Solar power reached an unprecedented share of the UK’s electricity supply in July, buoyed by exceptionally sunny conditions across the nation, new figures reveal.
The renewable technology supplied 14.4 per cent of all electricity generated in Britain last month, surpassing its previous monthly high of 12.4 per cent set in May.
This also marks a significant increase from the 9.6 per cent recorded in July of the previous year, according to data from the National Energy System Operator (Neso).
This surge was directly attributed to the extraordinary sunshine, with the UK, England, and Wales all experiencing their sunniest Julys on record. For England and Wales specifically, it was the sunniest calendar month ever observed, provisional Met Office figures confirm.
On Sunday July 12, solar accounted 18.8% of all power generated, coming close to the record of 19.5% set on May 24.
At its peak that day, it accounted for 44% of generation from 10.30am to midday.
Separate government figures for 2025 show that solar generation was up by 34.2% on 2024, because of a leap in solar installations – including the UK’s largest solar farm at Cleve Hill in Kent – and sunny conditions.
And more installations of all kinds – from rooftop panels to solar farms – were completed in the first half of the year than any previous six-month period since subsidies for the technology were halted.
Energy minister Michael Shanks said the figures showed British solar was going “from strength to strength”.
“After two fossil fuel crises in five years, the lesson is clear: the more power we generate here in Britain, the less exposed families and businesses are to global energy price shocks.
“That’s how we deliver energy security, get bills down for good and deliver skilled jobs in every part of the country.
“Alongside expanding clean, homegrown power, we’re cutting VAT on energy bills, giving families more breathing space this winter,” he said.
Chris Hewett, chief executive of industry body Solar Energy UK said: “Fifteen years ago, solar energy was a footnote in the electricity mix.
“Now it is a major player, delivering home-grown, cheap, clean and reliable energy.
“It’s a success story that the whole nation should be proud of.”
And Julian Leslie, strategic energy planning director and chief engineer at Neso, said: “These new records show the increasing power of solar.
“It’s hard to believe how far Britain has come over the past quarter of a century, with renewables now producing around 60% of our electricity – up from just 3% in the year 2000.
“Enabling low-carbon technologies like solar to play their part in our energy future is critical to helping us on our journey towards building a cleaner energy future.”
