Solar plants are so far losing money in May. The day-ahead market shows an average capture price of -8,5 EUR/MWh

The data available for May so far point to a new reality for solar power plants, at least until electricity storage expands. Their average capture price is currently in negative territory, at around -8,5 EUR/MWh. This is the result of the rapid growth in installed photovoltaic capacity, insufficient system flexibility and frequent price drops into negative territory during midday hours.

Although solar power plants in Czechia began May with high output, the market value of the electricity generated was exceptionally low. According to the May data available so far, the capture price for solar power plants stands at -8,56 EUR/MWh. If solar power plants sold their output solely on the day-ahead market and without support, they would so far be operating at a loss. This is because photovoltaic generation is, on average, concentrated in hours when day-ahead market prices are very low or even negative. May has been exceptional in this respect.