Solar eclipse may cut Europe solar output by 9.7 GW, grid body says

European power grid operators are preparing for the August 12 solar eclipse to cause a temporary dip in solar electricity generation, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity said.

Under clear skies, photovoltaic output across Europe could fall by up to 9.7 GW between 19:15 and 21:30 CEST, ENTSO-E said. The group said operators were ready to keep the electricity system secure and stable during the event.

ENTSO-E said a task force had been activated to coordinate preparations, monitor the situation and share information before and after the eclipse. It said operators had briefed control rooms, warned market participants about the expected solar generation dip and avoided planned grid outages during the eclipse period to preserve flexibility.

Spain, where the Moon will fully cover the Sun, and Germany are expected to experience the largest reductions in solar power, ENTSO-E said.

SolarPower Europe said the European Union had about 406 GW of installed solar capacity at the end of 2025. ENTSO-E said solar now accounts for about 13 percent of Europe’s electricity mix.

The eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006. Its path of totality is due to pass from remote northern Russia over Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.