U.K. solar shatters generation record on year’s hottest day

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At midday London time, the U.K. solar sector set a new record, generating 8.75 GW, show data compiled by National Grid Plc and Sheffield University, whereas the Solar Trade Association (STA) announced that this was the first time that solar had generated more than nuclear, second only to gas.

Based on the data gathered from almost 600 sites around the country, Friday’s output satisfied 24 % of electricity demand and showed an increase on 8.49 GW reached earlier this month.

This year, solar has already made notable achievements, including its landmark weekend in March, when afternoon energy demand was sent below overnight demand.

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The record-breaking string comes as a result of a flurry of new PV plants installed in the previous years, with the figures reaching 4.13 GW and 2.55 GW in 2015 and 2014 respectively, whereas 2016 saw a significant decline to 1.94 GW added, as the country’s ROC program was wound up and the new Contract for Differences scheme for large–scale renewable energy projects proved to be not particularly favorable for solar.

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