Located in Asturias and specializing in photovoltaic solar energy, Masnorte Renovables is committed to self-consumption, both in the residential and commercial/industrial sectors, with a particular focus on the latter.

Indeed, Pablo Suárez, CEO of the company, revealed to Energía Estratégica España that their most prominent project involves a 660-kilowatt installation at the IDESA IDEFAB industrial group, a company of great local importance. This project, located in Avilés, “has been key to strengthening our position in the sector.”

In addition, Masnorte Renovables has implemented a series of solar installations in various towns throughout Asturias.

Another of their significant projects is Sidra Cortina, located in Villaviciosa, with a capacity of 160.05 kWp and an annual production of 189,138.94 kWh. Following this is the project at Talleres Carlos del Valle, located in Baiña, which has a capacity of 76.44 kWp and generates approximately 78,690.87 kWh per year.

In Langreo, the INOXNALON, S.L. project has a capacity of 52.92 kWp and an annual production of 57,381.30 kWh. In Quintueles, the Llagar Castañón project has a capacity of 54.88 kWp and generates 61,416.21 kWh annually.

The Cafés El Globo installation, located in Salas, has a capacity of 30.72 kWp and produces 34,378.75 kWh annually.

Additionally, the Nemesio Bedia Construcciones, S.L. project in El Franco has a capacity of 10.56 kWp and generates 11,947.09 kWh per year.

Meanwhile, VIHUTANA, S.L. in Bimenes also has a capacity of 10.56 kWp and an annual production of 12,409.11 kWh.

In Oviedo, Masnorte has carried out an installation for Tudela Veguín, which has a capacity of 1.92 kWp and generates approximately 2,380.26 kWh per year.

Lastly, the installations in Vicmillanera S.L. and Villa Nava S.L., located in Llanera and Nava, respectively, have capacities of 5.40 kWp and 39.20 kWp, producing 5,360.00 kWh and 41,444.76 kWh annually.

Photovoltaic Energy with Electric Mobility

On another note, during the MOVEO 2024 event, covered by Mobility Portal Europe, Masnorte Renovables announced the expansion of its operations into the electric mobility sector. Suárez commented: “We have installed solar photovoltaic canopies in several parking spaces at a service station in Asturias.”

The uniqueness of these charging devices is that they are “completely autonomous,” meaning they are powered solely by solar energy, with no need to be connected to the electrical grid. Moreover, they are portable, so they do not require civil work or foundations. As a result, Masnorte Renovables’ presence is strengthened in various areas of the sustainability sector.

Furthermore, Pablo Suárez highlights that, while subsidies and grants are always welcome and necessary to accelerate project execution, the true strength of these sectors lies in their ability to generate profitability by themselves.

“Both sustainable mobility and renewable energy, especially photovoltaic self-consumption, are investments that offer a quick return, even without relying on external aid,” he says.

From an industrial perspective, self-consumption is positioned as one of the most effective investments. Suárez emphasizes: “For a business owner, it is one of the quickest to amortize, with a faster return on investment than almost any other option available.” This aspect is crucial to raise awareness among both citizens and businesses about the inherent economic benefits of using clean energy.

However, he also recognizes the value of having well-structured financial support. “If, in addition to the profitability of self-consumption, sensible subsidies, well-managed and that directly reach the citizen, are available, the push would be even greater,” he concludes.

Challenges in Solar Project Development in Spain

However, the CEO identifies several challenges that are crucial for the implementation of projects. According to him, “all aspects of the process present challenges,” but he particularly highlights two critical phases: obtaining permits and licenses, and the execution and certification of installations.

The first is complicated due to the peculiarities of each local administration. Suárez points out that “each official has different criteria,” which causes delays in project approvals. This means that while one locality may proceed smoothly, another may face significant obstacles due to differing regulations.

The second critical stage requires strict adherence to current regulations. “To certify the installations, it is essential to have been rigorous during the previous process, from the selection of materials to the protection and compliance with technical requirements,” Suárez explains.

The Masnorte Renovables representative notes that despite these efforts, there is often “mistrust” towards the administration because the materials and components used do not meet the requirements of the final stage. “This problem is not just an administrative issue, but relates to the obligations established during the earlier phases,” he adds.

In light of these issues, Suárez advocates for the “unification of criteria” in regulations, thus avoiding the arbitrariness of each locality.

Finally, Suárez highlights the importance of the administration in developing new business models, such as local energy communities. He asserts that “much proactivity from the administration is needed to push these projects forward,” to ensure that renewable energy reaches as many citizens as possible and contributes to the democratization of energy.

These challenges reflect the need for a clearer and more consistent regulatory framework to facilitate the progress of renewable energy in the country, enabling more efficient and sustainable development in the sector.