Climent, on the 25th, announced a decree to grant aid and accelerate renewable energies
The surge in electricity costs has brought solar energy into sharper focus as a practical path to lower household expenses while cutting climate impact. A recent assessment by the Valencia Institute for Commercial Competitiveness, Ivace, aligned with the Sustainable Economy Department, indicates that the roof-mounted solar capacity in the Alicante province could feed power to about 2.2 million households. The study aims to pinpoint municipalities with the highest solar ability and, at the same time, identify those best suited for promoting self-sufficiency on a local scale or through the formation of energy communities.
Findings from the study, conducted with the participation of the Technological Energy Institute, show a useful land area for installing photovoltaic panels on both industrial and residential rooftops. Spanning roughly 110 square kilometers, this area includes commercial, service sector, and public buildings. When fully utilized, this footprint could generate up to 14 gigawatts of installed capacity and about 220,881 gigawatt hours per year, equivalent to the annual needs of around 6.5 million homes.
Valencia Province stands out with more than 10,700 gigawatt hours of annual photovoltaic generation potential, absorbing about 60 percent of regional capacity within the industrial sector. Castellón adds around 4,000 gigawatt hours per year, with roughly two thirds of that output tied to industrial zones. In Alicante, the annual yield could reach as much as 8,000 gigawatt hours, with residential buildings accounting for about 58 percent of productive capacity. The total roof area available in Alicante is estimated at 36 square kilometers, presenting significant room for expansion.
Single-family homes emerge as the largest contributors within the residential segment, with Alicante leading the way in the study’s figures. The analysis relied on a Ministry of Economy report and followed a three-stage methodology. First, researchers calculated the total usable area to host photovoltaic modules for each municipality in the Valencia Community. They used cartographic data and digital tools to map out roofs and flat roof surfaces on built structures, while excluding areas deemed unsuitable or with limited solar potential from the analysis.
Second, the study quantified annual photovoltaic production per person and per municipality, then classified results by building type and usage. In the final stage, the researchers evaluated how much solar energy potential could be directed toward self-consumption or the creation of local energy communities. The conclusions highlighted municipalities with the greatest potential and provided preliminary qualitative insights for prioritization.
The executive decree announced by Climent on the 25th seeks to streamline renewable energy projects that have faced delays due to bureaucratic barriers. The aim is to accelerate the shift toward energy self-sufficiency in the Valencia Community and to reduce electricity costs for residents and businesses alike.
Alicante is identified as the best-positioned region for rooftop solar generation. In the Alacantí district, the highest potential is reported, with Alicante city alone capable of producing about 8,092 gigawatt hours per year. The remainder of the district adds roughly 1,480 gigawatt hours, bringing the total for the region to a strong figure. Vega Baja follows with an estimated 1,804 gigawatt hours, Marina Alta with around 1,112, and Medio Vinalopó with approximately 798. Alcoiia totals about 700, Marina Baixa about 499, Alto Vinalopó roughly 381, and El Comtat about 282. Among the best-positioned districts in the broader region are Ribera Alta, l’Horta Oest, Camp del Túria, and in Castellón, Plana Baixa and Plana Alta. These rankings reflect a combination of roof coverage, residential demand, and industrial capacity that together shape where rooftop solar deployments can grow most rapidly and cost-effectively.