Last October Spain issued a new regulatory framework (Royal Decree 15/2018) regulating the installation of Solar PV in grid-connected buildings. The new framework replaces former regulation (RD 900/2015) that included the infamous "sun tax" formulated as a connection toll applicable for new PV installations in buildings.

The new framework also removes most of the provisions present in the former that made it very difficult to install solar panels in new and existing buildings in Spain. For instance, it is no longer required an additional connection to the grid with its own counter which depended on the will of your energy distributor. Limits to the maximum power that could be installed have also been removed and batteries are not longer forbidden.

The paperwork is simplified and the technical reglamentary conditions applicable have been settled through technical instruction ITC-BT-40 of the RGBT (General reglamentations for low voltage installations). The framework stablishes to types of installations: Type 1 is all self-consumption installations and type 2 allows for grid injection of excedentary production.

Type 1 installations require a "injection 0" system has to be installed to avoid injecting extra production to the grid and all extra energy produced will be lost or, for instance, used domestically to heat water. For type 2 installations the legal framework governing tariffs and tolls is still pending but expected to be released before years end.

All in all the new regulatory framework will almost certainly revive an economic sector that was set to rest with former regulations. I personally welcome the new opportunities arising for PV installation in Spain!

Link in spanish:

Real Decreto-ley 15/2018, de 5 de octubre, de medidas urgentes para la transición energética y la protección de los consumidores