Experts have hailed the start of an “exciting” new era for renewable energy as solar power hit a UK record of generating 8.7 gigawatts of power on the hottest day of the year so far.
The record for solar output was broken in the half an hour from midday on Friday, topping the previous record which was set on May 10 when 8.48 gigawatts was recorded.
A spokesman for the National Grid, which released the figures, said it was thanks to a “much higher than predicted” increase in the number of solar panels.
He said: “What we have seen over time is there is an increase in solar panels … we get a clear sunny day and the record gets broken.
“This is certainly not going to be the last time the record gets broken.”
The figure accounted for 24.3% of the total power generation across Britain at the time and came as most of the British Isles basked in clear skies and brilliant sunshine.
A spokesman from the Exeter-based Met Office said that as of 2pm the highest temperature of the day was 28.1C (82.6F), recorded in Porthmadog, North Wales – which beat Thursday’s top temperature by 0.1C, making it the warmest day of the year so far.
Duncan Burt is responsible for the National Grid’s control room operations where the national transmission network is balanced by ensuring supply and demand are matched second by second.
He said: “We now have significant volumes of renewable energy on the system and as this trend continues, our ability to forecast these patterns is becoming more and more important.
“We have an expert team of forecasters who monitor a range of data, to forecast just how much electricity will be needed over a set period.”
Mr Burt said the National Grid had planned for these changes to the energy landscape and had the tools to manage them.
He added: “It really is the beginning of a new era, which we are prepared for and excited to play our part.”
The Solar Trade Association’s CEO, Paul Barwell, said the record was a significant landmark and showed how shrewdly the UK had invested in solar energy in the last five years.
He said the lunchtime record meant solar was producing more than nuclear and was second only to gas for that period.
He said: “You have got far less generation being required from the fossil fuel sector.
“Coal is practically producing nothing today.”
Mr Barwell added: “It’s a great sign and it is a great message to the Government.”
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