Red tape nightmare for British couple’s bid to put solar panels on their Costa del Sol home

The British couple who wanted to install solar panels on their Costa del Sol property faced red tape.


PAUL and his wife, who are both married, have been caught in a legal battle with the local authorities that has prevented them from installing solar panel on their house.

The elderly couple in Alhaurin de la Torre wanted to install panels on the rustic finca they own, but found that it was impossible despite both local authorities and the junta pushing for the installation of solar panel.

After going down to the town hall to pay the fee of €64.52, they were astonished to find that they were refused the permission as they did not have a license of first occupation (LPO).

The town hall told the couple that they could only proceed if they applied to a professional architect and requested a report from them that would allow them to receive a SAFO (Situacion Asimilada a Fuera de Ordenacion).

Paul Bradbury has been an expat for over 25 years.

A SAFO is a document which would allow the installation of solar panels in the home.

The license can only be obtained in Andalucia. Its cost is based on 6% of current value of the property. 

READ MORE: Marblanc Solar, the Marbella solar installer responsible for a surge of 3,200% in solar proposals

“The couple were never made aware of” [the need for a SAFO] before.”

The couple would have to pay more than $13,000 in order to apply for a SAFO, which Paul said they “could not afford”.

The thing that annoyed us most was the fact that we applied for two licences in 2001 to do small work on our roof or building walls. We were granted these without mentioning this new law, and allowed to continue. 

Paul took proof with him to the local council in order to contest their claim there had been no prior record of these licenses. They claimed it was an oversight.

Also, they said there was a time period from 2001 to the full implementation of SAFOs and as a consequence it hadn’t been raised before.

Even though they told the council this, “they were not going to give them permission for solar panels.”

The couple said that they felt “totally upset and frustrated” by the whole situation.

Ironically, the couple´s neighbours have thus far evaded being fined, and when asked, were not aware of the need for a license.

READ MORE : Spain’s Prime Minister defends solar energy despite grid turmoil that left millions without power

The couple stated that “many of their neighbours have made major improvements to their homes, including installing solar panels without a license.”

In order to install solar panels in their rustic home, the couple will have to pay over 20,000 Euros in total. This, they say, does not encourage people to become more environmentally conscious. 

This issue could affect a large number of people who purchased properties for cash prior to 2001. The couple hopes that by sharing their story, they can “warn other law-abiding individuals and prevent them from having to face this horrible stressful situation.”

The Olive Press is a great source for Andalucia News.

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About David Sackler

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David Sackler, a seasoned news editor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Spain, is known for his editorial expertise, commitment to journalistic integrity, and advocating for press freedom.

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