Can I install solar panels on the roof?
Yes: anyone can install rooftop solar panels for self-consumption. The self-consumption regime (Decree-Law 15/2022) sets power tiers: ≤350 W has no prior control (registration only if you inject surplus); >350 W up to 30 kW needs only a prior communication to DGEG (most homes); >30 kW up to 1 MW needs prior registration and an operating certificate; >1 MW needs production and operating licences. You can sell the surplus (via a market facilitator); that income is IRS category B, exempt up to €1,000/year if sales don't exceed purchases. In short: yes, and up to 30 kW you just notify.
📋 The rules
- ≤350 W: no prior control (registration only if injecting)
- >350 W–30 kW: a prior communication to DGEG
- >30 kW–1 MW: prior registration + certificate
- >1 MW: production and operating licences
- Surplus: sellable; IRS cat. B, exempt up to €1,000/year
🔓 Exceptions
- Building/condominium (common areas): 2/3 of permilage approval
- Collective self-consumption: needs a managing entity and internal rules
- ≤350 W: still needs registration to be paid for injected surplus
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There isn't really a "fine" for installing — there are communication/registration duties by power tier. Installing without the prior communication (above 350 W) or the registration (above 30 kW) can mean the installation isn't recognised and problems with the grid connection and selling surplus. Beware myths: you don't always need a licence — most home installs (up to 30 kW) need only a prior communication; articles citing the old DL 162/2019 are outdated; and Brazil's ANEEL regime doesn't apply. To stay compliant: check the power, make the prior communication to DGEG up to 30 kW, and in a building, get the condominium's approval to use common areas.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I install solar panels on my house?
Yes. Anyone can install rooftop solar panels for self-consumption, under Decree-Law 15/2022. What varies is the formality required, depending on the installation's power. For most homes, a prior communication to DGEG is enough.
Do I need a licence?
Not always. Up to 350 W there's no prior control. Between 350 W and 30 kW, the range of most homes, only a prior communication to DGEG is needed. Only above 30 kW is a prior registration with an operating certificate required, and above 1 MW production and operating licences.
Can I sell the energy I don't use?
Yes. You can sell the surplus energy you produce, through a market facilitator. That income is taxed under IRS category B, but is exempt up to €1,000 a year, provided sales don't exceed the value of your electricity purchases.
What if I live in a building?
In a building, installing panels on common areas, such as a shared roof, needs the condominium's approval, as a rule by 2/3 of permilage. For collective self-consumption, a managing entity and internal rules are needed. In a detached house, the decision is yours alone.
Do articles about DL 162/2019 still apply?
No. The current self-consumption regime is Decree-Law 15/2022. Articles citing the earlier Decree-Law 162/2019 are outdated. Likewise, Brazil's distributed-generation regime, from ANEEL, has no application in Portugal.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “solar panels licence portugal”
- “self-consumption dl 15/2022”
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- “sell solar surplus irs”
- “solar panels condominium”
- “install solar panels roof”