The UK enjoyed a record-breaking month for solar energy production in May producing 77GW of electricity, according to analysis by financial data outfit Refinitiv.
Solar power output last month was equivalent to 10% of total power output, compared with 8.1% in April.
Renewable energy, overall, was responsible for 36% of the UK’s power production in May with wind providing 17%. Biomass also contributed 8.8%.
Refinitiv European gas research director Wayne Bryan said: “Last month, renewable generation numbers were very encouraging and gave a glimpse into the future providing belief we can achieve net zero by 2050.
“The UK’s recent rise in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) only reinforces this with the UK currently ranked sixth globally for renewable investment.
“The biggest growth is expected in offshore wind, while biomass and offshore wind capacities are also expected to increase.”
The largest overall contributions for domestic energy came from gas and nuclear making up 29% and 22% respectively.
Low pollution contributed to May 2020 being the sunniest on record, according to the Met Office, which in turn meant more sunlight for solar generators.
Low energy demand as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic also had an impact on the share of solar in the overall power mix, said Refinitiv.
May also marks the first full calendar month that the UK has gone coal-free with the current period beginning on Friday 10 April.