Spain added 10.1 GW of new solar PV capacity in 2025, according to the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF). The total included 8.97 GW of utility-scale solar and 1.14 GW of self-consumption systems. The industry association said falling capture prices are putting increasing pressure on new projects, highlighting the need for greater energy storage and higher levels of electrification.
According to UNEF's annual report, Spain's solar sector added 10,105 MW of new capacity in 2025.
Solar PV accounted for nearly 23% of Spain's electricity mix, making it the country's largest power generation technology. Utility-scale solar accounted for 8,966 MW of the new capacity, up 31% from 2024. The self-consumption segment added 1,139 MW, down 4% year on year.
By the end of 2025, Spain had 46,286 MW of cumulative utility-scale solar capacity and 9,276 MW of cumulative self-consumption capacity.
UNEF said strong solar generation during the daytime is pushing down wholesale electricity prices while also reducing revenues for solar assets. The average solar capture price fell from €42.28 ($48.82)/MWh in 2024 to €36.39/MWh in 2025, and declined further to €29.68/MWh in the first half of 2026.
At the same time, the number of zero- and negative-price periods has increased. In 2025, electricity prices in Spain were at or below €0/MWh for 797 hours during periods of high solar generation. By July 7, 2026, the country had already matched that figure, with the total approaching 900 hours by early September.
UNEF identified the electrification of end-use energy as one of the main challenges for the next stage of Spain's energy transition. A total of 71.5 GW of demand connection capacity has already been approved or included in the country's grid planning through 2030, while another 24 GW of applications are awaiting approval. Data centers, industrial facilities, hydrogen production, energy storage, and electric mobility account for a significant share of the expected demand.
Energy storage is also becoming increasingly important. Behind-the-meter storage installations grew 65% in 2025, reaching 540 MWh and bringing cumulative capacity since 2022 to 2,745 MWh.
Spain also had 261 MW of utility-scale storage in operation, including 241 MW of hybrid systems and 20 MW of standalone projects. Another 33,031 MW had received approval, while 14,607 MW remained in the approval process.
In 2025, solar PV contributed €9.84 billion to Spain's GDP, equivalent to around 0.5% of the country's GDP. The sector generated a total economic impact of €14.12 billion, supported 134,708 jobs, and generated €3.21 billion in exports.
Investment in research and innovation reached €473 million. UNEF estimated the sector's innovation intensity at 3.6%, more than twice Spain's industrial average of 1.6%.
UNEF said the next stage of solar development will require the power system to integrate larger volumes of renewable generation and energy storage. Its recommendations include more flexible grid connection and permitting rules, streamlined administrative procedures, the hybridization of existing solar plants, and faster electrification on the demand side.
UNEF also called for reforms to the wholesale electricity price formation mechanism to reflect the country's growing renewable penetration, including measures aimed at reducing the frequency of zero-price periods.
it is currently one of the largest exporters of photovoltaic products in China.
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