Photovoltaics Set New Record for Electricity Generation in July
According to the Renewable Energy Statistics Working Group (AGEE-Stat), photovoltaics achieved a historic milestone in July 2024, generating more electricity in a single month than ever before. Domestic photovoltaic systems delivered 10.1 terawatt hours of electricity in July, surpassing the previous record set in June 2024 by 0.4 terawatt hours. This represents a significant increase of nearly 25% compared to July 2023, which saw a production boost of two terawatt hours.
From January to July 2024, photovoltaics produced 14% more electricity compared to the same period last year. This rise is attributed solely to the expansion of solar systems, as solar radiation levels were lower than in 2023. The cumulative solar radiation from January to July 2024 was 757 kilowatt hours per square meter, slightly below the long-term average and less than the 786 kilowatt hours per square meter recorded in the same period last year.
AGEE-Stat estimates that photovoltaic capacity expanded by just over 1.4 gigawatts in July, bringing the total net expansion for the year up to the end of July to approximately 9.4 gigawatts—an increase of about 11% compared to the previous year.
Renewable Energy Overview
Overall, renewable energy technologies provided 7% more electricity in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, amounting to an additional eleven terawatt hours. While onshore wind energy saw a modest increase of just under 2%—the lowest in the past five years—offshore wind energy experienced a stronger growth of 6.5%, exceeding previous years’ increases. Hydropower output rose significantly, whereas biomass electricity generation saw a slight decline.
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