Solar hits new April highs across Europe while wind diverges, raising short-term supply volatility

Europe’s renewable power picture in late April is becoming more defined by short-term weather swings: solar generation is setting fresh records in multiple countries, but wind output is moving unevenly across key markets. For traders and power buyers, the combination increases the likelihood of rapid changes in supply conditions as seasonal irradiance strengthens while wind patterns remain patchy.

Solar rebounds lift Germany and Italy, but Spain breaks the trend

During the week of April 20, solar photovoltaic (PV) generation rose across much of Europe, though results varied by market. Germany and Italy recorded the strongest rebounds, increasing by 46% and 25%, respectively, reversing the previous week’s decline. France posted a smaller gain of 2.3%, continuing a gradual upward trajectory for a third consecutive week. Portugal also grew for a second straight week, with output rising by 5.4%.

Spain stood out within the Iberian Peninsula: instead of following the prior upward pattern seen earlier, Spanish solar generation fell by 13%, signaling a clear divergence from neighboring markets.

New April solar production records underscore solar’s growing influence

The week also featured multiple record-setting days for April solar production. France reached its highest ever April solar output on April 20 at 149 GWh. Germany then set a new April daily peak on April 22 with 444 GWh, reflecting strong spring irradiance conditions. Italy established an all-time solar record on April 24 with 163 GWh, while Portugal hit its highest April level the same day at 28 GWh.

These milestones highlight how rapidly solar can reshape near-term electricity supply dynamics across Europe as spring progresses.

AleaSoft expects more solar growth into late April

Looking ahead to the week of April 27, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects further increases in solar generation in key markets including Italy, Germany and Spain. The outlook suggests continued volatility tied to weather conditions and seasonal effects.

Wind surges reverse declines in some markets while others weaken

Wind generation also moved sharply during the week of April 20, rising in most major European markets versus the previous week. Germany and France saw the largest jumps, with wind output increasing by 127% and 115%, respectively—fully reversing three consecutive weeks of declines. Portugal’s increase was more moderate at 42%, consistent with steadier but less extreme wind conditions.

But Spain and Italy moved against the regional trend. Spain recorded a fourth consecutive weekly decline in wind generation, falling by 23%. Italy saw output drop by 20%, despite the rebound observed in the prior week. The divergence points to uneven wind resource availability across Southern Europe.

Forecasts suggest tighter wind supply risk after April 27

AleaSoft forecasts that during the week of April 27, wind energy production is expected to decline across all analyzed markets. That shift could tighten supply conditions again and increase reliance on alternative generation sources as wind output weakens.

Taken together, record-breaking solar days alongside diverging—and potentially weakening—wind trends suggest that Europe’s renewable system is entering a period where weather-driven variability may play an outsized role in daily balancing needs and short-term price formation.