Prices fell in April
The Spanish Photovoltaic Association UNEF, the leading national group for solar energy in Spain, brings together hundreds of companies driving the country’s solar growth. Spain has seen notably low electricity costs in Europe, with data drawn from Red Eléctrica and other European operators. In some cases, like on April 18, prices dropped to zero for several hours, marking a historic moment in the European electricity market.
Across Europe, typical prices hover around €100 per megawatt-hour, but Spain has managed to keep costs substantially lower—often around €25/MWh—thanks to robust solar generation and lower operating costs. This trend is not limited to isolated days; it reflects a pattern that appears most weekends and has become more common on weekdays as well. The equation behind these dynamics is simple: more sunshine, a region well-suited to economic activity, and supportive policy and market conditions that benefit both consumers and businesses. This perspective comes from José Donoso, managing director of UNEF.
Donoso emphasizes that leveraging Spain’s solar capacity could yield a durable economic edge for citizens and the business sector alike, sustaining lower energy prices over time without compromising reliability.
The Spanish Photovoltaic Association highlights the critical role of continuing solar development to bolster the country’s economic competitiveness and energy security while contributing to climate goals. A steady deployment of solar power is framed as a strategic asset for economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Donoso notes that Spain stands as a model in Europe for solar power generation and for achieving competitive electricity market prices. The path forward involves aligning climate action with affordable energy, enabling a just and sustainable transition that lowers costs for companies and households while creating job opportunities. The focus remains on expanding access to clean, inexpensive energy and integrating storage solutions to enhance grid reliability.
In the first half of April, the average electricity price reached 58.79 Euro/MWh, roughly a third of the level seen in the same period last year, and significantly below earlier highs. This shift accompanies a national energy mix that includes a large share of renewables, with renewables contributing about 54.7% in the first 18 days of April. This renewable dominance helps drive price reductions and strengthens energy security across the market.
Discussions continue about the broader energy transition, including the integration of green hydrogen and 100% renewable energy mixes. Experts see batteries and storage solutions as essential to maximizing solar benefits, ensuring stable supply, and enabling a swift, just transition for regions dependent on a traditional energy mix. The ongoing evolution of energy storage is viewed as equally important as solar panels in achieving a resilient, low-carbon future.
All statements and statistics cited reflect UNEF’s analysis and public releases related to solar energy trends across Europe. The focus remains on advancing solar adoption and promoting affordable, secure energy for homes and businesses alike, while maintaining commitments to climate action and economic vitality. [Citation: UNEF, Spanish Photovoltaic Association]