Photovoltaic – you have certainly heard this term before. But do you also know what exactly is behind it and what things you have to consider when installing a new photovoltaic system?
In recent years, solar systems have become increasingly important on Mallorca. Two different technical methods can be distinguished here – photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems.
Photovoltaic system – electrical power from sunlight
The term photovoltaic refers to a technology that uses the power of the sun to generate energy. Individual solar cells are combined to form so-called solar modules (or solar panels), which capture the incident sunlight and convert it into electricity that can then be used in the home.
Solar thermal system – thermal energy for hot water and heating
A solar thermal system, on the other hand, uses so-called solar collectors to convert the sun’s thermal energy into usable heat, which can then be used to heat water or the living space.
An expert will be happy to help you
The installation of a photovoltaic system is possible in new buildings as well as in existing properties, but the building requirements vary from municipality to municipality and details should definitely be clarified with a solar system specialist.
Sun without solar tax, but with subsidies!
Legislative Decree 15/2018 introduced some changes in October 2018 that make the installation and use of photovoltaic systems much more interesting for consumers. For example, the so-called “sun tax”, which consumers previously had to pay for self-generated energy, was abolished. The administrative burden has also been simplified: in the case of systems for self-consumption, a notification by the installation company to the Ministry of Energy is usually sufficient nowadays; prior authorisation for the installation of the photovoltaic system is not required.
The Balearic Ministry of the Environment has also promoted the installation of photovoltaic systems in recent years through subsidies. Up to 50% of the installation costs for new photovoltaic systems could be reimbursed to private individuals. New applications for subsidies can be submitted from 15 January to 31 July 2021. (https://www.caib.es/govern/sac/fitxa.do?codi=4503083&coduo=2390767&lang=ca)
Electricity supply in rural areas only via photovoltaic systems
These systems will also become increasingly important on Mallorca in the future, because since May 2019 it is no longer possible to apply for a new public electricity connection in rural areas (suelo rústico). If no public electricity connection is available, the power supply must be ensured via photovoltaics Read more about this in our blog article “Public electricity connections no longer possible in the finca area“.