Spain is gearing up for a real surge in renewable energy over the coming years. The government’s roadmap would nearly triple the capacity of green power by 2030. This expansion foresees hundreds of new solar farms and wind parks, aiming to reach about 60,000 MW within a decade.
The push for clean energy to combat climate change enjoys broad social support. Yet there is local skepticism, concern, or even denial among some residents who worry about large photovoltaic or wind projects in their towns or countryside.
To address these concerns, UNEF, the Photovoltaic Union of Spain, stands as a major solar industry association. It seeks to overcome social, environmental, or landscape hesitations that could slow the energy transition, especially for large-scale projects. The group recently announced a new initiative in a major Spanish publication, with aims to reassure communities and accelerate development.
Beyond legal requirements, the association has introduced an excellence seal for new solar plants. The seal recognizes sites that meet strict environmental integration criteria and demonstrate a positive socioeconomic impact through local job creation and nearby services. UNEF also urges energy companies to involve local residents in the process, helping communities to participate in planning and decision-making for new solar projects.
“Benefits must flow directly to the community, including clear economic gains,” explains José Donoso, UNEF’s managing director. The association promotes risk-free financing mechanisms that allow residents in the municipality and surrounding counties where solar plants are installed to participate without exposing them to undue risk.
Debt is preferred to equity
UNEF’s preferred approach is for neighbors to finance new facilities through loan purchases, with bonds starting at 500 euros to keep participation accessible. The returns are guaranteed and liquid, allowing citizens to sell their shares if needed, while protecting their money from loss.
“Some companies are already trying this, but the goal is to spread the model and build social allies, reducing local resistance to renewable energy deployments,” says Donoso. Participation would occur through financial platforms authorized by the national securities market regulator to promote participatory financing, giving solar promoters a different means of raising funds and easing pushback in communities.
UNEF favors guaranteed loan models to minimize risks that appear more pronounced with equity investments. “Equity participation is riskier for individuals,” Donoso notes, adding that expanding neighbor involvement via loans could help ease resistance where it exists.
Crowdfunding for solar projects
Fintech platforms have connected solar developers with small investors for years. They offer opportunities to invest with packages starting at modest amounts, such as 500 euros, and provide dividend returns semi-annually or annually. Project data show thousands of private investors contributing millions of euros to solar plants in a multiweek cycle, with returns in the mid-range for early participants.
Fundeen has supported projects through shareholder crowdfunding, inviting individuals to participate as investors. The company describes a long-term vision that centers community involvement in the financial returns of renewable projects. Local investment is viewed as a way to mitigate potential negative effects of nearby parks and build resilience among neighboring populations.
Historically, Fundeen projects have been open to nationwide participation. Recently, however, some investments and facilities under construction have given priority to resident investors in certain regions. Regions like the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Navarra have established regulatory provisions favoring local participants, offering a tailored window for those living near the project to subscribe first.
Within these proximity-focused financing schemes, Fundeen has begun funding efforts in Murcia—an area with no mandatory regional rules—along with openings in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia. The voluntary proximity investment route aims to build social support for new infrastructure by prioritizing nearby investors for a limited time.
Flobers has also entered the participatory financing arena for renewables. Its first project is nearing completion, with a second in the pipeline funded by private debt from investors starting at 1,000 euros. While initial moves focus on debt, the platform plans to offer equity sales in the future. The goal is broad democratization of investment so that everyone can contribute to advancing sustainability, says Diana Plané, the CEO. She predicts a surge in citizen participation and sees a moment when both entrepreneurs and individual residents play a central role in financing renewable energy.