In simple terms, solar power is a way of absorbing light radiation from the sun and converting it into energy, using a power generation method, known as the Photovoltaic Effect.

When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV (photovoltaic) cells in the panel, this energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electric field in the cell, creating a direct electrical current (DC) which in turn is converted into alternating current (AC) using inverter technology. The AC power is then distributed to the home or back to the grid via an electrical panel.

Not only is it a renewable, clean source of electricity, there are many, many additional advantages to using solar power. It is extremely scalable; this means that it can be deployed on a huge industrial scale, whilst it can also be used to just power a single household. What’s more, extra electricity that has been generated can be stored in a battery to be used later, or fed back into the electricity grid in exchange for compensation, discounted through your energy bill.

From helping the environment to lowering energy bills with skyrocketing and unstable market prices, there are a huge number of great reasons to install solar panels at your home or business.

• Reduce or even eliminate energy consumption bills. You are guaranteed to save money on your electricity bills through generating and using your own energy, as well as ‘selling’ additionally generated, unused power back to the grid.
• Start saving from day one. Not only can solar power reduce or eliminate energy bill costs as soon as they are installed. They also offer long-term savings because once installed, it’s basically free to capture the power of the sun. Solar panels also significantly improve the resale value of a property, increasing investment. Solar panels also extend the life of a roof because they protect it from the elements, such as rain, snow and debris. They make the house more energy-efficient in the summer because the hot sun is not beating down on the roof directly—it is instead being absorbed by the panels, keeping the house temperature lower.
• Lower your carbon footprint. Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels in your home helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuels. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global climate change. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, but they are also finite resources. Because of this, the price is constantly fluctuating and can increase in a short period of time. Help the environment by reducing fossil fuel use for electricity generation and increasing the production of renewable energy. Gas usage may also be reduced as Solar panels can be used for both heating of hot water through solar thermal energy (leveraging the power of the Sun in the form of heat) as well as electricity generation.
• Solar power causes less electricity loss. The ability to create power backups in case of power outages, through the use of solar batteries which can be used to store your additional power. Electricity needs to be transported from big power plants to end-consumers via extensive networks. Long-distance transmissions equal power losses. Rooftop solar power is helpful in increasing electricity efficiency, considering the short distance. Your energy becomes domestic and as a result, you’re in control of your own bills and energy usage. Furthermore, solar power systems are durable, thus chances of service interruption are reduced.
• Solar power is a ‘free’ source of energy. Spain has over 320 days of sunshine a year on average, so it is the most efficient way of generating electricity. Even during the winter months, Spain still enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine. Even when there is cloud and rain, this rarely lasts for long, meaning that installing solar panels in Spain is the ideal choice for those looking to save money and play their part in protecting the planet. After all, the sun provides us with more energy than we could ever use, and no one can monopolise sunlight. Your solar power system will start saving money from the moment it’s turned on, however, the advantages of solar power are best visible in the long term. The longer you have your solar power system, the more you enjoy the benefits of solar technology and support the environment.

Professionally installed solar systems in Spain can range from €4,000 upwards, but, of course, it depends entirely on the size of the installation that is tailored correctly for the individual consumption requirements of the client, as well as the type of panels and materials used.

This is determined depending on their usual energy consumption, the size of the viable area available to install the solar panels, on their roof usually or in surrounding space, as well as the preferences of the client.

Yes, of course! The installers of solar panels, together with the electricity supply company (eg Energy Nordic) you are contracted with, will send the necessary certificated documents to the town hall and distributor, once the installation has been carried out. Once your distributor approves your “self-consumption” you will start saving money on your bill.

At Energy Nordic, clients are compensated for surplus energy based on the market rate price, given by your distributor per kWh, up to the value of your energy consumption cost.

The amount of surplus generation is deducted directly from your energy consumption cost on your bill to the point that your energy use can reach €0!

With Energy Nordic, unlike other companies, they offer you a market price returned to you for your surplus energy. The market rate means that prices are variable to ensure you get the best rate for the energy you produce.

While you can’t actually make money using solar power in Spain, you can save on your electricity bill to the point where the cost of the energy consumed is €0!

It is very important to bear in mind that the maximum value that can be compensated in the electricity bill is the amount of energy purchased. This means that the amount received for compensation can never be negative, nor discount the price of access tolls.

Read more details about Spain´s Real Decree over this here at Art 14.

In June 2021, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree 477/2021 which allows direct grants to autonomous regions, to incentivise the installation of self-consumption and storage units, for both businesses and individuals.

The decree was further updated in May 2022 (Royal Decree 377/2022) incorporating six different incentive programs for residential and business sectors. Note that the programs are currently set to end in December 2023.

The amount of each grant will vary according to the region you are in and the solar panel equipment you wish to install. In Andalucía for example, the local governments have been offering grants of up to 40% for new solar installations to help incentivise residents to consider switching to solar power. There is currently a large waiting list, however. Further info regarding this decree can be found at the link here or contact us for more information or questions.

Yes, now in 2022 it is completely legal to have solar panels installed in your residence or business to generate power. Rules on the installation of solar panels will vary across the autonomous regions in Spain, however, most regions no longer require you to get planning permission unless the installation specifically requires it. The installation of grid-connected solar panels requires certain permissions from both the electricity supplier and the local government in order to have a system that provides compensation for the excess energy you send back – which is why it is important to use a professional and competent company for your installation. Fines may be issued for the installation of unauthorized panels without the correct permission. Spain’s rooftop solar installs have been doubling almost every year since the government decided in 2018 to scrap the so-called “sun tax” — which was a levy that consumers had to pay to access the national grid once their solar panels were up and running.

For a long time, installing solar panels in homes was made excruciatingly difficult due to what was known as ‘the sun tax’, as well as the various administrative procedures it required. Fortunately now, there is no more sun tax here in Spain since the controversial law was scrapped in 2019 and other measures were introduced to make energy self-sufficiency easier. All you have to do is contact a professional installer and start enjoying the benefits of a solar system! The Spanish government is also promising tax deductions for people who install solar panels, although it has not yet confirmed how much this will be.

We always recommend contacting a professional and experienced company or technician specialised in solar panel installations, due to the complications and, at times, legal difficulties in terms of paperwork and connections specifically to be able to connect them to the network to allow the compensation of excess solar-generated electricity.

Of course, there are types of cheaper, DIY solar panels that you may see advertised, but the quality of these panels is evident in the durability of the materials and declining percentage of production over time, as well as difficulties in connecting and registering with the grid.

There may be certain cases in which you may need to apply for permission for solar panel installation, such as if your property is on a urbanisation or rustic land. In such cases, you may need to get permission from the community of owners or local governments.

“Solar panel payback period” is the amount of time it’ll take you to completely pay off your solar power system through savings on your electric bill. It is calculated by taking the total cost to install the system, then subtracting solar incentives and/or rebates, and monthly electric bill savings until the total cost has been paid off. The reason payback periods differ has to do with the cost of electricity replaced by solar energy and the incentives available to help homeowners go solar. Other factors include roof composition and age, quality of equipment used, and whether you pay in full or choose a solar loan.

Most households in Spain can expect the amortisation period to be between 5 and 10 years depending on sunlight obtained, initial cost, consumed power and the energy tariff of the installation. On average, around 7 years is a realistic payback period for your solar installation here in Spain. how much electricity you use and when you use it, and what you’re paid

Depending on the size of your home or business and your average curves of energy consumption, you may need anything between 2 and 20 solar panels, or more! This depends entirely on the individual consumption requirements of each household, the materials used and the space available for the installation. It is also important to consider whether solar batteries are included in the system as then, of course, additional power can be saved and used at a later time. Please see the below graphic for a basic guideline.

If you would like to get a custom, tailored quote for solar panels or would like to book a call or home visit to discuss the potential installation of a solar system, please do not hesitate to contact Energy Nordic today with any questions you may have.

Solar panels have a long life span and should provide you with green energy for around 25 years or more (many modern brands will last much longer than that). Fortunately, most solar panels require very little maintenance in order to operate and continue to provide you with your electricity needs. If panels are tilted, any rain will run over them, keeping them free of debris. It should also clean off any dirt or other mess such as bird droppings or build-up of dust which may be obstructing the sunlight.

Of course, living in Spain can often mean long periods without much rain, which can mean you have to clean them every so often. In some countries, snow can be an issue, however, this isn’t generally too much of an issue here in Spain. Solar panels are very durable and can withstand extreme weather including snow, rain, hail and high temperatures. If you notice that the amount of energy your panels are generating is on the low side, it may be a good idea to give them a quick check to make sure they are clean enough. It is recommended that you should give them a clean a few times each year. Running a hose over them or using a leaf blower should be sufficient to keep them running efficiently.