Taxing The Sun
Unlike majority of European Countries, Spain is about to enact a new law that will potentially discourage citizens from the usage of solar panels and batteries. Jose Manuel Soria, minister of industry, energy and tourism, has announced that they are almost ready to enact the country’s new solar tax.
The law would apply two new taxes on the self-consumption of solar energy. Firstly, a taxation on the installation of self-consumption systems and storage technology. In addition to this, a levy of €8.90 per kW would have to be paid for residential consumption, and up to €36.00 per kW for medium businesses. This would apply to grid-connected solar PV installations of up to 15kW and only off-grid PV systems are exempted from the tax.
A widely unpopular legislation, the new law has seen an overwhelming negative response. It was opposed by more than 18,900 people during a 15 day consultation period. An online petition against the tax was also signed by more than 188,000 citizens within a week and has also received a opposing feedback from Spain’s National Commission of Markets and Competition.
The Spanish government is pushing to have the legislation passed before the general election which is predicted to take place at the end of this year.
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