Hello once again readers! You already know by now that <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-guide">solar energy</a> is a renewable energy resource from the Sun, 🌞 and just as there is the use of solar energy with photovoltaic panels -active solar energy, later we will explain why-, we also find homes They use passive solar energy.

Do you want to know more? Very good, well, to begin with, we will tell you that passive solar energy designs are characterized by using the Sun's energy to heat, cool and illuminate houses or buildings. Let's see below all the details about this method of harnessing energy.👇

Passive solar systems use the radiation, conduction or convection of heat from solar energy. These capture, accumulate, block or transform this heat, without the need for electrical systems.

This is where the term passive comes from, meaning that no additional mechanical equipment (such as pumps or fans) is used to provide cooling and heating to keep the home comfortable.

In addition, passive solar energy is based on the design, location and construction style of the house, responding to the surrounding environment and with nature as the protagonist doing most of the work.

How is passive solar power different from active solar power for home use?

As we have just mentioned, passive solar energy differs from active solar energy since it works with the sun's heat and does not require the use of other mechanisms, or at least does not involve the substantial use of mechanical and electrical devices (pumps, fans) to transfer solar energy.

What examples are there of passive solar energy?

To reduce the need for electricity, by using the Sun, a passive solar design is based on the location of the house, its windows, ventilation and insulation.

We can mention the following examples of passive solar energy use:

Houses that are heated by passive solar energy have energy efficient windows that face south to absorb as much of the sun's heat as possible. However, once the heat has entered the house, various techniques are used to keep it and distribute it as being the thermal mass: a common concept in passive solar design.

All materials can store heat to some degree, so using high-mass materials in walls, floors, and roofs gives them a higher thermal mass, or heat capacity. For example, concrete and masonry absorb heat well, so floors and walls can be built from these materials.

The good part is also that in hot summers the excess heat will be absorbed by these thermal masses and will help to cool the house. Also, painting the floor and walls in darker colors will help absorb heat better.

Passive solar cooling is another use of solar energy and is the exact opposite of passive solar heating discussed above. It's more about reducing heat build-up than removing it. Ultimately, cold is the absence of heat.

Passive cooling systems have the same basic components as passive heating systems, but they work differently.

For example, a building can be shaded through the use of blinds, awnings, curtains, and landscaping with trees, while still admitting a significant amount of indirect light. From a passive solar point of view, the most effective method of sun protection is on the outside of the building using overhangs that block the sun during the summer months, but allow sunlight to enter the house during the winter.

✋Before continuing, do not miss this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0CeNAEzsp8">explanatory video </a>about what a passive house is like. Take a look as it explains exactly how to use this type of energy in winter and summer!

Examples of passive solar cooling techniques thus include overhangs and the use of reflective coatings on windows, exterior walls and roofs. Another way to achieve passive solar cooling is to combine shading with natural ventilation using moving air for cooling, where solar heat creates convection currents that draw in cold air from outside as heat rises, to lower indoor temperatures.

What are the advantages of passive solar energy?

Interesting, right? Now you know what passive solar energy is and how a house works with this type of use of the Sun's energy. In addition, this type of energy is being used and combined with active solar energy (photovoltaic panels), resulting in homes with a more efficient energy model. 🙌

As you well know, from Quiero Sol we help you get to active solar energy by obtaining <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">different quotes from installers</a> to get closer to photovoltaic energy. Even so, we are not only left with this and we like to inform you of all the options that exist for the use of renewable energies, such as solar.

If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/contact">contact us.</a>&nbsp;We provide advice to help you review your particular situation and answer any questions you may have about solar energy. ☀️😊

casa solar pasiva.jpeg

¿Qué es la energía solar pasiva y cómo aprovecharla?

Què és l’energia solar passiva i com aprofitar-la?

Was ist passive Solarenergie und wie wird sie genutzt?

Vad är passiv solenergi och hur kan man dra nytta av den?

What is passive solar energy and how to take advantage of it?

How does temperature affect photovoltaic panels? What power loss due to temperature do they have? What temperature do the panels withstand? When you have to decide which photovoltaic modules to buy, if they have the same characteristics in other aspects, it is worth choosing the one that suffers the least loss of efficiency due to heat.♨️

Understanding this factor requires two values that can be found on most solar panel data sheets:

Today, we will explain the meaning of these terms to understand which solar panels better withstand heat and outside temperature. Let's go for it!

How does heat affect the performance of solar photovoltaic panels and energy production?

Very high temperatures in solar panels directly affect the performance of an installation. 🌡️ Unfortunately, we must bear in mind that the hotter a panel gets, the worse it works and this negatively affects solar panels.

The power output of most solar panels starts to degrade when the panel temperature exceeds 25°C and therefore the solar panel has less efficiency. For example, high temperatures of more than 30°C can reduce the efficiency of solar panels by 10%, but low temperatures do not reduce the efficiency of the panels.

Does this mean that if it is 25°C outside and there is a clear blue sky, the panels will work at their nominal power (best scenario specified by the manufacturers in their data sheet)? We will have to say no, because if the outside air temperature is 25°C, that dark solar panel is not at 25°C but is heating up on your roof at around 50°C.🥵

What is the loss of performance of solar panels due to the effect of panel temperature?&nbsp;

As we have seen in the article on the <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/solar-panels-lifespan">useful life of the panels</a>, on average, it loses 0.5% of its efficiency in a year.

But how much solar energy will you lose on a 25°C day if the manufacturer has stated the power output at a -solar module- temperature of 25°C? To calculate that, we need to know what's called the peak power temperature coefficient of it, which is usually found on the spec sheet.

The temperature coefficient of Pmax or simply Pmax, is how much the efficiency of a solar panel is reduced for each degree of increase in its temperature. But remember! For the calculation of Pmax, the panel temperature must be used, not the ambient temperature.

Pmax is expressed as a negative percentage and a typical value is -0.4%. It means that for each degree that the solar panel is above 25°C, the power loss due to temperature will drop by 0.4%.

So, following the example above, on a cool 25°C day when the panel is at 50°C, it will lose 10% of its solar energy. We can calculate its efficiency loss from heat by calculating how many degrees it is above 25°C:

50°C - 25°C = 20°C, and then multiplying that by your Pmax of -0.4%: 25 x -0.4% = -10%

This gives a power loss of the solar panels of 10%. By subtracting that loss from 100%, we can know that the solar module will only provide 90% of the power it would if it were at 25°C. If the solar panel provides 300 W when its temperature is 25°C, under identical conditions, it will only provide 276 W when its temperature is 45°C.

Most solar panels rarely go above 65°C (even in a heat wave), so if a panel's Pmax is -0.4%, you can generally expect it to almost always provide at least 84% of the power it would provide if its temperature were only 25°C.

It is for this reason that it is often found that on the hottest days, the solar panels on your roof actually produce less solar energy than usual.

Here, we see the technical sheet of a JA Solar 455 W panel. In the third line the Pmax -0.35%/°C.

What ideal temperature can solar panels withstand?

The peak of solar panel performance is usually when the environment is temperate and cloudless. However, solar panels are designed to adapt to any temperature range, so they can work from -40°C to 85°C.

How does ambient temperature and solar radiation affect the efficiency of solar panels?

A solar panel works more efficiently and converts a greater proportion of the solar radiation it receives into electricity, the lower the temperature to which they are subjected. It has a direct effect on efficiency:

NOCT stands for nominal operating cell temperature. It can also be called the nominal operating temperature of the module. NOCT is the temperature at which the solar cells of a panel will be under the following specific conditions:

The solar panel receives sunlight at an intensity of 800 W per m2. The air temperature is 20°C. The wind blows at 1 m per second. The rear of the module is exposed to the open air.

A typical NOCT value for a panel is 45°C. The lower it is, the better because it means that the panel will be cooler when exposed to the sun (more powerful panels). Normally, this value will have a margin of error of +/- 3°C (between 42 and 48°C).

How to avoid greater power losses of the photovoltaic installation due to the increase in temperature?

Some tips that we leave you to achieve maximum energy production are the following:

✔️Keep the panels clean to reduce the possible appearance of hot spots or make an existing one worse.

✔️Check monitoring and track solar system output for anomalies.

✔️Make sure the inverter's cooling system is well ventilated and clean to prevent it from overheating.

✔️Check that the electrical components and cables are correctly in place (pipes), as they can heat up with high temperatures.

If you too are considering installing <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels">solar panels</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/batteries">batteries</a> for your home or business, we help you compare before you buy solar products and get quotes from installers quickly and easily <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">here</a>. 😎

At Quiero Sol we help you so that you can compare installers but also understand the concepts of photovoltaic self-consumption and the different factors that determine a good performance of a solar system, such as efficiency in performance according to temperature in today's case.🌞

rendimiento y temperatura placas solares.jpeg

Pérdida de potencia y rendimiento de las placas solares por el efecto de la temperatura

Pèrdua de potència i rendiment de les plaques solars

Förlust av kraft och prestanda för solpaneler

Verlust von Leistung und Leistung von Solarmodulen

Loss of power and performance of solar panels due to the effect of temperature

What is better a monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panel? What are the most efficient solar panels? What is the best solar power system? What does monocrystalline solar panel mean? 

You are probably thinking of installing a <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels">solar panel</a> system in your home or business and you are asking yourself some of these questions. Well, here we bring you the answers!&nbsp;🤓

It often happens that companies in their eagerness to sell their products (for example, monocrystalline panels), end up criticizing those who are not selling (polycrystalline panels), and vice versa! But don't stress, we'll keep it simple here.

What is the best type of monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panel? What are the differences between panels?

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are made from the same basic material, silicon. When comparing monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels with the same rated output power (maximum power that a panel could have under Standard Measurement Conditions), the difference in performance between panels is small.

What does monocrystalline silicon solar panel mean?

As its name indicates, monocrystalline solar panels are those that are made with a single silicon crystal and usually have about 60 or 72 solar cells, depending on their size. They are characterized by their black color and for being the ones with the highest price and wattage on the market. They are also known as a more premium option.

What are polycrystalline silicon solar panels?

From its name in this case, we can also get an idea that polycrystalline solar panels are made of several silicon crystals, instead of one. These crystals are what give the panel its bright blue appearance and like monocrystalline panels, they can contain 60 or 72 solar cells.

Which is the best for a solar power system? What are the most efficient photovoltaic solar panels?

Among the types of solar panels that exist, those that stand out a little more and have greater efficiency and performance are those based on monocrystalline technology. This is because you will be able to install more power on your roof in the same area than if you use other solar panels with lower efficiency.

The efficiency is determined by the watts (W) of the panel and the surface to be installed. The higher the number of watts on the same surface, the more efficient the installed solar system will be.

As we have seen, roughly for two panels of similar power, the difference in performance between one monocrystalline and the other polycrystalline is small. However, we can mention that depending on factors such as the <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels/installation">geographical area</a>&nbsp;and the climate in which the home or company is located, it will be more efficient to use one type of solar panel or another.

It is recommended to install monocrystalline solar panels in cold climates since they better absorb solar radiation when there is snow, fog or storms, and install polycrystalline panels in warm climates. Still, monocrystalline solar panels are the best value for money on the market.

You already know! At Quiero Sol we help you compare before you buy solar products and get quotes from installers quickly and easily, and also so that you can be aware of the <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-guide">fundamental and necessary solar knowledge</a> about photovoltaic installations.🌞

placas monocristalina y policristalina.jpeg

Panel solar monocristalino vs policristalino. ¿Cuál elegir?

Placa solar monocristal·lina vs policristalina. Quina triar?

Monokristallines vs. polykristallines Solarpanel. Welche soll man wählen?

Monokristallin vs polykristallin solpanel

Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panel. Which to choose?

What do you think? Is a panel losing performance over the years? Do you know what the useful life or duration of a solar panel is? Are you interested in knowing, for example, what happens to solar panels when they are no longer useful or how much they depreciate?🤔⁉️

As with most technologies, photovoltaic solar panels have a finite lifespan and will inevitably age. But there is no reason to be alarmed!🚨

The life expectancy does not mean that the panels will stop producing electricity after a couple of decades. It simply means that PV output will decrease as manufacturers consider the optimal state to meet average power needs.

In this blog, we'll explain how many years solar panels are expected to last (the lifespan of the panels), the effect of time on their performance, what happens after their lifespan, and what you can do to make sure they're working to its maximum capacity.😊

What is the useful life of photovoltaic solar panels?

According to the manufacturer, the performance of solar panels can be guaranteed for 25 to 30 years (considered "useful life"). If the quality of the panels is particularly high (and they have been properly maintained), they can last up to 40 years during which they will continue to produce electricity.

How much does the efficiency of solar panels depreciate? What is the durability of polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels?

As we have seen, as solar panels age, they slowly produce less electricity. This process is called degradation.

The maximum power that a panel could have in Standard Measurement Conditions (STC Standard Test Condition or CEM in Spanish) is known as nominal power. This power in monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels typically degrades at around 0.5% per year. Also, thin-film solar panels degrade at a faster rate than previous ones.

Why does a panel lose performance over the years?

So most panels degrade between 0.5% and 1% each year, which means they produce less power. But why does this happen?

There are several external factors such as the weather that wear out the panels and negatively impact their energy production capacity. Also the degradation of the solar panel can be affected by microcracks that form in the silicon of the solar cells and/or small cracks that cause the electrical connections to deteriorate.

Normally, most manufacturers tend to guarantee 90% of panel production for up to the first 10 years. After these, the percentage falls back to 80% for the remaining 15 to 20 years.

What will happen to the solar panels when their useful life ends?

The fact that the solar panels have reached the end of their expected useful life does not mean that they still cannot produce energy and save you money on the electricity bill. The panels will continue to produce energy for many years, but at a lower level of efficiency.

What happens to the photovoltaic panels afterwards? Are they recycled?

The answer is yes! Currently, more than 95% of the panel can be recycled.♻️

PV module manufacturers are required by law to comply with legal requirements and recycling regulations to ensure that solar panels do not become a burden on the environment. Thanks to compliance with the European Directive Waste of Electric and Electronic Equipments (<a href="https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/calidad-y-evaluacion-ambiental/temas/prevencion-y-gestion-residuos/flujos/aparatos-electr/">WEEE Directive</a>), effective technologies for recycling solar panels have been emerging for decades.

In addition, solar panels are made from a combination of glass, aluminum, and plastic, products that are routinely recycled in massive quantities. In fact, glass and aluminum make up 85% of the solar panel and both are highly recyclable. Therefore, the manufacture of new solar panels can be carried out largely with the recycling of other solar panels.

But that is not all! The International Renewable Energy Agency (<a href="https://irena.org/">IRENA</a>) estimates that there will be a global production of 8 million tons of waste by 2030 after the first modules reach their useful life (25–30 years), and 78 million by 2050.

Three tips to extend the life of the panels

1. Keep panels free of dirt and harmful materials

2. Ensure panels are monitored and maintained if necessary

In any case, we must bear in mind that, although the solar panels are the visible part of the photovoltaic system, they are not the only elements whose useful life must be taken into consideration. You have to be aware of other components such as inverters and batteries if you have them, and their care to extend the useful life to the maximum.

At Quiero Sol we help you get instant photovoltaic quotes so you can compare before buying your solar products or hiring an installation company. We're here to help you review your options and answer any questions you may have.

You will <a href="https://quierosol.com/en">receive multiple quotes </a>on the spot. Just by entering your consumption and postal code, it's that simple! You can easily view information like reviews, prices, and warranties to make the best decision.

In addition to all this, we invite you to discover our <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-guide">Solar Guide</a>&nbsp;with all the basic knowledge that will help you understand solar energy, and the latest news and articles on our <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog">blog</a>. 🌞

vida util placas solares.jpeg

Vida útil de las placas solares

Vida útil de les plaques solars

Lebensdauer von Solarplatten

Livslängd för solpaneler

Solar panels lifespan

Hello once again fellow readers! It is good to know that you are with us and that our blog entries that we lovingly make for you are useful.☀️😍

We know that it is believed that processing self-consumption facilities in the country is a headache since there are different regulations in the various municipalities and it is not always clear what must be presented or what should be known.

But don't worry about it. That's why Quiero Sol is here, to show you the process of legalizing a photovoltaic installation in Spain in a simple way.🗸

We will analyze the regulations that affect solar installations and we will see the different powers that affect them. In addition, while we are writing this article, the Council of Ministers has approved and a day later the Official State Gazette public and <a href="https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2022/10/19/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-17040.pdf">Royal Decree-Law 18/2022</a>, of October 18, comes into force, with 18 new measures of the Plan of Energy Contingency.

Among the most important to accelerate an energy transition with solar energy as the protagonist is the administrative simplification for any small renewable generation installation (up to 500 kW).&nbsp;🙌

What is the procedure to legalize a self-consumption photovoltaic installation in Spain?

The processing and legalization of photovoltaic installations in Spain has been greatly facilitated since the entry into force of <a href="https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2019-5089">Royal Decree 244/2019</a> and together with the <a href="https://www.idae.es/publicaciones/guia-profesional-de-tramitacion-del-autoconsumo">Professional Guide for Processing Self-consumption</a> of the <a href="https://www.idae.es/">IDAE</a> (Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving).

This guide is aimed at the general public, but specifically at authorized <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-panels/installation">installation companies</a>&nbsp;that develop and execute solar self-consumption installations. In addition, it divides the installations into two large groups, depending on whether they are without surpluses (connected to the distribution or transport network and through an anti-spill system, they do not allow surplus energy to be injected into the network), or with surpluses (in addition to supplying energy for self-consumption, they can inject surplus energy into the transmission and distribution networks).

We make a parenthesis here, since we want to emphasize that in order to obtain simple information aimed at citizens in general, the IDAE has produced the <a href="https://www.idae.es/publicaciones/guia-practica-para-convertirse-en-autoconsumidor-en-5-pasos">Guide to becoming a self-consumer in 5 steps</a> that we provide here and we recommend that you take a look at it.👍

On the other hand, it is necessary to take into account that there are still certain administrative procedures that depend on the Autonomous Community in which you are located.

Normally, it will be the installation company that will carry out the necessary technical and administrative steps, in addition to carrying out the installation with all the security guarantees.

Even so, we want to explain below the administrative procedures to formalize your installation correctly. Let's get to it and turn the mode on!🔛

What is needed to legalize a self-consumption photovoltaic installation in Spain 2023?

Administrative requirements vary depending on the location and type of facility. These may include building permits or administrative authorizations, especially for large installations or those located in buildings affected by some type of protection or in environmentally protected spaces.

Fortunately, the new regulations of <a href="https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2019-5089">Royal Decree 244/2019</a> have simplified and reduced the number and complexity of procedures to be carried out, and as we have mentioned, the IDAE has prepared a detailed guide to help installers carry out all the necessary steps.

How to legalize a self-consumption installation?

Before starting the process, it is necessary to check if restrictions apply to the site. For this, you can check if there is any restriction in the Town Planning Department of the City Council to which the facility belongs.

This is relevant if the facility plans to be located in the historic center, and the building may be affected by some form of protection or restrictions that could occur in locations located in environmental protection zones, protected areas or areas of archaeological value.

What steps to follow to legalize a self-consumption photovoltaic installation?

Here we leave you a summarized guide (it is not all the steps), but we do highlight the following:

✔️The administrative procedure may require procedures at the state, regional and local levels, in addition to procedures with the distribution company.

✔️Depending on the power of the installation, the self-consumption mode, the type of connection and/or whether it is going to be an individual or collective installation (several associated consumers), some installations will be exempt from carrying out this procedure.

✔️The authorized installation company will carry out the report or project.

The necessary documentation in the design of the installation depends on the type of connection to the network used and the power planned for the installation.

✔️Both in the report and in the project, all the information and technical documentation of the installation must appear: dimensioning, equipment and its characteristics, materials used, guarantees, maintenance needs, among others.

3. Access and connection permits and endorsements or guarantees. CAU request

✔️The authorized installation company must request the CAU from the distributor. This refers to the code that uniquely identifies self-consumption.

✔️Installations in self-consumption without surpluses of any power will be exempt from requesting access and connection permits, as well as presenting guarantees and warranties for the connection. Why? By not transferring energy to the distribution network, the power of the generation facility is not limited by the maximum admissible power of the connection to which it is connected.

4. Environmental and public utility authorizations

It is important to know that these are procedures managed at the regional level, for which the regulations of each Autonomous Community could indicate some specific restriction or procedure. However, in general, we can mention that:

✔️The good news is that the authorized installation company will be able to advise you if this is necessary.

5. Prior administrative and construction authorization

The request made to the competent body of the Autonomous Community may involve the payment of the corresponding regional fees and include a period of public information and reception of allegations regarding the projects presented.

6. Building license and construction and works tax (ICIO)

The self-consumption facilities must request a building permit according to the municipal regulations in force in the chosen location. Depending on the characteristics of the installation, the municipal regulations will define whether it is sufficient to make a declaration of responsibility for the work and/or a prior notification of the work.

7. Installation certificates and/or end of work certificates

In a few words: the installation company will sign and process the electrical installation certificate (CIE).

✔️Once the installation has been carried out and the verifications and initial inspection have been carried out (if applicable), the installation company must issue an Installation Certificate, signed by a low voltage installer who belongs to the company, according to the procedure established by the Autonomous Community .

✔️This installation certificate will be issued by the installation company executing the installation and it will state that it has been carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation and its complementary technical instructions and in accordance with the technical documentation.

8. We also find the following steps (among others):

✔️Sharing agreement and surplus compensation contract

✔️Registration in the autonomic register of self-consumption

✔️Inscription in the administrative registry of self-consumption of electrical energy

What is the cost of legalizing a photovoltaic installation?

As we have seen so far, carrying out the legalization implies a series of steps with the Administration, for which it may vary depending on the need according to the City Council and the type of installation (the more elaborate and complete the technical project, the more expensive it will be compared to a small residential-type facility).

For this reason, the final amount depends on several factors seen as the power of the installation, the Autonomous Community where it is located, the need or not to carry out a project and request the building license and the percentage or fees of the professional in charge. of the legalization, that is, the fee of the installation company that carries out the procedures.

Don't worry because you can get your quote here.

Many companies include the concept of legalization in their entire offer. Our recommendation is that before making the payment -and if you are not sure- you ask them if it includes it.

Who can legalize a photovoltaic installation?

According to the regulations, only authorized installers or companies with a specialist category can carry out the legalization. In general terms, in the different Autonomous Communities, the private owners of residential or industrial facilities cannot initiate the legalization process on their own.

We have reached the end for today! We hope we have resolved your concerns to legalize your installation in Spain.

If you are thinking of switching to solar self-consumption, from Quiero Sol we will connect you with installation companies and you will be able to find information such as prices, delivery times and guarantees, among others. By simply entering your monthly electricity consumption and zip code, you will receive the necessary information from all the installers in your area so that you can compare and make the best decision for your installation. 😎

legalizar una instalacion fotovoltaica.jpeg

Legalizar una instalación fotovoltaica de autoconsumo en España 2023.

Legalitzar una instal·lació fotovoltaica a Espanya 2023

Legalisierung einer Photovoltaikanlage in Spanien 2023

Legalisera en solcellsanläggning i Spanien 2023

Legalize a self-consumption photovoltaic installation in Spain 2023. Everything you need to take into account

Is the sun tax still existing in Spain? Who has to pay it? What is backup toll? When was the sun tax eliminated? We explain everything you need to know about this tribute that existed for self-consumption in the country.🔆😊

Fortunately, we can talk about what the sun tax was, since this tax has been a current tax in Spain from 2015 to 2018. It was also known as "support toll" or "tax on self-consumption".

This sun tax consisted of a fee that users who had self-consumption with solar panels had to pay, due to they were connected to the electricity grid, and it was justified by the fact that it contributed to maintaining the traditional electricity system. In other words, to ensure that it remained sustainable for consumers who generated their own clean energy, but who would also use the grid when their solar system was not capable of generating power.

The tax was introduced by the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism (José Manuel Soria) of the Popular Party (PP) on October 9, 2015 during the government of Mariano Rajoy, through <a href="https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2015-10927">Royal Decree 900/2015</a>, which regulated the administrative, technical and economic conditions of the modes of electricity supply with self-consumption and production with self-consumption.

Users paid this tax through the electricity bill to their marketer and then it later paid what corresponded to the distributor, who was in charge of placing that money in the electrical system.

This tax generated a great deceleration in the self-consumption goals that the country had, also making the process of <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/blog/legalize-a-self-consumption-photovoltaic-installation-in-spain">legalizing a photovoltaic installation</a> very complex. Another factor that has influenced this scenario has been that the users of a solar panel installation did not receive any compensation for the excess energy they generated.

Who should pay the sun tax in Spain? Who was affected by this tax on solar self-consumption?

The sun tax was paid through two concepts that were differentiated in the electricity bill:

✋And here we make a clarification! If you don't remember the concept of kW of power or kWh of energy very well, don't worry, you can always come back to our <a href="https://quierosol.com/en/solar-guide">Solar Guide</a>: Difference between solar energy and solar power!🤓

On the other hand, the following cases of facilities were exempt from paying the tax:

What happens next? When is the sun tax eliminated?

After three years of controversy, the sun tax was repealed in 2018 with the arrival of the new government of Pedro Sánchez through Royal Decree-Law 15/2018.💪

Do not miss this witty <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtGsV0mPsGM">video made by Greenpeace Spain</a> in 2018, made up of several fragments of real phrases by Mariano Rajoy himself, highlighting the meaning of renewable energy and the famous -and controversial- tax on the sun.

In this way, the Minister for the Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, pointed it out in 2018:

“This measure seeks to alleviate Spain's delay in this matter, since it is not logical that a country rich in sun like Spain has 1,000 installations, compared to the million that Germany has. There's a long way to go."

It has been like this then, as <a href="https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2019-5089">Royal Decree 244/2019</a> of April 5, which regulates the administrative, technical and economic conditions of self-consumption of electrical energy, has given continuity to what is established in Royal Decree-Law 15/2018 , and it is the regulation that we have still today. It has recognized the right of self-consumption without tolls or charges.

Fortunately, this reform and end of the tax has brought some important measures to highlight, such as:

✔️Promote self-consumption and bet on renewable energies

✔️Simplify and reduce administrative procedures for facilities

✔️Eliminate complex barriers that made self-consumption difficult and did not encourage

✔️Compensate small consumers for surpluses

✔️Approve collective and shared self-consumption in neighborhood communities (good news in a country where vertical housing predominates)

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