How solar is providing secure, clean and affordable energy to Great Britain

As Great Britain progresses toward a more secure, zero-carbon energy future, we’re relying on a wider variety of generation sources than ever before. A main source is sunlight, which can be captured and turned into electricity and heat. Both forms of energy are produced using solar panels, which you’ll see on rooftops of homes and businesses, and in solar farms.

Accurately predicting the amount of electricity that can be generated from solar power is essential for operating the system more efficiently, maximising the potential of this energy source and ultimately lowering costs for consumers.

Improving solar forecasting

Our energy forecasting team has partnered with Open Climate Fix to create a new tool that will help unlock the power of solar, called Quartz Solar. This innovative tool uses machine learning, real-time satellite imagery and weather data to produce forecasts that are continuously refined every minute, enabling accurate predictions of solar generation for the same day and up to 36 hours ahead. 

After thorough testing, this AI-driven solution is now fully integrated into our control room operations, allowing us to forecast photovoltaic (PV) generation and make informed decisions on how much energy we need to hold in reserve to meet supply and demand needs.

What are the benefits?

Since its integration into our control room, Quartz Solar has enhanced the precision of our forecasting, delivering savings of approximately £30 million each year. This figure could rise to £150 million annually by 2035, as we connect more solar power to the grid as part of the UK Government’s 2035 solar targets in the Clean Power Action Plan.

How much solar does Great Britain use?

In 2024, solar energy accounted for 5% of Great Britain’s electricity and this figure continues to rise. On 8 July 2025, Great Britain set a record for maximum solar generation reaching a peak of 14,023 MW, which at that time supplied 40% of the nation’s electricity. This is more electricity than we can import through European interconnectors and shows the significant role solar energy can play in enhancing energy security through domestic sources in Great Britain.

Connecting solar to Great Britain’s electricity grid

Connections Reform is transforming the way projects connect to Britain’s electricity system. We’re moving from an outdated, first come, first served approach to prioritising ready-to-go projects aligned with national targets. 

This approach will be fundamental to achieving the UK Government’s 2030 clean power target and out to 2035. As of December 2024, we had 210GW of solar projects in the old connections queue, but Great Britain only needs another 30GW for clean power in 2030 and52GW to meet 2035 requirements.

By freeing up space for projects that are ready to deliver and aligned with national targets, we’re ensuring solar has the opportunity to play an increasing role in providing secure, clean, home-grown energy to Great Britain.