Sunlight Tax in Spain

Apart from some quirky rules and ways, which you’ll encounter as a tourist there’s a reason Spain remains the top tourist destination for Brits. It has everything – sun, sea, mountains, open plains, wonderful islands, architecture, culture, art, food… The list is endless!

On the whole we do try to present Spain in a positive light, and on the level of tourism there’s no need not to do so. However, as a resident, the function of government would be comical if it wasn’t actually a reality. High level corruption, masses of unnecessary paperwork, a broken economy and the occasional bizarre laws. No, it’s not April the first. Don’t pinch yourself. This headline from Forbes Magazine is real and has been widely reported globally. Wait for it…

Out Of Ideas And In Debt, Spain Sets Sights On Taxing The Sun

Yes. Really. It is absolutely true! You couldn’t make this one up…

No in depth analysis from us, instead here are the key points from the Forbes article.

• Spain has actively encouraged (and subsidised) the adoption of solar panels over the last ten years
• They now claim that solar energy produces 60% more capacity than demand
• It will prohibit the sale of surplus energy to the grid
• All solar panels will have to be linked to the grid (so they can see who is using them)
• Non-connection to the grid will carry fines up €30 million (like anyone could actually afford to pay them!)
• Forbes claim that the end result is that it will become cheaper for the user to buy from the existing providers

If you want to read the original Forbes article in full – click here.

I particularly enjoyed the €30 million fines penalty. Britain used to have something that at one time. Though we didn’t apply punitive, disproportionate and absurd fines, and it was marginally more humane. We called the punishment Australia, and you could get sent there for stealing a chicken because you couldn’t afford to eat. Am I spotting a similarity here?

I’m no tree hugger, but this isn’t all that environmentally friendly a move is it? If I can see that, Greenpeace and their mates must be going off their nuts!

Rumour has it Spain is proposing a new Police force to enforce the legislation!

Alan Gandy

Alan, along with Elle, is the owner of Spain Buddy. He was born in the North of England (Lancashire) and travelled extensively before eventually settling in Almería. Alan has 3 sons from the first of his 18 marriages, (Sam, Joe & Ben) who are all now adults. You can read more articles by Alan on his personal blog at AlanGandy.com and see more of his photography on his photography website as well as on Instagram.