Western Europe experienced one of its sunniest springs since records began, with solar radiation significantly above historical long-term averages. This information was reported by Solargis s.r.o., a consulting firm based in Bratislava, Slovakia. From March to May, Western Europe—including the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, northwestern France, and western Germany—recorded above-average global horizontal irradiance (GHI).
In parts of Belgium, Germany, and the UK, GHI in March was up to 50 percent above long-term averages. In April, most of northwestern Europe recorded values 35 percent above average. The southern European countries of Spain, Portugal, and Italy were the exceptions, recording values up to 25 percent below the long-term average. In May, GHI values in Scotland were up to 35 percent above average, continuing the above-average trend across the region.
Solargis points out that the increase in solar radiation is already having a measurable impact on electricity generation, particularly in the United Kingdom. The country recorded a 42 percent increase in solar power production compared to the previous year, generating 7.6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity in the first five months of 2025 — a record high. Solar energy accounted for more than ten percent of the UK’s monthly electricity generation for the first time in April and May, reducing dependence on imported gas and saving an estimated €710 million (£600 million) in fuel costs.
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