The town hall in Archidona, in the north of Malaga province, has issued a notice banning the installation of solar panels in the historic town centre and its immediate surroundings. According to the local government team, as reported in Sur, the proliferation of installations is threatening to change and devalue the image of the old town.
The decision to do so was reached unanimously by the urban planning and environment departments. Municipal authorities analysed the impact of the solar panels and agreed that such installations generate visual and perceptive pollution that is incompatible with the conservation area. The text specifies that this affects both the direct view from the public road and the view from adjacent buildings and elevated points around the municipality. The decision affects existing as well as future installations.
What do we think of this decision, given the importance of solar energy in a country like Spain with huge amount of sunlight? Is this a valued stand being taken by the municipality to protect their heritage, or is it a backward step in the fight against climate change? And how do we feel about the ongoing requirement here in Andalucia to obtain a licence before solar panels can be installed?
Read the full article in Sur here.