Are solar panels worth it with Galicia's climate?
The number one objection, answered with data: real production, comparison with the south, and what actually decides the savings.
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"But it rains a lot here and there are few hours of sunshine...". It's the number one objection in Galicia, and it's reasonable. The short answer is: yes, it is worth installing solar panels despite Galicia's climate, and here is the data — without exaggeration.
1. Panels work with diffuse light, not just direct sun
A photovoltaic panel produces power with the radiation it receives, and on a cloudy day light is still arriving — that's why you can see during the day even if it's overcast. It produces less than in full sun, but it produces. In Galicia, this translates into perfectly usable generation throughout the year.
2. How much is produced here vs. the south
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| Zone | Average Irradiation | Production per kWp/year |
|---|---|---|
| Province of A Coruña | ~3.6 kWh/m²/day | ~1,100–1,250 kWh |
| South of Spain (reference) | ~5+ kWh/m²/day | ~1,500–1,600 kWh |
Yes, more is produced in the south. But the difference is around 20–25%, not the 80% that many people imagine. And it is more than offset by high consumption and good roofs, which abound in the region.
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3. The cold plays in your favor
It may sound strange, but panels perform better in mild temperatures than in extreme heat: at high temperatures they lose efficiency. The mild climate of A Coruña is, in this sense, a good ally for the electronics of the installation.
4. What really decides the profitability
It's not the hours of sunshine, but:
- Your consumption: the higher the bill, the greater the savings.
- Your roof: south-facing orientation, tilt, and absence of shadows.
- The price of electricity: the higher it goes, the sooner you pay it off.
That's why a well-oriented house in Oleiros, Sada, or Cambre with good consumption is an excellent candidate, despite the Atlantic climate.
5. The numbers, in short
A 5 kWp installation in an average home in the province produces 5,500–6,200 kWh per year, saves €650–1,100, and pays for itself in 6–10 years. With the INEGA subsidy and income tax (IRPF) deduction, even sooner. The climate is not the problem they say it is.
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Calculate my savings →Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar panels worth it in Galicia with its climate?
Yes. Panels produce with diffuse light, not just direct sun. In the province of A Coruña, each kWp generates about 1,100–1,250 kWh per year, enough to pay off the installation in 6–10 years in a home with good consumption.
How much less do panels produce in Galicia compared to the south?
Around 20–25% less, not much more. The difference is more than compensated for by high consumption and well-oriented roofs, which are common in the A Coruña area.
Do panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. They produce with the radiation they receive, which continues to arrive even with overcast skies. They generate less than in full sun, but they produce throughout the year.
Does the cold, wet climate damage the panels?
No. Panels are designed for the outdoors and, in fact, perform slightly better in mild temperatures than in extreme heat. The Atlantic climate is not an obstacle.
Solariña Technical Team
Behind Solariña is a group of engineers and energy efficiency specialists. We are dedicated to helping Galician families make the leap to self-consumption in a profitable, transparent way, without dealing with the bureaucracy of subsidies.