As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, solar power is expected to flood European grids. In fact, it’s been predicted that this summer will see record amounts of solar energy being generated.
Scorching summer sparks solar success
Last year was a big year for solar power. Thanks to a long, hot summer, renewable energy sources like solar and wind provided a record 30% of Europe’s electricity demand, with solar providing the lion’s share.
And it gets better. Summer 2022 is being tipped by experts to be even more lucrative for solar energy generation. With an extra hour of daylight each day expected, and temperatures predicted to be higher than average, solar panels will be working overtime to generate electricity.
Germany gets the most sunlight of any country in Europe, and solar is expected to have to potential to provide enough energy to power up to 60% of the country’s electricity needs on some days. Fraunhofer ISE reported that this figure has already been hit once in late June.
These astonishing numbers are also dependent on Germany’s ability to harness all this power, but is certainly a huge increase from previous years and fantastic sustainable solution for German energy independence.
France and Spain are also expected to get a lot of sun this summer. With both countries investing heavily in solar power in recent times, solar initiatives that have been implemented are set to reap the rewards this summer.
According to Bloomberg, solar power in Spain has already provided enough to meet 23% of the electricity demand in early June, and France 19% and Italy 27%!
With temperatures in the southeast of Europe expected to remain warmer than usual, the demand being met by renewables throughout Europe is expected to continue increasing.
UK solar summer
We all know that the sun doesn’t always shine in the Uk, but solar power is still expected to play a big role in meeting our electricity demand this summer.
Even on cloudy days, solar panels can generate up to 30% of their capacity, and with the UK getting more sunshine than usual this summer, it’s predicted that they’ll be generating a lot of electricity.
Large solar farms are set to benefit most from this sunny weather, as they have more panels and so can generate more electricity.
With all this renewable energy being generated, it’s hoped that Europe will be able to meet its ambitious climate goals and move away from fossil fuels.
