Else Beekman
The south of Spain has always been known for its sunny weather. However, the way people use that sunshine is changing now. In the last decades, there has been a quiet change: more and more Northern Europeans, including many foreign families, are moving to Andalucia, Murcia, and especially the province of Alicante.
They have added a new layer to communities that are already shaped by tourism and seasonal residents. They were drawn by the climate, the slower pace of life, and the fact that property is still affordable compared to their home countries. One clear effect of this migration is that more people want solar panels. Not only do people who live here all year want to enjoy the sun, they also want to catch it.
From slow to fast
Spain has always been a great place for solar power on paper. The southern parts of Europe get an abundance of sun. But, surprisingly, the domestic market was slow for years. The “sun tax” and strict rules made people less likely to invest.
In the last five years, that picture has changed a lot. Changes to the rules made it easier to self-consume, lowered installation costs, and suddenly rooftops all over Alicante were covered in solar panels.
A small market has turned into a fast-growing industry, where solar panel companies in Alicante and across the whole Costa Blanca are competing to deliver cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.
People from Northern Europe as early adopters
For people from the UK, the Netherlands, and other Northern countries who are new to the area, the choice is almost automatic. Many people are already used to renewable energy at home, where debates about sustainability and subsidies are common.
In Spain, the equation tilts even more in their favour: more sun, higher electricity bills, and the promise of being less dependent on the grid. Putting up solar panels is one of the first big things that many of these families do to their new homes, whether they are modern villas near the coast or restored farmhouses in the hills outside of Alicante.
A boost for the local economy
The rising demand has had an effect on the economy in the area. Installation companies in Alicante and other places have been getting a lot of orders lately. In some places, people have to wait for months. Furthermore, cities that were once unsure are now including solar energy in their plans for the future.
It used to be a side business, but now it’s a big part of the construction industry. It’s giving towns that have been losing people a new source of activity, making small businesses stronger, and creating jobs.
Problems that come with the boom
There are still problems that come with the boom. Spain’s electricity grid can´t handle so much decentralised production. Therefore, bottlenecks are happening more and more often. It can also be hard to deal with paperwork because permits and subsidies are different in each area.
And while a lot of foreign buyers can afford the down payment, lower-income families and renters often miss out. There is also a paradox: while individual homes are more and more environmentally friendly, the overall growth of housing, much of which is driven by demand from other countries, puts more strain on land and water resources.
Despite problems, there is momentum
There is no denying that there is momentum, even with these problems. Costs are going down, regulations are helping, and there is strong demand from consumers, all of which point to continued growth. For newcomers, installing solar panels in Alicante is more than just a good idea; they’re part of making a new life in Spain. For the area, this is a big change: energy is no longer just about national policy; it’s also about thousands of small choices that change the landscape.
The sun has always shone on southern Spain. Now, a lot of people turn it into electricity, which is literally powering the next part of Alicante’s story.
Solar energy continues to rise in Spain, with historic record in May