Solar generation sets new GB record

8 April 2026

A new British solar generation record has been set.

Solar panels across Great Britain generated an estimated 14,414 megawatts at 11.30am yesterday, setting a new national record and supplying around 35% of the country’s electricity demand, according to the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

The figures have been revised from an earlier estimate of the record, which was thought to have been 14,082MW, set at midday, yesterday.

Solar Energy UK says the record has come earlier in the year than any previous annual peak.

The old GB record was set on 8 July last year, at 14,046MW, when it met 39% of demand. Northern Ireland is considered separately, being part of the all-Ireland grid.

If solar generation capacity remained static, the annual peak would normally be expected to be reached in late April to early May. That is because panels perform at their very best in cool but bright conditions. But the pace of growth is changing that established pattern.

In February, the industry was predicted to install 5-5.5 gigawatts of capacity this year, according to estimates by Josh Cornes, senior market analyst at Solar Media. That comes on top of the almost 24GW in place at the end of 2026.

That was before the latest energy crisis led the government to promise further measures that will accelerate the pace of growth even further, on top of rising consumer demand for rooftop and soon-to-be-approved plug-in systems.

Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK:

“As solar and wind power become more commonplace, the price of electricity will come down, especially at times of abundant generation. With sunnier weather ahead of us, combined with more and more installations being deployed, it is inevitable that further records will be set, putting further downward pressure on prices and reducing Britain’s dependence on expensive gas.”