Photovoltaic Energy: Publication of the Royal Decree Law 14/2010

24 December 2010

On December 24, 2010 the Spanish Government has published the Royal Decree Law 14/2010, which establishes urgent measures for the correction of the tariff deficit of the photovoltaic sector. Its entry into force is forecasted for December 25, 2010.

This new regulation introduces a transmission fee of 0,5€/MWh, which should be paid by all producers of energy, including the photovoltaic one, starting from January 1, 2010 (up to this moment the producers were exempt from having to provide financial support to the electrical networks).

 

On the other hand, it establishes a general limit on the hours of operation, which are entitled to a retribution provided to the photovoltaic plants, in accordance with the climate zone where the facilities are located:

Technology

Operation hours entitled to the retribution per year

Zone I

Zone II

Zone III

Zone IV

Zone V

 

Permanent installation

1.232

1.362

1.492

1.632

1.753

Installation with 1-axis follower

1.602

1.770

1.940

2.122

2.279

Installation with 2-axis follower

1.664

1.838

2.015

2.204

2.367

 

Additionally, it provides a special limitation on the photovoltaic installation listed under the economic regime of the Royal Decree 661/2007 during three years (from 2011-2013). In exchange, the affected plants will have a right to the retribution during three more years, which will be extended from the current term of 25 years to 28 years:

Technology

Operation hours entitled to the retribution per year

Permanent installation

1.250

Installation with 1-axis follower

1.644

Installation with 2-axis follower

1.707

 

 

The referred climate zones are as follows: see attached pdf-file

The Royal Decree Law should be ratified by the Spanish Parliament in a 30-days term.

For further information please contact Antonio Jiménez: [email protected]