Spain installed 1.4GW of self-consumption PV in 2024, with the C&I sector contributing 1,085MW and residential solar adding 346MW. However, installations fell by 26.3% from 2023, which was part of a downward trend following the 2.5GW peak in 2022.
155mwh Energy Storage Capacity Also Added
Spain installed 1.4GW of self-consumption PV in 2024, according to a report from the Association of Renewable Energy Companies (APPA). The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector accounted for most of the capacity — adding 1,085MW — while residential solar installations contributed 346MW. The report also highlighted the addition of 155MWh of new energy storage capacity.
Despite continued growth, self-consumption PV installations declined by 26.3% compared to 2023, when the country added 1.9GW. The drop is part of a downward trend since 2022, when Spain recorded its highest-ever annual installation of 2.5GW.
The decline in self-consumption PV was expected due to several factors, mainly the end of the EU's Next Generation incentives. Stabilised electricity prices also reduced demand, as high energy costs had previously driven adoption, thus making solar less urgent for businesses and homeowners.
Administrative challenges have further complicated the situation. Lengthy permitting processes, difficulties in securing grid connections and other bureaucratic obstacles have slowed down project implementation. These barriers have made it harder for new installations to keep up with previous years' momentum.
There are also slight discrepancies in reported figures. While APPA recorded 1.4GW of self-consumption PV for 2024, UNEF — the Spanish solar trade body — reported 1.2GW (1,182MW). The difference highlights challenges in data collection, but both organisations agree that the overall trend shows a slowdown in growth.
Concerns Over Meeting Spain’s 2030 Target
Spain has set a target of 19GW of self-consumption PV by 2030, but current installation rates suggest that the country is not on track to meet this goal. According to APPA Renovables, Spain needs to install at least 1.7GW per year to reach this objective. So far, only 2022 and 2023 saw installation levels that met this requirement.
By the end of 2024, Spain had a total 8.5GW of self-consumption PV capacity. Of this, 6.3GW came from the C&I sector, while 2.2GW came from residential solar. If the country fails to accelerate installations, it may struggle to meet its renewable energy commitments.
The renewable energy sector is calling for stronger government support to drive self-consumption PV adoption. APPA Renovables has proposed several measures to boost installations. These include tax breaks of at least 25% on corporate tax or income tax for businesses and homeowners adopting self-consumption PV. The industry also wants simplified grid access and a faster and digitalised permitting process to reduce administrative delays.
A key challenge that must be addressed is the curtailment of large installations. In 2024, self-consumption PV systems over 100kW faced 2TWh of curtailment, which resulted in a financial loss of €88 million (US$91 million). Industry experts argue that improvements to grid infrastructure and management are essential to avoid further economic losses and ensure efficient use of installed capacity.
Regional Trends in Self-Consumption PV
For the first time, APPA Renovables has provided data on regional distribution of self-consumption PV capacity. Catalonia led the country with 1.5GW of installed capacity, followed closely by Andalusia with 1.4GW and the Valencian Community with 1.2GW. These three regions accounted for nearly half of all self-consumption PV capacity in Spain by the end of 2024.
The strong performance in these regions suggests that local policies and incentives have played a role in driving installations. Experts believe that expanding such measures to other parts of the country could help accelerate growth nationwide.
Spain remains one of Europe’s leaders in self-consumption PV, but the recent slowdown raises concerns about the future. The industry is pushing for better incentives, more efficient permitting processes and improved grid infrastructure. If policymakers take action, Spain’s self-consumption PV sector could regain momentum.
However, if current challenges persist, the country may continue to see declining installation rates. This could put Spain’s renewable energy targets at risk and slow down the broader transition towards a cleaner energy system. The next few years will be critical in determining the future of self-consumption PV in Spain.