The solar panels are becoming more and more efficient, which has led to an increase in the domestic self-consumptionIf you have installed a photovoltaic system, you are probably wondering how to register your installation. Legalising solar panels is a process that many people are unaware of, but it is essential to ensure that your installation complies with all current regulations.
Next, we will see all the steps necessary to legalize a photovoltaic installation for self-consumption, both at private and industrial levels.
Key terms to keep in mind
To understand how to carry out this procedure, we must begin by familiarizing ourselves with the most important terms that arise during the legalization process.
The concept of legalize a photovoltaic installation covers all the administrative procedures necessary for a solar installation to comply with local, regional and national regulations. Complying with all these requirements is not only necessary, but also allows you to avoid sanctions and ensure that the installation operates in optimal conditions.
Self-consumption without surplus: This is a type of self-consumption in which the generated surpluses are not dumped into the electricity grid. In these cases, an anti-dumping system can be installed so that the energy that is not consumed at the time is not dumped into the general grid.
Self-consumption with surpluses: In this model, the surpluses are fed into the grid. The owner can choose to receive financial compensation for these surpluses or directly sell the excess energy generated by his installation.
CAU code: This is the self-consumption code, generated by your electricity distributor, which identifies your photovoltaic installation before the administration and your distributor in order to carry out the compensation of surpluses or formalize the connection to the electricity grid.
Legalize solar panels for domestic consumption
We are going to analyze the procedure to legalize a photovoltaic installation in a private residence. This type of installation is increasingly common and allows you to considerably reduce your electricity bill. However, for everything to be in order and for the installation to be safe and efficient, it is necessary to follow a series of important steps.
Data collection for the budget: The first thing you need to do is collect electricity bills from the last 12 months, so that the installation company can design a system that fits the home's actual consumption. Although you don't have all the bills, it is important to have as many as possible to accurately calculate the amount of energy the installation will require.
Housing location: The location of the house is a determining factor, since the orientation of the roof must be considered, as well as its inclination. These two elements are essential to optimize the efficiency of solar panels.
Administrative steps: Once all this information is obtained, the administrative phase begins with the application for a building permit at the town hall. In some autonomous communities, this step has been simplified and can be replaced by a responsible statementIn addition, municipal taxes will need to be paid, such as the Tax on Construction, Installations and Works (ICIO).
Documentation for the legalization of a domestic self-consumption installation
Once the installation is complete, the installation company must issue the Electrical Installations Certificate (CIE), also known as electrical bulletin. In low power installations, such as those with less than 15 kW, it is also necessary to present a Technical Design Memory which must comply with the Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulations (REBT).
After having these documents in order, you must proceed with the telematic application for the surplus compensation permits. To do this, the Self-consumption code (CAU), which links the client's CUPS with the A000 prefix.
Legalize solar panels in the industrial field
In a industrial photovoltaic installation, the process can be a bit more complex and requires more planning to optimize the installation and comply with all regulations. This is where data collection takes on special importance. In addition to electricity bills, the company's consumption habits must be reviewed and a thorough analysis must be carried out to determine how much energy will be used and how much surplus will be generated, if any.
After studying the bills and defining the energy needs, the next step is to obtain the exact location to study the inclination and orientation of the surface where the panels will be placed. This will have a direct impact on performance and energy savings.
Process of legalizing an industrial facility
La legalization of an industrial facility It also requires following a series of mandatory steps at the administrative and technical level. Firstly, it is necessary to present the work license at the corresponding municipality, similar to the process for residential facilities. In some regions, this process has been accelerated and, in many cases, it is possible to proceed with a prior communication.
In industrial installations of more than 15 kW, a technical project visa by an engineer. A Certificate of Construction Management or with a Certificate of Completion of Work, both signed by competent engineers. In some cases, an initial inspection by an Authorised Inspection Body (OCA) is required, especially when the installation exceeds 25 kW.
After all these formalities, the next step is to present the installation to the Autonomous Community. Once presented, the compensation of surpluses can be carried out through the CAU. This process may also vary depending on the autonomous community, but generally follows the same structure.
Legalization costs and available subsidies
It is important to note that the legalisation of a photovoltaic installation has some additional costs. In addition to municipal fees, in many autonomous communities additional administrative fees must be paid to register the installation. However, there are currently subsidies and grants that greatly facilitate the initial budget.
In some municipalities, discounts can be obtained on the Real Estate Tax (IBI) or Tax on constructions If the photovoltaic installation is carried out for self-consumption, these subsidies can lead to significant savings in the final budget of the project.
In addition, the Spanish government and the European Union have launched different lines of aid for self-consumption which can cover between 40% and 90% of the initial investment depending on the power of the installation and the autonomous community in which the project is carried out.
The marketing process includesseveral phases that are reflected below: legalization of a photovoltaic installation It may seem long and complicated, but if followed properly, it will allow homeowners to take advantage of all the benefits offered by solar energy in an efficient and safe manner. Energy savings and government subsidies, as well as self-consumption subsidies, are encouraging more and more people to legalise their photovoltaic installation.