Solar could provide 15% of the UK’s electricity demand on Friday, according to the Solar Trade Association (STA).

Analysis from the STA estimates that at 1400 on Friday 3 July, solar electricity generation could peak. The UK is currently undergoing the first sustained period of clear summer skies since it installed 2.5GW of new capacity in the first quarter of 2015, as shown by data from Solar Intelligence.

The figure will be reached at the same time as the STA’s Solar Independence Day weekend takes place. The annual event organises open days at solar farms and rooftop installations allowing the public a chance to learn more about local installs. A number of MPs, including energy minister Andrea Leadsom are scheduled to visit participatin sites.

“It is great to see so many solar homeowners and businesses get involved in Solar Independence Day, showing how solar really gives power back to the people, allowing households and business to generate their own clean, green electricity,” said Paul Barwell, CEO, STA. “At more than 80% public support, solar has been shown in government opinion polls to be the country’s most popular form of energy.”

In June the STA released its fully-costed plan to make solar independent of government support by 2020.

The STA website has full details of the expanded list of solar projects taking part in Solar Independence Day.