In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that Europe’s solar irradiance averaged 5% above the 2007–2025 norm in August 2026, with nearly three-quarters of the continent seeing above-average levels due to persistent high pressure and clear skies. Conditions shifted later in the month as cooler, cloudier weather reduced gains in western Europe, while central and eastern regions retained much of their irradiance surplus.
Global horizontal irradiance across Europe averaged 5% above the 2007–2025 norm in August 2026, extending the elevated solar resource recorded during June and July, according to analysis using the Solcast API. Nearly three quarters of the continent received above-average irradiance as persistent high pressure limited cloud formation and storm development. Much of southern England experienced Europe’s strongest positive anomalies, reaching more than 20% above average, before a change in weather patterns brought cooler and cloudier conditions to parts of western Europe during the second half of the month.
High pressure remained the main influence on Europe’s solar resource for much of August. Sinking air within the persistent system stabilised atmospheric conditions, limiting cloud formation and supporting extended periods of clear sky. Although August is typically Europe’s second-sunniest month, irradiance reached more than 20% above the seasonal norm in some regions. This marked a third consecutive month of elevated solar resource across much of western and central Europe, while London’s cumulative GHI reached a record high for this point in the year.
