British solar generation hit record levels in the first half of 2025, helping to balance lower wind output, according to analysis by Ember.
The think tank said solar produced 9.91TWh in the period, up a third on last year, offsetting a 2.8TWh fall in wind.
Gas power rose early in the year as imports fell, but was pushed to record lows in June, providing just 21% of generation as wind speeds returned to average.
Ember said solar and wind complement each other, with 98% of days sunny, windy or both.
Analyst Frankie Mayo said: “Britain is lucky to have a climate remarkably well-suited to renewables. If a day’s not windy, it’s almost always sunny instead.”
Solar generation set records for five consecutive months from March, with July 8 seeing a peak of 14GW, up 44% on five years ago.
Ember attributed the growth to sunny conditions and a surge in new installations, with households fitting larger systems despite the end of subsidies.
Wind remained the UK’s largest clean power source, generating 39TWh in the first half.
Mayo said: “Solar is having a golden year. Britain is benefiting from a recent push in new solar installations, limiting the need for expensive gas when wind speeds were below average.”