British and French solar generation hit new records

• UK solar generation peaked at 16GW on Tuesday 8 July 
• This surpassed its previous record on 6 April
• France also set a new record last week, sending energy prices below zero

UK solar generation hit a new record on Tuesday 8 July, with peak generation recorded at 16gW, according to the University of Sheffield, with photovoltaic power supplying 39% of demand on that day. 

This surpassed its previous record on 6 April, recorded at 13.8GW to accommodate capacity growth. In fact, an analysis from Carbon Brief found that the UK’s solar farms and rooftops generated 7.6 terawatt hours of electricity during January to May 2025, a 42% jump on the same period last year. 

Carbon Brief also said that the solar electricity generated in 2025 to date has avoided the need to import gas costing around £600m, which would have released 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide when burned. 

According to Solar Energy UK, maximum instantaneous generation is normally encountered in the middle of a spring day, when bright sunlight coincides with cooler conditions. But the pace of the solar energy sector’s expansion, combined with sunny weather has upturned this assumption. 

France also set a new record last week, sending energy prices below zero, with solar generation hitting more than 19.5GW. It also supplied almost 40% of energy demand. 

Chris Hewett, chief executive, Solar Energy UK, said: “The new records underline just how quickly the solar sector is growing, both at home and abroad. We estimate that well over 21.5GW of capacity is now in place in the UK, a figure expected to more than double by the end of the decade, delivering secure, clean, green and – crucially – cheaper power for us all.” 

Written By

Tamara Birch Senior writer

Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.

She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment – all while reducing monthly costs.

In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

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