EU sees record solar power generation in Germany; solar is largest EU electricity source in June

Germany has achieved a new record in solar power generation over the past two months, with solar energy emerging as the largest electricity source across the European Union in June 2026.

Analysis from the energy think tank Ember reveals that both May and June 2026 saw at least one-third of Germany's electricity derived from solar power. This marks a significant increase from previous years; in June 2021, solar energy accounted for only 10 percent of the EU's electricity mix.

Across the EU in June 2026, solar power represented a quarter of all electricity generated, surpassing nuclear energy (21 percent), natural gas (15 percent), wind power (14 percent), and hydropower (12 percent). This is the third time solar energy has become the EU's primary electricity source, following instances in June 2025 and May 2026.

The substantial growth in solar capacity over the last five years is cited as the primary reason for this achievement. The increased solar generation played a crucial role in managing Europe's recent heatwave. With high cooling demands leading to increased electricity consumption, solar power helped maintain a stable supply while other energy sources struggled under the hot and windless conditions.

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helped to maintain the electricity supply while other energy sources were pushed to their limits under the hot and wind-poor weather conditions