Solar panels

Hi...I was wondering whether anyone had any luck with solar panel subsidies. A couple of years ago a solar panel company fixed us up with panels, batteries and heat pump. The idea was that we qualified for subsidies. We were even referred to a "lawyer" who would manage the subsidy applications.

While I'm happy with the installation...we've never had any luck with getting any of the subsidies...there was a never-ending list of questions needing more information...some technical, some simple like proof of planning permission...always something... which always ended up with the subsidy being rejected. One large solar panel company told me that they have NEVER EVER had a subsidy approved, lol. 

So, anyone had any luck...any clues...???

Not wishing to be unkind but I would be amazed if you did - who was supposed to provide this?

Well, I'm as cynical as the next...but 1. The solar panel subsidies are widely publicised in Spain and EU wide...2. I contracted with a solar panel subsidy installer...there are plenty on-line...3. My Extremadura Junta kept updating me via my digital ID on my subsidy progress...it's not as if he was a Nigerian prince...4. and as said, I was referred to "subvenciones avogado" who charged me a substantial fee to snag any issues...it's not as if the entire narrative is a figment of my imagination.

It is just that everything kept grinding to a halt...a problem with tradesmen, etc...not only in Spain by any means. It was quite a large installation...the panels, batteries and heat exchanger cost north of €40k...so while I'll probably end up chalking it up to experience...i'd still like to have a stab at re-applying for my subsidies...the work was all done and paid for...it seems "unfair" lol.

I love Spain and the Spanish people but these days if I'm buying anything I try to ensure the discount or subsidy is deducted from the purchase when made.  In my experience there is no realistic Consumer Protection.  Once you part with your cash you are on your own.

In all honesty I probably should not have made my comment as I know nothing about Solar panel subsidies in Spain.  But I do know neighbours who've had systems installed w/o and mention of them being part of the deal.  But our place is in Murcia, perhaps it's a regional thing?

Occasionally recently there seem to be deals which are for EU nationals only?

I reckon in general local retailers in Spain are amazingly honest and great to do business with, but most big companies, banks, property sales people, solicitors, town halls are invariably a different matter.  But that's just my experience.

this is odd...i got a reply to my query from Phyllis...but when i look for it...it's gone.

Solar panels

started by GuyT
4 replies, most recent by Phyllis on 10 Feb 2025 8:52 AM

I had a local Spanish electrician in to do some small jobs, and I asked him to take a look at my house and give me his opinion on the prospects of installing solar panels. He said, if you do it, know you are doing it for the planet or for your green credentials or just to feel good, or whatever, but don't expect these things to ever pay for themselves and don't expect this subsidy thing to work. He said the government are a bunch of (colourful Spanish expletives deleted)

That is of course the opinion of one blunt and honest sparky. Your mileage may vary.

Yes, i think your sparky has summed things up quite succinctly, lol.

Thanks for the reply, guy

In some respects Spain is in the dark ages in this respect.  The worst I've encountered is in the property sector where builders/promoters/agents can make outrageous promises on facilities that a new development will include - they know that consumer protection in Spain doesn't really exist, yet.

how so? alot of houes here use solar panels

I love Spain and don't see much point in being willfully offensive...but

in an "AngloSaxon" legal format...such as Aussie, South Africa, Canada, USA, UK, etc...if a govt body advertised and promoted a scheme such as solar panels...and if people in good faith went along with the scheme...one would not expect the govt body to go out of its way to thwart claiming the subsidy. If it did, I have no doubt that there would be legal redress.In many countries people will have borrowed large sums to install solar in order to fund the subsidy.

There is no such protection in Spain...everyone sniggers, just like they did when people who thought they had planning permission.legal title were shafted. It's a Spanish attitude...people just roll their eyes and say "what did you expect?"

It's a perpetual game...every one is business cheats on IVA, taxes, etc...the govt cheats in response...

There's no point in getting too wound up.

So, anyone had any luck...any clues...???

I guess the scheme is more a way for the government to channel money into the pockets of their friends.

I suspect that if a big construction company asks for the same subsidies, that they do get it. 

Same as with permits etc.