The Spanish industry association Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF) has published up-to-date figures on photovoltaic self-consumption. Total installed capacity now stands at 9.3 GW. In 2025, 1,139 MW were newly installed, representing a 3.7 percent decrease compared to the previous year.
Self-consumption report tracks rise of energy self-sufficiency
In the residential segment, around 36,330 new PV self-consumption systems were installed in 2025, corresponding to an increase of 229 MW, which is 17 percent less than in 2024. UNEF attributes this trend, among other factors, to the failure to extend tax incentives for energy-related renovations. The relevant legislative decree has yet to be confirmed. According to UNEF, this slowdown could intensify if the situation persists.
Significant potential for collective self-consumption
The commercial sector also saw a decline in new installations. In 2025, 176 MW were installed, a drop of 15 percent compared to the previous year. UNEF identifies significant potential in collective self-consumption, but notes that this model remains largely undeveloped. The organisation is therefore calling for the planned new Royal Decree to introduce improvements, including the creation of a self-consumption manager, the option to share surpluses, and an expanded geographic radius for collective self-consumption.
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In the industrial sector, a total of 679 MW were installed in 2025, a slight increase of 0.7 percent over 2024. UNEF attributes this growth mainly to larger projects. To further stimulate the market, the association is calling for simplified permitting and surplus compensation for systems up to 500 kW, along with a greater emphasis on variable components in the electricity tariff structure.
Off-grid solar installations on the rise
The number of off-grid solar installations increased significantly, with 55 MW installed in 2025, up 105 percent. UNEF also reports rising interest in self-consumption with battery storage, especially after the widespread power outage in April 2025. Many installed inverters are already equipped for later retrofit with storage systems. The association highlights the importance of the new Royal Decree, which for the first time incorporates decentralised storage solutions into the regulatory framework.
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According to UNEF, self-consumption makes a significant contribution to relieving pressure on the electricity grids, as generation and consumption take place at the same location. Storage solutions can extend these benefits into other times of the day and increase the flexibility of the energy system.
Faster processing for Next Generation Fund applications
However, UNEF points to ongoing problems with the processing of subsidy applications, especially those related to the Next Generation Funds. The association is calling for regional authorities to accelerate procedures and for stable tax incentives, such as a reduced VAT rate for PV components.
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With 9.3 GW of installed capacity, self-consumption remains a central element of Spain’s energy transition. UNEF estimates that around 2 GW of new capacity will need to be installed each year to reach the target of 19 GW by 2030, as set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). (nhp)
