Latvian Distribution Grid Absorbs 722 Gigawatt-Hours of Solar Power in Nine Months
Latvia’s power distribution grid absorbed 722.4 gigawatt-hours of electricity from solar power stations during the first nine months of 2026, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from AS Sadales tīkls reported by Uzlādēts.
Solar Generation Surges as Plant Capacity Scales Up
The nine-month growth was driven by an exceptionally productive second quarter across the distribution network. In June alone, solar installations fed 125.82 gigawatt-hours into the grid, representing a 70 percent surge over June 2025 levels. By the end of September, approximately 1,790 solar installations with a combined capacity of about 1,080 megawatts were connected to the distribution system. The scale of individual projects also expanded significantly, with 348 new stations added during the nine-month period averaging 1.06 megawatts each—roughly ten times the average capacity of stations connected in 2022.
Battery Storage Integration Accelerates Across the Grid
Energy storage is increasingly pairing with solar infrastructure to manage peak generation hours. Of the total solar installations connected to the distribution network, 315 systems—representing 18 percent—are combined with battery energy storage systems, boasting a combined capacity of approximately 270 megawatts. Micro-generation projects also adopted storage rapidly, with 1,930 solar-plus-storage solutions totaling nearly 41.8 megawatts connected in the first nine months of 2026. Standalone battery installations without solar panels expanded as well, with 17 new systems totaling 54 megawatts added by the end of September, following 12 installations totaling 10.3 megawatts last year. These standalone units delivered 21.3 gigawatt-hours into the grid during the first nine months.
Renewables Dominate Monthly Energy Balance Amid Rising Prices
Data from the September market review published by AST showed that Latvian solar plants delivered 140.1 gigawatt-hours to the grid in September—down 37 percent from August due to seasonal declines in daylight, but up 67 percent year-over-year. Hydroelectric generation rose to 148.6 gigawatt-hours, while wind farms reached a monthly record of 50.7 gigawatt-hours. Renewable energy sources collectively accounted for 94.42 percent of electricity injected into the grid in September, with local generation covering 62.39 percent of the country’s 615.6 gigawatt-hour total consumption. As autumn reduced solar output and increased heating demand, Latvia’s average electricity price climbed to 108.68 euros per megawatt-hour in September, a 36 percent increase over August and 29 percent higher than September 2025, though no negative pricing hours occurred during the month.
Grid Operator Projections Target 2.8 Gigawatts by 2036
AS Sadales tīkls forecasts that total connected generation and storage capacity across the distribution network could reach approximately 2.8 gigawatts by 2036. Storage connection capacity currently exceeds 350 megawatts, with about 150 megawatts actively operating and technical requirements issued for another 900 megawatts. To handle rising electricity demand from transport and heating electrification, data centers, and storage units, future grid management will focus on coordinating when and how power is generated, consumed, and stored rather than simply adding raw generation capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Latvia’s Solar and Battery Growth
How much electricity did standalone batteries discharge into the grid?
Standalone battery systems without solar panels delivered approximately 21.3 gigawatt-hours into the distribution network during the first nine months of the year, according to AS Sadales tīkls data.
What percentage of Latvian electricity consumption did local generation cover in September?
Local generation covered 62.39 percent of Latvia’s total electricity consumption in September, with the country consuming 615.6 gigawatt-hours while producing 384.1 gigawatt-hours, resulting in a transmission grid import balance deficit of 231.5 gigawatt-hours.
What was the average electricity price in Latvia in September?
The average electricity price in Latvia reached 108.68 euros per megawatt-hour in September, representing a 36 percent increase compared to August and a 29 percent rise from September 2025.
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