Insight

Sun Tax Out, Self-Sufficiency In

How Spain is paving the way for self-sufficient homes.

Spain to Repeal "Sun Tax"
Mariano Roca López

Mariano Roca López

November 7, 2018 03:42 PM

Environmental protection is increasingly becoming a priority in Spain and renewable energies are one of its main warhorses. New ideas and implementations have emerged with this trend, including electricity self-sufficient homes, which could be defined as the generation of electricity through solar panels or any other equivalent devices to satisfy the energy needs of a family. Already, we are seeing two distinct models for these electric homes. The first is connected to the electric grid, making it receptive to energy from the traditional distribution grid. The second is not connected—that is, it’s entirely autonomous. How is the country accommodating—or failing to accommodate—this intriguing new system?

Spain’s “Sun Tax”

The so-called "Sun Tax" is a charge that must be paid when you opt for a self-sufficient home model, but remain connected to the traditional electricity grid. In other words, the only case in which nothing is paid is when the home is completely isolated from the electricity grid and is 100 percent self-sufficient. Not only that, in addition to the Sun Tax there are numerous and complicated bureaucratic procedures that make it even more discouraging to opt for the self-sufficiency model. It is not worth it, at this point, to go into detail on the complicated legal framework. The crucial takeaway is that the current system does not encourage electricity self-sufficiency.

Change of Course

Notwithstanding the above mentioned, the new Ministry for the Ecological Transition, which is what the new government is now calling the traditional Ministry of Energy, has made a firm commitment towards environmental protection. In this regard, the Spanish Congress has recently validated a decree law, filed among other legislative measures by the government, whereby they repealed the Sun Tax, as well as other obstacles that were actually discouraging the adoption of this model by consumers.

In this sense, the Minister for the Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, highlighted that this measure would mean the recognition of the right to self-generate and consume energy without charges or any other limitations than those derived from technical and security issues, as well as the recognition of the right to share the energy surpluses.

New Outlook

This change, if no one blocks it, could be a decisive effort in favor of a paradigm shift. Not only would the use of clean energies be promoted, but also the decentralization of energy generation. Both consequences together could mean a substantial change in the way we live and, particularly, how we produce. As an example of this, consider the German collaborative economy project called Sonnen, where they manage the generation and consumption of many individuals, almost achieving a perfect balance between both of them. The key is that individually considered, users have problems balancing production and consumption, but the network as a whole manages to balance fairly well.

The future seems undoubtedly hopeful, though a long way is still to go. Or maybe not that long? Just one last piece of information: Ikea has announced that they will soon start selling low-cost solar panels in Spain.

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call