Strong and Cross-Cutting Social Support for Solar Energy
According to the survey “Spanish Public Perception of Photovoltaic Energy”, conducted by Sigma Dos for Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF), solar photovoltaic energy enjoys broad and cross-cutting social support in Spain. 84.2% of Spaniards consider it a viable and sustainable alternative for electricity generation.
Concern about climate change averages 6.9 out of 10, and seven out of ten Spaniards consider renewable energy to play a very or fairly relevant role in slowing climate change.
José Donoso, Director General of UNEF, highlighted: “The Sigma Dos data show that Spanish society continues to strongly support photovoltaic energy, both large-scale solar parks and self-consumption solutions, and understands its contribution to the country’s energy independence and savings on electricity bills.”
Inexhaustible, Clean, and Affordable Energy
Solar energy is the most widely recognized renewable source among the population. 66.3% of Spaniards believe it should be further promoted, and the main benefits include being inexhaustible, not producing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and providing cheaper electricity.
Strong Support for Photovoltaic Parks
67% of Spaniards support the deployment of photovoltaic parks nationally and regionally, while 11% oppose them. Support remains majority even for installations in respondents’ own municipality (60.7%).
Citizens also see local consultation as key. Two-thirds believe investing in solar energy is an opportunity for depopulated areas, and 64.1% think solar parks can create jobs and growth in rural areas. More than half (53.7%) see them as compatible with agricultural production.
Energy Storage, Key to Solar Utilization
Almost seven out of ten Spaniards consider storage essential or very important to make the most of generated energy and ensure grid stability. Over 60% agree that storage improves supply security and reduces dependence on external energy, making it crucial for a more efficient and sustainable electricity system.
Self-Consumption Valued for Savings
34.2% of Spaniards declare they are fully willing to install self-consumption solar panels at home. The main motivation is economic savings, also reported by those who already have panels. However, 41.3% of single-family home residents know they can install panels, while 50.3% of apartment dwellers are unsure of their suitability.
Public Perception of the 2025 Blackout
Most Spaniards do not associate renewable energy with the blackout of 28 April 2025. 43.3% point to the failure of power plants controlling grid voltage as the main cause, far ahead of other explanations such as safety disconnections, renewable deployment, or cyberattacks.
Minority with Low Climate Concern
A minority segment (11%) shows low concern for climate change (0–3 on a 0–10 scale), mainly aged 30–44, with lower environmental sensitivity and more critical perception of renewables.
Sources & References:
Spanish Public Perception of Photovoltaic Energy, Sigma Dos for UNEF
