Energy & Climate
‘Plug-in solar’ available within months
Plug-in solar panels to be in shops within months, offering households chance to cut energy bills.
28 March 2026
Main image: Located on the north Kent coast near Faversham, the Cleve Hill Solar Park is the UK’s largest operational solar farm
Great Britain generated a record amount of solar power during the second quarter of 2026.
Wind retained its position as the single-largest source of electricity generation and renewables supplied more than half of all power produced in Q2.
These are the key takeaways from energy market intelligence provider Montel’s Q2 ‘GB Electricity Market Summary’.
Britain’s solar generation reached 8.0 TWh between April and June, the highest quarterly output ever recorded. This was driven by continued capacity growth and favourable weather conditions.
Instantaneous solar generation also reached a new national record of 15.42 GW on 23 April.
Despite the record solar output, wind remained Great Britain’s largest source of electricity generation, producing 18.9 TWh (up 7% compared with Q2 2025) during the quarter, around 55% of all renewable generation.
This occurred despite both lower output during the late-June heatwave and more than 2.4 TWh (approximately 15%) of total potential wind generation being curtailed in the quarter.
‘The generation mix continued to shift towards lower carbon sources, with renewable generation accounting for more than half of total output.
‘Renewable generation totalled 34.2 TWh during Q2 2026, accounting for 53% of total GB electricity generation, the highest share of any fuel group. Renewables continued to displace fossil fuel generation across much of the quarter while exerting greater influence over wholesale price formation and system operation.’
PHIL HEWITT
Director at Montel
The quarter saw renewables account for 53% of electricity generation, while fossil fuels contributed just 23%.
Nuclear generation provided a further 13%, meaning around two-thirds of Britain’s electricity came from zero-carbon sources.
However, the report notes that increasing levels of renewable generation is increasing the need for flexibility across the electricity system.
‘June’s record-breaking heatwave highlighted the changing dynamics of Britain’s electricity system. Strong solar generation reduced prices in the middle of the day, whilst we experienced some very tight days (last full week in June particularly) when lower wind output, solar coming off, rising demand and CCGT output decreasing due to high temperatures tightened system margins during the evening peak, increasing reliance on batteries, flexible gas generation and electricity imports.’
PHIL HEWITT
Director at Montel
Plug-in solar panels to be in shops within months, offering households chance to cut energy bills.
UK investors surge to invest more than £1.3 million in the UK’s first co-operatively owned, recycled solar park built on a former coal mine.
Solar farms managed for nature can benefit birds and other wildlife.
P.E.A. Awards sponsor Duracell Energy is helping bill payers shift to battery-powered homes.
