In the week of May 18, solar photovoltaic (PV) generation increased across the main European electricity markets compared with the previous week. The German market recorded the largest rise 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 trend to a third consecutive week, while Germany and Italy posted gains for a second week in a row.
Record daily solar output in May
During the same period, several countries reached record daily solar generation levels for May. 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 May 20, its second-highest daily solar generation in May.
France set a new May record on May 22, reaching 169 GWh. Germany reached its peak for the month on May 25, producing 480 GWh, which also marked its second-highest ever daily solar output. AleaSoft Energy Forecasting data referenced in the reporting indicates that these higher levels were part of broader late-May performance.
Forecasts for solar production into the week of May 25
Looking ahead to the week of May 25, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting point to continued growth in solar production in Germany, Italy and Spain. The outlook suggests that high photovoltaic output is likely to persist as seasonal conditions remain favorable.
Wind generation declines across major European markets
In contrast to solar trends, wind energy production declined sharply across most major European markets during the third week of May. Germany saw the largest fall, dropping by 57%, while Italy recorded a decrease of 13%. Spain, Portugal and France reported declines of 28%, 30% and 33%, respectively.
Portugal extended its downward trend to a second consecutive week during this period. The reporting attributes the decline to weaker wind conditions across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Western Europe.
Italy’s May wind peak amid volatility
Despite the overall decline, Italy still reached a peak daily wind generation level for May on May 22. Wind output on that date was 131 GWh. The figures show intra-week volatility in wind generation even as the broader trend remained lower.
Late-May outlook for wind in Germany and Southern Europe
For the final week of May, forecasts suggest a rebound in wind generation in Germany. At the same time, the Iberian Peninsula, France and Italy are expected to see lower wind production compared with earlier levels. AleaSoft reports these regional differences in expected wind patterns into late May.
