How to register your solar panels for self-consumption in Spain, step by step
Many solar installations work from day one but never show up on the bill: the surplus they export to the grid isn't credited because a step is missing. Here is the full route.
1. Installation by an authorised installer
A licensed installer designs and fits the system and, when finished, issues the electrical installation certificate (CIE). Without it the system cannot be legalised.
2. Town hall permission
Usually a prior notice or responsible declaration for minor works is enough. Many town halls give discounts on IBI (property tax) or the building works tax for installing panels: ask yours before you start.
3. Registration with the regional government
The installer registers the certificate with the autonomous community. Small systems (up to 15 kW on urban land) don't need grid access and connection permits. The region notifies the distributor, which records your self-consumption and updates your access contract.
4. The compensation agreement with your supplier
This is the step most often forgotten. For the energy you export to be credited on your bill, you must sign the simplified surplus compensation (compensación simplificada, for systems up to 100 kW) with your supplier. Each month those kWh are discounted at an agreed price, and the discount never exceeds what you pay for energy that month: you don't receive cash.
How to check it works: your bill should show a «compensación de excedentes» line with the kWh exported. If it doesn't, a step is missing and you are giving your energy away.
5. Choose a tariff that fits
With panels, what matters is the price paid for your surplus and the price of the energy you still buy at night. Suppliers don't all pay the same. Send us your bill and we'll tell you whether switching is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Do solar panels need to be legalised in Spain?
Yes. Without the installation certificate and the self-consumption registration you can't offset surplus energy and the system is not compliant.
Do I get paid for the energy I export?
With simplified compensation it is discounted from your bill, up to the cost of that month's energy. You don't receive cash.
Why can't I see the compensation on my bill?
Usually the compensation agreement with the supplier is missing or the registration hasn't reached the distributor.
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