Britain’s solar-power output set a new record on 26 May, as the country enjoyed the hottest day of the year.

According to the National Grid, solar generation accounted for 8.7GW (24.3% of demand) around lunchtime, topping the previous record (set on 10 May, when 8.48GW of solar power was recorded).

Duncan Burt, who is responsible for control-room operations, said: “We now have significant volumes of renewable energy on the system; and as this trend continues, our ability to forecast these patterns is becoming more and more important.

“We have planned for these changes to the energy landscape and have the tools available to ensure that
we can balance supply and demand. It really is the beginning of a new era.”

Gareth Redmond-King, head of energy and climate at WWF, said: “Solar power is getting cheaper and more efficient, as we install more solar panels around the country. Moreover, it doesn’t just power our homes, but also our economy, with almost a quarter of a million people now working in the low-carbon energy sector.”

Paul Barwel, the chief executive of the Solar Trade Association, said this was the first time that solar has generated more than nuclear, making it second only to gas. “Currently, 12.1GW of solar has been installed throughout the UK — enough to power 3.8 million homes. This is a colossal achievement in just five years, and confirms that solar has a strong place in the decarbonisation of the UK energy sector.”