Bank Holiday Sunshine Breaks UK Solar Record

During the blistering May 2018 Bank Holiday weekend—officially the sunniest on record so far—the UK's solar panels shattered previous energy generation records. The peak output occurred between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 6th, when solar energy accounted for an impressive 28.5% of the nation’s total electricity needs. Remarkably, this surpassed contributions from traditional fossil fuels and even set a new high above the previous solar record of 26.1%, achieved back in July 2017.

This incredible performance provides a glimpse into the immense potential of renewable energy. Let’s break down the figures to see just how significant this breakthrough was.

Over a Quarter of National Electricity Needs

At its zenith, solar installations delivered nearly 28.5% of the UK’s electricity, eclipsing gas-fired power plants, which contributed only 24.8%. To put this in perspective, this means that solar energy, fueled by sunlight alone, provided more power than coal, nuclear, wind, or any other source during that weekend. It’s a testament to how far solar technology has come.

Nearly 10 Gigawatts of Clean Energy

On that unforgettable Sunday, solar panels generated a staggering 9.28 gigawatts of electricity. For context, just one gigawatt can power around 300,000 homes. That means 9.28 gigawatts could light up approximately 2.7 million homes and businesses combined. Interestingly, there are only about 1 million properties with solar installations in the UK, meaning there was a substantial surplus of renewable energy being fed back into the grid.

What Made It Possible?

A few factors contributed to this remarkable achievement. Firstly, the unusually warm weather encouraged many people to head outdoors, leaving their homes unoccupied during peak sunlight hours. With fewer kettles boiling and televisions running, the demand on the grid dropped significantly, allowing solar energy to shine through.

Additionally, the weekend effect played a crucial role. During weekdays, industrial and commercial energy demands rely heavily on traditional power sources like coal and natural gas. However, over the weekend, these demands eased, giving solar power the chance to take center stage.

Join the Solar Revolution

Even though this record-breaking feat happened in just a single day, it speaks volumes about the future of renewable energy in the UK. We’re proud to have been part of this milestone and believe there’s still untapped potential waiting to be harnessed.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need constant sunshine to benefit from solar panels! Our expert team is ready to guide you through your solar journey. Call us today at 0800 112 3110 or get in touch with us online to learn more about how solar energy can transform your home or business.

We invite you to be part of the solar movement. Together, let’s make a difference—one rooftop at a time.