Solar photovoltaic generation declined across most major European electricity markets during the week of 13 July, while wind power output rose in the majority of markets, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting. The data points to contrasting week-on-week movements between the two technologies across Europe.
Weekly changes in solar photovoltaic generation
France recorded the largest weekly decline in solar PV output, with generation down 14%. Spain followed with a 5.4% decrease, while Italy and Germany saw smaller falls of 1.6% and 1.0%, respectively.
Portugal moved against the broader trend, with solar PV generation up 2.9%. It also marked its third consecutive week of growth and continued to set new daily production records.
On 16 July, Portugal’s solar PV generation reached 34 GWh. That level surpassed the previous all-time record for solar output on a July day, set on 7 July.
AleaSoft outlook for solar starting 20 July
For the week beginning 20 July, AleaSoft expects solar generation to decline across all major European electricity markets included in its analysis. The forecast indicates a short-term correction after strong production levels in several markets.
AleaSoft also linked the expected fall to continued growth in installed solar capacity across Europe. The projection covers the same set of major markets used for the weekly assessment.
Wind power rises in most markets, with Germany as exception
Wind generation followed a different pattern during the third week of July, increasing in most major European electricity markets compared with the previous week. Italy registered the largest increase at 22.0%, followed by Spain at 12% and France at 6.5%.
Germany was the main exception, with wind power generation falling by 28%. Portugal also recorded a decline, down 5.4%, indicating different weather conditions affecting renewable output across countries.
Even with weekly volatility, France set a new all-time record for wind generation on a July day on 13 July. Output reached 215 GWh, showing that high single-day production can coincide with larger week-on-week changes.
Wind forecast for the fourth week of July
AleaSoft expects wind generation to increase across most major European electricity markets during the fourth week of July. It also forecasts that France will record a decline over the same period.
The contrasting outlook for solar and wind reflects changing weather conditions affecting European electricity markets, according to AleaSoft. The report also highlights the role of flexibility measures, energy storage and cross-border interconnection capacity as renewable penetration continues to rise.