Record solar output for Octopus Investments

Octopus Investments has recorded the highest level of generational output of its portfolio of photovoltaic (PV) rays in the UK.

The company says it is thanks to the recent heatwave that during the 30 days to 22 July, 155GWh of energy was generated which is 19 per cent above the forecasted outturn.

Octopus says enough power was generated to power 50,000 homes for an entire year.

Matt Setchell, head of renewables at Octopus Investments welcomed the news. But he also warned of the “summer low” as opposed to “winter peak”, whereby the increased amount of unused baseload power on the grid needs to be adequately managed, and maximised so this electricity is not wasted.

He added: “As part of our holistic view of the energy system, Octopus has been also investing in smart technology to help enable demand side management and build a more resilient network.

“It’s no longer just about how much energy you produce, it’s about how you use this energy effectively and at the lowest possible cost to the consumer.”

A spokesperson for the Solar Trade Association, said: “The very long periods of clear skies this summer have been great for solar output and several records have been broken this year, including solar briefly generating more of the UK’s electricity than gas, as well as nuclear.

“This offers a glimpse of just how big a role solar is going to play in a clean energy future, where solar is already the world’s biggest clean energy market. It’s fantastic to see a company like Octopus making full use of our abundant natural solar resource to supply their customers and also starting to offer incentives to use energy when solar power is so abundant.”

National Grid reported 30 per cent less wind generation in June and July compared to the same time last year.