Consell will apply to professional associations to remove the obstacle in the processing of solar power plants
Bureaucracy wastes thousands of hours and a significant share of electricity produced by photovoltaic installations designed for self-consumption. The Organization of Consumers and Users notes that about 19 percent of the energy generated in these facilities cannot be fed into the grid. This loss mainly affects companies that adopted self-consumption in the last two years to cut bills and now see the entire consumption pattern shift to a self-sufficiency model. Surplus energy on weekends is often wasted, even as Spain faces an ongoing energy crisis. The Association of Renewable Energy Companies reports that around 160 million euros were wasted last year across the country because excess power could not be poured into the network. [Citation: OCU]
bureaucratic obstacles
The consumer group argues that the administration bears responsibility for the issue. It criticizes disproportionate and complex municipal fees and technical requirements that hinder owners from feeding excess energy into the grid. A further obstacle is the behavior of some electricity distributors, which sometimes complicate the formation of individual contracts by demanding multiple files for a single contract. Delays in activation of self-consumption projects are common. In some cases, consumers are restricted to a single self-consumption connection despite legislation allowing more. At times, distributors require a connectivity or network change that adds costs, effectively doubling the budget. The rhetoric of frustration from affected owners is palpable as these hurdles persist. [Citation: OCU]
New world record in solar panel efficiency: 33.9%
The sector notes progress as efficiency climbs, yet practical obstacles remain. A business owner affected by these barriers described how he finally stopped discarding excess energy. On Saturdays and Sundays, he connected to the grid but found the process financially untenable. Iberdrola reportedly asked for an authentication device certified by the utility, a device already present at the facility. The cost was about 10,000 euros, leading the owner to abandon the plan rather than proceed. [Citation: OCU]
delays
Industry professionals highlight permit processing delays within the Ministry of Industry. Although improvements followed the launch of the new Consell, the situation remains challenging for firms installing self-consumption facilities to cut power bills. The inability to transfer excess production to the grid can result in losses up to 1,500 euros per month. A key concern is that distributors often set their own rules, slowing or complicating projects and delaying amortization significantly. The sentiment is that regulatory friction and inconsistent practices hinder progress. [Citation: OCU]
complex process
A spokesman from Iberdrola distribution company i-DE explains that the process can be intricate. The company has been engaging installers, professional associations, and the administration for over a year to clarify technical and regulatory details and to improve communication. The aim is to streamline procedures while ensuring safety and reliability in supply. [Citation: OCU]
How to clean solar panels: tips, tricks and recommendations
Efficient operation begins with proper maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection help protect performance and extend the life of solar installations. Practical guidance emphasizes safe handling, appropriate cleaning agents, and timing that minimizes disruption to energy generation. [Citation: OCU]
Waste
OCU reiterates the call to end the substantial waste tied to delays in connecting plants to the power grid. It asks authorities to adopt a uniform, straightforward procedure and to allocate sufficient personnel to speed up approvals. Distributors should stop illegal practices and implement technically sound changes in line with the law. When failures persist, the National Market and Competition Commission should act in a proportionate and exemplary manner, according to the organization. [Citation: OCU]