ABSTRACT
The aim here is to summarize the role of Photovoltaic Solar Energy in Spain within Spain's Renewable Energy Development Plan. In 1998, photovoltaic solar energy in Spain totalled an installed capacity of 8.6 MWp. In recent years there has been a rapid rate of growth due to the expansion of the market, constant decrease in costs, broadening of the range of applications, and increase in the efficiency and reliability of the products and systems. The industrial sector comprises 73 companies, mainly manufacturers, installers and distributors. Spanish manufacturers offer high quality products and large generating capacity. Current capacity is 12.5 MWp/year and immediate capacity is 22.5 MWp/year. There is a privileged price treatment of energy generated by photovoltaic installations, with two levels corresponding to the limit of 5 kW. The elimination of barriers and providing incentives means the elaboration of priority lines of action, to achieve the increase of 135 MW in installed power (1999-2010 period).
