Solar PV weekly gains from May 18
In the week of May 18, solar photovoltaic (PV) generation rose across the main European electricity markets versus the prior week. Germany recorded the largest increase at 28%, followed by Italy at 19% and France at 11%. Spain increased by 2.2%, while Portugal grew by 9.4%. France and Spain extended their upward streak to a third consecutive week, while Germany and Italy posted gains for a second week.
Record daily solar generation during May
Several countries reached record daily solar generation levels for May during the same period. On May 20, Italy and Portugal logged their highest daily solar output of the month at 160 GWh and 28 GWh, respectively. Spain recorded 227 GWh on that day, its second-highest daily solar generation in May. France set a new May record on May 22 with 169 GWh, while Germany peaked for the month on May 25 at 480 GWh.
Forecasts for solar output into the week of May 25
For the week beginning May 25, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting point to continued growth in solar production in Germany, Italy and Spain. The outlook indicates that high photovoltaic output is expected to persist as seasonal conditions remain favorable. The forecast coverage focuses on those three markets for continued increases compared with the preceding period.
Wind generation falls across major markets in late May
Wind energy production declined sharply across most major European markets during the third week of May. Germany saw the largest decrease, down by 57%, while Italy recorded a smaller drop of 13%. Spain fell by 28%, Portugal declined by 30%, and France decreased by 33%. Portugal extended its downward trend to a second consecutive week, linked to weaker wind conditions across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Western Europe.
Wind volatility and end-of-month outlook
Even with the overall decline, Italy reached a peak daily wind generation level for May on May 22, producing 131 GWh. For the final week of May, forecasts suggest a rebound in wind generation in Germany. At the same time, lower wind production is expected for the Iberian Peninsula, France and Italy. The forecast points to divergence in regional wind patterns across Europe into that period.