Europe’s solar output rises in early April as wind outlook stays uneven

Solar power output moved higher across much of Europe in early April, offering a clear counterpoint to a more uneven wind-energy backdrop. During the week of April 6, photovoltaic production increased in most major markets, with Germany posting the largest gain and several countries setting new intra-month benchmarks.

Germany leads solar gains; Iberia turns lower

Germany recorded a 32% increase in photovoltaic output during the week of April 6, extending its upward trend for a second consecutive week. Italy followed with a 22% rise, while France added 18%.

The Iberian Peninsula diverged from that pattern. Photovoltaic production declined by 6.1% in Spain and by 12% in Portugal, reversing the broader improvement seen elsewhere.

Multiple markets hit record levels for April

Beyond weekly percentage changes, several countries logged standout daily and monthly performance. On April 7, Italy reached its second-highest daily April output at 146 GWh. Germany and France then set all-time April highs on April 8 and April 9, producing 426 GWh and 136 GWh respectively.

Spain and Portugal also posted strong results later in the week: both recorded their second-highest April production levels on April 10, at 200 GWh for Spain and 22 GWh for Portugal.

Forecasts for April 13: Italy and Spain up, Germany down

Looking ahead to the week of April 13, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting projected further divergence by country. The forecast calls for increased photovoltaic production in Italy and Spain, while Germany is expected to decline.

Second week of April: sharp rebound in Portugal; broad declines elsewhere

In the second week of April—covering the period after those early-month highs—production trends shifted again. Portugal rebounded sharply, with photovoltaic output rising by 79% after two weeks of decline.

At the same time, Spain, Germany, France and Italy continued falling for a second consecutive week. Spain recorded the smallest decrease at 20%, while Italy saw the steepest drop at 60%. Germany and France also reported notable reductions of 27% and 38%, respectively.

Wind outlook: possible recovery in Italy but further declines elsewhere

Wind forecasts for the third week of April suggest that conditions may improve only partially. AleaSoft indicated a potential recovery in Italy’s wind energy production, while the remaining analyzed markets are expected to experience further declines.

Taken together, the data underline how quickly solar generation patterns can change across Europe—from record-setting days to renewed regional swings—while wind remains more prone to uneven recovery prospects that could affect balancing needs for power systems during mid-April.