The sun has been throughout history a symbol of life and energy. From ancient mythologies to modern astrophysical research, the sun is a constant reminder of our connection with the cosmos and the technological possibilities that can still be explored. At present, its role as an engine of a transition to a cleaner and most sustainable energy model is especially relevant.
The global energy transition is underway, promoted by the growing awareness about climate change, the need to diversify energy sources and the search for sustainable solutions. Solar energy has become a key actor in this process, offering a clean and practically inexhaustible alternative against fossil fuels. Its ability to transform sunlightIn clean electricity it has the potential to be a fundamental piece in this process.
In fact, in recent decades, solar energy has experienced exponential growth. According to data from the International Energy Agency (AIE), the global installation of photovoltaic solar energy has increased more than 20 % per year on average in the last fifteen years.
In the case of Spain, according to the latest report of the Spanish electrical system, recently presented by Red Electric, in 2024 the production of renewable energy registered its historical production maximum with 148,999 GWh. To this we must add that the contribution of renewable energies also reached a historical quota record in electricity generation with 56.8 %, of the national energy mix.
This greater participation of the renewable generation in 2024 is mainly due to the increase in hydraulic production of 35.5 % and photovoltaic solar of 18.9 % compared to the previous year. Wind energy, was again a leader for the second consecutive year, but also the photovoltaic solar that has exceeded both production and participation in the national mix.
In fact, during 2024 the photovoltaic solar installation was the technology that increased its power most incorporating more than 6,000 MW into the National Generation Park, which means an increase of 22.8 % compared to the previous year, occupying, for the first time, since there are records, the third position in the national generation structure, ahead of the hydraulic and the combined cycle.
Europe is also advancing in its commitment to energy from renewable sources, with the aim of increasing energy independence and achieving the decarbonization of the economy, promoting that in the set of Entso-E countries the participation of renewable energy on the total of the electricity generation has reached 48.4 % of the energy produced.
Specifically, solar energy was renewable technology that experienced faster in 2024, compared to the rest of renewable technologies, with a variation of 20.8 % compared to the previous year. In fact, Spain became, last year, the second European country with the greatest generation of wind and solar origin, only behind Germany.
Energy decentralization and self -consumption
Solar energy, in addition to transforming the global energy panorama, is promoting the decentralization of energy production. The development and accessibility of technologies such as photovoltaic panels and thermal solar plants are allowing entire communities to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
Panels installed in housing, companies and farm ceilings allow to generate own energy and, in many cases, even sell the surplus to the network. This model not only releases access to energy, but also strengthens the resilience of communities against blackberries and energy crises and increases environmental benefits, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of ecosystems.
To strengthen the development of self -consumption, it is essential to continue promoting measures that facilitate its adoption, ensuring that more consumers can take advantage of the benefits of producing their own energy.
In this context, Naturgy energy is positioned as a key actor, promoting advanced solutions that facilitate access to solar energy and storage. In 2024 they exceeded 100 MW of installed power in self -consumption nationwide.
This same year, the energy has increased the demand of Naturgy Solar, reaching 109,000 managed contracts. This growth has been especially notable in the industrial sector, where the company’s Onsite solution offers stability in energy costs without the need for initial investment, allowing companies to optimize their consumption efficiently.
To respond to the different needs of consumers, they have a new porpholio of solar products – Basic, Plus and Premium – which combine quality and competitive prices. According to the data provided by the company, the integration of the virtual battery has been a key factor in the maximization of energy savings, allowing 70% of customers with this service to have received electricity bills at € 0. They also bet on offering maintenance services included with the installation, valuing the safety and comfort of their customers.
From the energy they ensure that, thanks to the simplification of procedures and the compensation of surpluses, producing its own energy has become a profitable alternative for both individuals and companies. Households can reduce their electrical invoice up to 70% and, with fiscal bonuses of up to 60% in the IRPF, the investment is amortized in an attractive term, considering that the useful life of these systems is around 25 years. In addition, self -consumption actively contributes to decarbonization, reducing the carbon footprint and reducing polluting emissions.