During the recent heatwaves, a significant increase in solar power generation in southern Europe was a key factor in preventing energy shortages.

Since the sun's radiation is at its peak during the hottest part of the day — and at the same time as the peak of the electricity demand for cooling — solar power is especially well-suited to surviving the summer heat.

Spain and Greece are two of the nations that have increased their solar panel installations significantly as a result of the record-high energy prices of the previous year and the need for greater energy security as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Spanish electricity grid operator Red Electrica reported that Spain added a record 4.5 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity last year, leading to solar energy output in July, typically one of the sunniest months, that was much larger than any month to date.

According to Ember data, solar energy produced nearly 24% of Spain's electricity in July 2018, up from 16% in July 2022.

Nearly half of the excess demand, which totaled 1.3 GW, was met by solar when Sicilian power demand peaked on July 24 as a result of soaring temperatures and a need for cooling, according to Refinitiv data. Last month, Sicily produced more solar energy than it did in July 2022.

However, increased solar output contributed to meeting demand in both nations. According to grid operator IPTO, solar photovoltaics supplied 3.5 GW of the 10.35 GW demand during Greece's peak electricity demand this year, which fell on July 24.

Solar energy has provided more than 100% of the extra energy required during midday spikes in power demand, even in cooler and less sunny western nations like Belgium.