both large-scale solar farms and rooftop panels to generate more electricity than usual.
New figures also show that solar installations continue to grow rapidly. During the first six months of 2026, more than 142,000 new systems were installed across Great Britain, the highest total for any six-month period since 2011. Much of that growth has come from households choosing to install rooftop panels to reduce electricity costs.
The additional renewable generation helped meet higher electricity demand during recent heatwaves, when many homes and businesses relied on fans and air conditioning to stay cool.
Industry leaders say solar power has become an increasingly important part of the UK's electricity system, providing low-carbon energy while helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve long-term energy security.
The Government has identified expanding renewable energy generation as a key part of its energy strategy as the UK continues to increase investment in cleaner sources of electricity.