New UK solar generation record set amidst air pollution collapse

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Image: Lightsource BP.

A new peak solar generation record has been set in the UK, with the industry citing a collapse in air pollution levels linked to the country’s lockdown as having played a pivotal role.

The new record was set just after midday yesterday (20 April 2020), when solar generation was recorded to have peaked at 9.68GW.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The UK has an installed solar capacity in excess of 13GW, and the University of Sheffield tracks forecasted generation across each half-hourly settlement period.

Image: The University of Sheffield/Sheffield Solar.

The new 9.68GW figure comes to exceed the previous 9.55GW record of May 2019, a time when solar was also found to have been providing nearly one-third of total electricity demand in the country.

While power demand in the UK has predictably fell as strict pandemic-related lockdown measures are followed, the considerable fall in road traffic, heavy manufacturing and other industries has resulted in air pollution levels recorded at mere fractions of what would be considered usual at this time of year.

The UK’s Solar Trade Association said that the clearer conditions, combined with cool temperatures and a lack of cloud cover, had created optimal conditions for the new record.

“Ideal weather conditions and lower levels of pollution than normal mean solar is providing record levels of cheap, clean power to the grid. At a time when most of us are working remotely, we can say that solar is truly keeping the WiFi on,” the association’s chief executive Chris Hewett said.

The global pandemic, and more specifically the national lockdowns triggered to tackle it, has given rise to renewables playing more significant roles in power systems as demand has tumbled.

Last week this publication documented reports or renewables records being broken across Germany, Spain and Australia.

PV Tech has set up a dedicated tracker to map out how the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting solar supply chains worldwide. You can read the latest updates here.

If you have a COVID-19 statement to share or a story on how the pandemic is disrupting a solar business anywhere in the world, do get in touch at [email protected] or [email protected].

Read Next

September 19, 2025
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has adopted a new set of binding targets and reporting requirements for its PV manufacturing members.
Premium
September 15, 2025
The UK government and solar industry have jointly published a long-anticipated roadmap detailing how to maximise the country’s solar potential. Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK takes a closer look at the details.
Premium
September 1, 2025
The UK’s new Labour government took power last summer, promising a renewable energy revolution, with solar playing a lead role.
August 29, 2025
The first half of 2025 has been the strongest year for UK solar energy generation on record, according to a new report think tank Ember.
August 26, 2025
Investment in utility-scale solar fell by 19% in the first half of 2025, as global investment in all renewable energy projects grew by 10%.
August 5, 2025
NextEnergy Capital (NEC), through NextPower V ESG, has acquired a 73MW agriPV portfolio in Campania, Italy.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK