Spain: Solar Obligation since 2006
Submitted by Baerbel Epp on August 29, 2008In March 2006 the Spanish Government passed the new Technical Buildings Code (CTE). It has been the most significant reform of the country’s building sector in decades. The law covers safety, health and noise protection issues in buildings, and it deals with sustainability and energy efficiency aspects. The solar sector of the CTE includes an obligation regarding the use of solar thermal energy in all new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation and/or changes of use. Solar energy is supposed to cover 30 to 70 % of the domestic hot water demand.
The CTE applies at the time when building construction is authorised. Therefore, it is only at the end of 2008 or in 2009 that first judgements on the impact of the law on the market can be made. The Spanish government expects between 1.050 and 1.750 MWth new solar capacity to be installed until 2010. The municipal solar obligations that exist in more than 50 cities and provinces throughout the country remain in force in case their requirements are stronger than the ones of the national law.
This article was written by Ina Röpcke, a German journalist and solar thermal expert.
Country |
Spain |
Name |
Technical Building Code |
Goal |
Obligation to cover 30 to 70 % of the domestic hot water demand with solar thermal energy |
Date when law |
17 March, 2006 |
Date when law |
29 September, 2006 |
Target group |
The law applies to new buildings, independent of their use, and to buildings undergoing a major renovation. |
Special |
The solar fraction depends on the: |
Exceptions |
Exceptions are possible in case of buildings using other renewables or cogeneration. |
Last review of |
27 August, 2008 |
Further |
English and Spanish text can be found via |
Contact |
IDAE Instituto para la Diversificación y el Ahorro de la Energía (Spanish Energy Agency) |
