Self-consumption from solar power on the increase in Spain

Solar energy converted for self-consumption - energy generated and consumed on a small scale, usually by individuals or businesses for their own consumption - has been on the increase in Spain.

The past 12 months have seen 569MW of solar capacity installed in line with national rules for self-sustaining energy as a measure to cut the costs of climate change, according to Spanish energy company UNEF.

Read more: Engie & Neoen to invest €1bn in building Europe's largest solar project

56% of new installations were made in the industrial sector while commercial deployments came in at around 23%, the data suggests.

This represents a 30% increase from 2019, the data shows.

2% of the total energy consumed corresponded to self-consumption facilities not connected to the grid.

Coronavirus has had an effect on energy consumption across the continent, with renewable energy operating a far larger market share than previously expected.

Wind power and solar power are expected to be driving technologies in the world's renewable future.

While bounce-back of traditional fuels is expected, renewables are expected to make up more of the energy market within the next few years owing primarily to emissions targets set out by both governments and the private sector.

Read more: Lockdown energy use "a glimpse into the future," says EnAppSys chief

It is likely the environment created by the pandemic has encouraged Spanish families to opt into more self-sustaining energy options in part due to pressure on grids due to more people being home, or due to it being a far cheaper form of energy.

Spain has already offered incentives for families and businesses to switch towards more sustainable models such as self-consumption in solar energy.

José Donoso, general director of UNEF, said: " In the case of single-family homes in a sunny area, an installation without batteries is an investment that can be recovered in nine or 10 years,” referring to return-on-investment for PV technology.

Spanish energy company Iberdrola describes the main advantages of self-consumption being increased energy autonomy, reduced costs and more streamlined demand for energy needs at a societal level.

The company also state it is essential in the energy transition as world leaders look to battle climate change before it is too late.

Back to Homepage

Back to Energy & Utilities