History of solar energy in Spain

The evolution and scope of photovoltaic solar energy in Spain

The recognition of solar energy as a ‘mainstream energy source’ by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) in its latest Snapshot of Global PV Markets underlines this technology’s potential. At the beginning of 2024, PV solar’s installed capacity in Spain was almost 28,000 MW, according to data from Spain’s Red Eléctrica. However, the use of the sun as a renewable energy source in Spain dates back to the 1980s.  

What was the first grid-connected photovoltaic plant in Spain? 

In 1984, Iberdrola España marked the beginning of photovoltaics in Spain by commissioning the first grid-connected power plant in San Agustín de Guadalix with a capacity of 100 kilowatts. Initially, several different types of solar panels were used: monocrystalline silicon, bifacial (Spanish patent), polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon. 

This photovoltaic project, classified as experimental, involved an investment of 462 million pesetas at the time, equivalent to approximately €250,000. Although advanced solar thermoelectric conversion projects had been carried out in Spain before, photovoltaic conversion had only been used in small installations until the San Agustín de Guadalix plant was built, which remained the only plant on the peninsula for almost a decade. 

What does grid-connected photovoltaic mean? 

Grid-connected photovoltaic refers to systems for generating electricity from photovoltaic solar panels that are directly connected to the conventional electricity system. This type of system uses PV solar panels to convert solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this direct current into alternating current (AC), which is compatible with the grid. 

The main characteristic of a PV grid-connected system is that it can supply electricity to meet both the energy needs of the consumer or site where it is installed and the electricity grid. When solar generation exceeds the electricity demand of your household's consumption, the excess power is fed into the grid. Conversely, if solar generation is insufficient to meet household demand, electricity can be supplied from the grid to make up the difference. 

This configuration allows for greater flexibility in electricity supply and can help cut back on electricity bills and generate clean and renewable energy. 

​Installed photovoltaic solar capacity in Spain 

Photovoltaic solar energy continues to be the fastest growing technology in Spain.  Although only 6,500 gigawatt hours of solar energy were generated in 2010, its growth spiked in 2020, with 15,302 GWh, and has continued to increase progressively until in 2022 it became the technology that increased its installed capacity the most, both nationally and in Europe. 

According to data shared by Red Eléctrica, photovoltaic solar is currently 16% of installed capacity in Spain. Regionally, Extremadura was the leader in photovoltaic solar capacity in 2022, with 27% of national capacity, followed by Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha, with more than 20% each. These three regions accounted for almost 70% of Spain's installed PV capacity at that time.  

Our PV plants in Spain 

In recent decades, PV solar has emerged as a key solution in the transition to more sustainable and renewable energy sources, with multiple advantages.   

Iberdrola España contributes to the development and promotion of solar energy in the country with its over 40 photovoltaic plants. All of them have more than 4,800 MW of installed capacity. Find out more about our most outstanding photovoltaic projects.  

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