New solar generation record hailed

The dramatic reduction in air pollution resulting from the Covid 19 lockdown has contributed to a record level of solar of solar generation, new figures show.

Around 12:30pm yesterday (20 April), Sheffield University Solar’s Live PV Generation Tracker recorded a peak of 9.68GW of solar generation.

This surpassed the previous record of 9.55GW set on 13 May 2019.

At the time of yesterday’s peak, solar was meeting almost 30 per cent of UK electricity demand, according to the Solar Trade Association (STA).

The significantly lower than usual levels of pollution, which have seen nitrogen dioxide levels fall by up to 60 per cent, have contributed to clearer conditions, which mean that UV rays are less likely to be deflected before they hit the panels.

This, combined with relatively cool temperatures, has provided optimal conditions for maximising the efficiency of solar PV devices, the STA said. Solar panels tend to work better in cooler ambient rather than hotter temperatures.

It said that as the lockdown and good weather continues, more solar generation records are expected to be broken.

STA chief executive Chris Hewett said: “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.”

Welcoming the record figures, Renewable Energy Association (REA) chief executive Dr Nina Skorupska said: “In a time when positive news is few and far between, renewables continue to signal towards a brighter and more hopeful future. Less than two weeks after breaking the record for power generation in Q1, renewables have once again raised the bar with solar power reaching an impressive 9.68GW peak this week.

“This is an astonishing feat and indicates only the beginning of what the industry is capable of. However, for this to continue into the future, the renewables and clean technologies industry needs assurance that in this trying time the fight against climate change remains a top priority for the government.”

The STA said the abundance of solar power on the grid has also contributed to the lengthiest coal-free period for the grid in 2020 so far, with more than 11.5 days passed at time of writing.