On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Europe in the early evening. For electricity generation, a solar eclipse means reduced output from photovoltaic (PV) systems as the moon temporarily blocks sunlight. Due to the timing and relatively limited impact of the upcoming partial solar eclipse, the effect on electricity generation in Austria will be minor. The country’s electricity supply is secure.
Maximum eclipse coverage of around 85 percent in Austria
The path of totality—the area covered by the moon’s umbra, where the sun is completely obscured—will cross Spain. Elsewhere in continental Europe, the eclipse will be partial, with the degree of coverage varying significantly from region to region. In Romania, for example, less than 10 percent of the sun will be obscured, while in Austria, the maximum eclipse coverage will be around 85 percent.
The partial solar eclipse over time: The eclipse will move eastward across Europe. The partial eclipse will enter the European synchronous area (ENTSO-E* RG CE) at around 5:30 p.m. UTC** (7:30 p.m. CEST) in the region of Portugal and northern Spain and will end at around 7:30 p.m. UTC as the sun sets in eastern Europe. The umbra will cross the synchronous area from northern Spain between approximately 6:27 p.m. and 6:33 p.m. UTC, reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast. In Austria, the eclipse will begin at approximately 5:22 p.m. UTC and end at around 6:13 p.m. UTC, when the sun sets. The maximum eclipse coverage in Austria will be approximately 85 percent.
Approximately 19 MW reduction in PV output
Even under a “worst-case” scenario—with clear skies, maximum solar irradiation, maximum gradients and all PV systems connected to the grid—a reduction in PV output of approximately 19 MW is expected across Austria. Under these conditions, PV generation would be expected to reach around 212 MW without the eclipse. Due to the partial solar eclipse, total PV output is expected to fall to approximately 193 MW.
Electricity supply in Austria secure
The solar eclipse and its potential impact on PV generation have been analyzed in detail in advance and incorporated into the relevant forecasts. During the event, these forecasts will be monitored particularly closely, with coordinated consultation taking place with system operators and ENTSO-E. Although the eclipse will reach around 85 percent coverage in Austria, its impact on grid operations will be insignificant because it will occur in the late afternoon and early evening, when PV generation is already declining. Given the relatively minor impact of the partial solar eclipse on electricity generation, no special measures will be required. Austria’s electricity supply remains secure.
* ENTSO-E stands for the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, the association of European transmission system operators.
** UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is two hours behind Central European Summer Time (CEST). For example, 9:00 a.m. UTC corresponds to 11:00 a.m. CEST.
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About Austrian Power Grid (APG)
As independent transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of the electricity supply in Austria. With our high-performance and digital electricity infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies we integrate renewable energies and reduce the dependency on electricity imports, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity and thus create the basis for Austria as supply-secure and future-oriented industrial and business location and place to live. The APG grid totals a length of about 3,500 km and is operated, maintained, and continuously adapted to the increasing challenges of the electrification of businesses, industry, and society by a team of approximately 1,000 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria and the majority is operated remotely. Thanks to our committed employees Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2025 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 680 million euros in 2026 (2025: 595 Mio., 2024: 440 million euros, 2023: 490 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor in reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets. Until 2035 APG will invest a total of approximately 9 billion euros in grid expansion and renovation projects.
For inquiries regarding PV&B Austria:
Federal Association Photovoltaic & Battery Austria
Franz-Josefs-Kai 13/12+13, 1010 Vienna
Phone +43 (0)1 522 35 81 410
verband@pvbaustria.at
www.pvbaustria.at
About the Federal Association Photovoltaic & Battery Austria (PV&B Austria):
The Federal Association Photovoltaic & Battery Austria (PV&B Austria) is the institutional representative for photovoltaics, battery storage and energy management in Austria. Founded in 1996, the association represents the interests of companies across the entire value chain – from manufacturing and trade to skilled crafts and installation. As a voluntary, non-partisan industry association, PV&B Austria is committed to improving the regulatory and market conditions for photovoltaics and battery storage.
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