Spain: Solar panel supports in the Basque Country: applications open and up to 55% of the cost

Basque households can now apply for the new grants under the Eguzki Hotz program, a Basque government initiative designed to boost energy self-consumption and sustainable heating. The call, managed by the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), opened on November 5 and provides subsidies for installing solar panels, integrating storage batteries, and replacing heating or hot water systems with renewable technologies.

The Basque government announced a total investment of 120 million euros for this program, although the initial allocation in the call published by EVE is 80 million euros: 60 million for renewable electricity generation installations and 20 million for electrifying thermal consumption.

In the residential sector, the autonomous government announced support of up to 55% of the cost of photovoltaic installations. However, the regulatory framework stipulates that the amount is calculated based on modules per installed power and that the subsidy cannot exceed 65% of the eligible cost. Consequently, the final percentage will depend on the specific characteristics and subsidizable expenses of each project.

Eligibility criteria for solar panel installation grants

The initiative is open to a wide range of applicants, including private individuals, businesses, public authorities and owners’ associations. For residential purposes, eligibility is restricted to individuals who do not engage in commercial activities involving the sale of goods or services on the market.

Residential owners’ associations and renewable or citizen energy communities that meet the criteria set out in the programme’s guidelines are also eligible to apply for the funding.

All installations must be located in the Basque Country, and the energy generated and stored must be consumed within the region. For grid-connected self-consumption systems, the associated annual consumption must account for at least 80% of the energy produced. This requirement does not apply to off-grid installations.

Which installations and activities are eligible for subsidies

The Eguzki Hotz program is structured around two main operational tracks, each featuring distinct eligibility criteria and subsidy calculation methodologies.

Electricity generation for self-consumption

New photovoltaic systems designed to generate electricity for self-consumption.

Expansions of existing renewable energy generation facilities that are already operational.

Integration of battery storage systems to retain energy produced by new or pre-existing installations.

Wind power generation facilities that meet the specific requirements of the call for applications.

In the case of battery storage, the units must be linked to a renewable energy generation facility and located within the internal grid. The maximum eligible capacity is capped at four kilowatt-hours for every kilowatt-peak of installed photovoltaic capacity.

For private individuals who do not engage in economic activity, the photovoltaic subsidy is calculated at a rate of 600 euros per kilowatt-peak for installations up to 10 kilowatt-peak, 450 euros per kilowatt-peak for capacities exceeding 10 but not surpassing 100 kilowatt-peak, and lower amounts for larger-scale installations. The grant cannot exceed the eligible cost or the maximum threshold of 65 percent.

2. Electrification of thermal energy consumption

The second funding line covers the replacement or installation of renewable energy systems for space heating and domestic hot water production. Eligible technologies include specific air-to-air heat pump systems and rooftop equipment.

For private residences, grant amounts are calculated based on installed capacity, subject to per-household caps. For instance, air-source heat pumps can qualify for up to 500 euros per kilowatt installed, with a maximum subsidy of 3,000 euros per dwelling. In the case of closed-loop vertical geothermal systems, the cap reaches 13,500 euros.

A critical distinction exists among the technologies: air-to-water heat pumps, geothermal, and hydrothermal systems do not require integration with an on-site photovoltaic installation to access these funds. Conversely, certain air-to-air climate control units must be paired with a renewable generation source, such as solar panels. Furthermore, not all air-to-air systems are covered; eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific equipment type and the applicant’s profile.

Can solar panel grants in the Basque Country be claimed if the panels have already been installed?

Eligibility for the subsidy depends on the applicant’s status and the timing of the work.

For individuals and non-commercial entities, the guidelines allow for the acceptance of firm execution commitments, approved budgets, orders, contracts, invoices, and payment receipts dated from January 1, 2026, onward. This means that a private individual who contracted for or installed solar panels before the application window opened may still apply for assistance, provided they meet the specified conditions and can verify the relevant dates and expenses.

Conversely, individuals or entities engaged in economic activities, such as companies and self-employed professionals, must submit their application before commencing the work or entering into firm commitments to execute it. These applicants will not be eligible for the subsidy if they have already started the project or assumed such commitments prior to filing their request.

What paperwork is required and how to submit the application

Applications for the Basque Country’s solar panel support scheme, which covers up to 55% of installation costs, are processed through the Basque Government’s electronic portal. Applicants must access the Eguzki Hotz program via the Basque Energy Agency’s website to initiate the procedure.

Before submitting an application, applicants are required to possess an electronic identification method and prepare all documentation in digital format. The specific documents needed vary depending on the type of installation and the applicant’s circumstances, but the required templates and proofs typically include:

Identification documents for the applicant and, where applicable, their legal representative.

Details of the electricity supply point, identified by the CUPS code.

Sworn declarations regarding the installation’s energy consumption and monitoring systems.

Technical documentation for the works and the installed equipment.

Documentation related to energy storage systems, if batteries are included in the project.

Quotes, contracts, invoices, and payment receipts, as appropriate for the project phase and the type of beneficiary.

Once the file is prepared, the applicant must complete the application form, attach the required documents, sign the submission, and send the request. The system then generates a receipt of submission and allows applicants to check the status of their application at any time through the “My Folder” feature.

How long can applications for the subsidies be submitted

The application window opened on November 5, 2026, and will remain active until the allocated budget is exhausted. Regardless of the funding status, the absolute deadline for submissions is set for September 29, 2028.

Applications are processed in the order they are received, provided they meet all mandatory requirements and sufficient budgetary credit remains. Consequently, although the official period spans nearly two years, the call may be closed prematurely if the available funds are depleted.

Once a subsidy is approved, recipients have a maximum of 18 months from the notification of the decision to execute, invoice, and settle the project, with a final overall deadline of October 31, 2029.