Andalucía Adds €13.36M to EV Incentives: The Solar+EV ROI Strategy
October 2025 MOVES III expansion analysis: How Costa del Sol homeowners can maximize returns by combining €7,000 EV subsidies with solar charging infrastructure
On October 10th, 2025, Andalucía announced something remarkable: €13.36 million in additional MOVES III funding, redistributed from other autonomous communities that couldn't exhaust their allocations. This isn't theoretical future money—it's available now, with applications already being processed. But here's what most people miss: the real ROI isn't just buying an EV with a €7,000 subsidy. It's engineering a combined solar-EV system that eliminates your transportation fuel costs entirely while accelerating payback on both investments. After designing 37 solar-EV installations across the Costa del Sol in 2025, I can show you exactly how the math works—and why this opportunity won't last.
The MOVES III Expansion: Why Andalucía Got €13.36M More
The MOVES III program (Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible) launched nationwide in April 2025 with €450 million. Andalucía's initial allocation was €53.42 million. By early July, that money was gone—10,200 applications approved in under 3 months. The demand wasn't just high; it was unprecedented. Junta de Andalucía immediately requested additional funding from IDAE (Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía), the national managing agency.
On October 10th, IDAE announced the redistribution: €13.36 million reallocated to Andalucía from regions with lower uptake. This brings Andalucía's total MOVES III budget to €66.78 million—making it the autonomous community with the second-highest EV incentive allocation after Cataluña. The October redistribution covers an estimated 1,900 additional EV purchases and 2,400 charging point installations. But industry analysts project these funds will be exhausted by early December 2025.
The urgency is real. Agencia Andaluza de la Energía confirmed applications are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis. No waiting list, no extensions. When the €66.78 million is allocated, the program closes. If you're considering an EV purchase or solar-EV installation, the engineering and paperwork timeline matters. From application submission to fund disbursement averages 45-60 days.
The Numbers That Matter: MOVES III Subsidy Breakdown
Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentives
MOVES III provides different subsidy levels depending on whether you're scrapping an old vehicle:
€7,000 with scrappage
For battery electric vehicles (BEV) when scrapping a vehicle registered before 2014. Vehicle purchase price must be under €45,000 MSRP. Scrappage vehicle must have been owned for at least 6 months.
€4,500 without scrappage
For BEV purchases without scrapping an old vehicle. Same €45,000 MSRP price limit applies. Available for both individuals and businesses.
Charging Infrastructure Subsidies
This is where it gets interesting for solar integration. MOVES III subsidizes home charging points at rates that vary by municipality size:
Eligible charging points must be 'intelligent'—capable of load management, remote monitoring, and scheduled charging. This aligns perfectly with solar integration requirements. The charger must communicate with home energy management systems to optimize solar self-consumption.
The Solar+EV Math: Engineering the ROI
Here's where most people—and most installers—get it wrong. They think: 'I'll buy an EV, get a €7,000 subsidy, install a charger with a €1,200 subsidy, and charge overnight from the grid.' That works, but you're missing the exponential return. Let me show you the proper calculation.
Baseline Scenario: Grid Charging Only
Typical Costa del Sol driving: 40-50 km/day
Compared to a combustion vehicle averaging 7L/100km at €1.45/L diesel: €472/month or €5,664/year. The EV saves €5,081 annually on fuel alone even with grid charging. But we can do much better.
Solar+EV Scenario: Zero Fuel Cost
To power 45 km/day (9 kWh) from solar in Andalucía, let's calculate the required system size:
In practice, we install 2.5-3 kW to account for seasonal variations and provide buffer capacity. That's 6-7 modern 450W solar panels. With current Andalucía solar self-consumption grants (30-40% subsidy), a 3 kW system costs approximately:
Combined System ROI Analysis
Now let's look at the total investment and returns when you engineer a solar-EV system properly:
Total Investment
Annual Savings
Simple payback period: €38,450 ÷ €6,567 = 5.85 years. But this calculation assumes no energy cost increases. In reality, Spanish electricity prices have increased 4.2% annually over the last decade, and diesel has increased 3.8% annually. With 4% average energy inflation, the actual payback is closer to 4.7 years, and you're cash-flow positive from year 5 onward.
System Sizing Guide: Charger Power and Grid Requirements
One of the most common questions: 'Do I need a 22kW charger?' The short answer: probably not. Let me explain the engineering trade-offs.
7kW
Specifications
Compatible with standard Spanish residential connections. No grid upgrade required for most homes. Charges typical 60 kWh EV battery in 8-9 hours (overnight charging).
Solar Integration
Excellent solar integration. Can be fully powered by 3-4 kW solar system during midday. Smart charging algorithms maximize solar self-consumption.
11kW
Specifications
Requires three-phase power supply. Many Costa del Sol villas have this, but some older properties need grid connection upgrade (€600-1,200). Charges 60 kWh battery in 5-6 hours.
Solar Integration
Good solar integration but requires larger 5-6 kW solar array to fully power daytime charging. Smart scheduling essential to avoid grid draw.
22kW
Specifications
Requires three-phase with higher amperage rating. Most residential connections need utility upgrade (€1,500-3,000). Charges 60 kWh battery in 3 hours.
Solar Integration
Poor solar integration for residential. Would require 9-10 kW solar array to power during charging, which is oversized for typical household energy needs. Results in significant solar export (wasted ROI).
Smart Charging Schedules: Maximizing Solar Self-Consumption
All MOVES III-eligible chargers must support intelligent charging. When integrated with solar, this enables:
Solar-Prioritized Charging
Charger monitors solar production in real-time. Begins charging when excess solar exceeds 2 kW (ensures household loads covered first). Modulates charging rate to match available solar power—if production drops due to cloud cover, charging rate automatically reduces.
Time-of-Use Optimization
For days with insufficient solar (winter, cloudy weather), charger shifts to grid charging during off-peak hours (11 PM - 7 AM) when electricity is cheapest. Typical Andalucía time-of-use tariffs: €0.12/kWh off-peak vs. €0.22/kWh peak.
Remote Monitoring & Control
Track solar charging efficiency via smartphone app. View historical data: percentage of EV charging from solar vs. grid, monthly savings, CO₂ emissions avoided. Override charging schedules when needed (urgent recharge before long trip).
Case Study: Mijas Villa Owner, Tesla Model 3, 6kW Solar + 7kW Charger
In June 2025, we installed a complete solar-EV system for a British expat in Mijas Costa. This is a real installation with actual monitored data—I'm sharing it with the client's permission because it perfectly demonstrates the ROI model.
Client Profile
System Design
4-Month Performance Data (June-September 2025)
"The client's feedback: 'I haven't paid for fuel since June. My electricity bill dropped from €180/month to €45/month. The Tesla is brilliant, but the solar integration is what makes this financially transformative. I'm genuinely annoyed I didn't do this three years ago.'"
Payback Analysis
Including the Tesla purchase (€42,000 - €7,000 MOVES III = €35,000 net) and solar-charging installation (€5,270 net), total incremental investment: €40,270. With €7,074 annual savings, simple payback: 5.7 years. However, the BMW 320d required €1,200/year maintenance (diesel particulate filter, oil changes, etc.) vs. €200/year for the Tesla (tire rotations, cabin filter). Adding €1,000/year maintenance savings: actual payback 4.9 years.
Implementation Strategy: Timing and Stacking Incentives
The most common question we get: 'Can I apply for MOVES III and solar grants simultaneously?' Yes—and you should. But the timing and application sequence matter. Here's the optimal strategy we've developed after processing 37 combined applications:
Week 1-2: Design & Quotation
Site survey to assess solar potential, electrical infrastructure, and parking/charging location. EV selection consultation (we help you choose the right vehicle based on driving patterns, budget, and subsidy eligibility). Prepare technical documentation: solar system design with production estimates, electrical diagrams for charger installation, energy consumption analysis.
Week 3: Simultaneous Grant Applications
Submit MOVES III application via Agencia Andaluza de la Energía portal (requires vehicle pre-purchase agreement or invoice if vehicle already ordered). Submit solar self-consumption grant application to regional energy agency. Key point: Both applications can reference the same installation project. The charger subsidy comes from MOVES III, solar panels from self-consumption program—no conflict.
Week 4-8: Approval Period
MOVES III approval typically takes 3-5 weeks. Solar grant approval: 4-6 weeks. You can begin installation once MOVES III provisional approval is received (full disbursement comes after installation completion and inspection). Vehicle delivery: if not already ordered, place order now. Most EVs have 8-12 week delivery timelines.
Week 9-11: Installation
Solar panel installation (2-3 days). Electrical work and charger installation (1 day). System integration and commissioning: inverter configuration, charger-solar communication setup, monitoring system activation (1 day). Grid connection approval (if new installation): 1-2 weeks (handled by installer).
Week 12-14: Inspection & Disbursement
Regional energy authority inspection (solar system). MOVES III installation verification (charger). Submit final documentation and invoices. Fund disbursement: MOVES III typically within 2-3 weeks of final inspection, solar grant within 4-6 weeks.
Critical Deadline Alert
MOVES III applications must be submitted before funds are exhausted. With €13.36M redistributed on October 10th and demand averaging 500-600 applications per week, we project fund depletion by early December 2025. Applications submitted after fund exhaustion will not be processed—there's no waiting list. If you're seriously considering this, the timeline to secure funding is approximately 6-7 weeks from today.
Installer Selection: Why Technical Expertise Matters
Not all installers understand solar-EV integration. We've seen nightmare installations where the charger and solar system don't communicate, resulting in the EV charging from the grid even when solar is producing at full capacity. The homeowner paid for both systems but gets none of the ROI benefits. Here's what to verify:
OCPP Protocol Support
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is the industry standard for charger communication. Verify the installer's chargers support OCPP 1.6 or higher. This ensures charger can receive real-time solar production data from your inverter and modulate charging rate accordingly.
Inverter-Charger Integration Experience
Ask for examples of previous solar-EV installations. Request monitoring screenshots showing solar charging data. Verify they understand your specific inverter's communication protocols (Modbus, SunSpec, manufacturer API).
Grant Application Support
A good installer handles the entire grant application process, not just the installation. This includes: preparing technical documentation for both MOVES III and solar grants, submitting applications on your behalf, coordinating inspections, managing disbursement documentation.
Post-Installation Monitoring & Support
Solar-EV systems require initial tuning to optimize charging schedules. Expect 2-4 weeks of monitoring after installation to dial in settings. Installer should provide app-based monitoring access and respond to performance questions during optimization period.
Red Flags to Avoid
- ⚠️Installer claims 'any charger works with any solar system'—this is false. Integration requires compatible communication protocols.
- ⚠️Quotes that separate solar and charger as independent projects. They should be designed as an integrated system.
- ⚠️No mention of smart charging schedules or solar self-consumption optimization. This is the entire point of the system.
- ⚠️Installer doesn't ask about your driving patterns or EV model. System sizing depends on these factors.
The Bidirectional Charging Future: V2H and V2G
While we're discussing current technology, it's worth understanding where this is heading. Bidirectional charging—where your EV battery can also power your home or feed electricity back to the grid—is coming to Spain faster than most people realize.
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)
Your EV battery becomes a massive home battery backup. A Tesla Model 3 Long Range has a 75 kWh battery—equivalent to seven 10kWh home battery systems. With V2H capability, your EV can power your entire home during grid outages or peak pricing periods. Current limitations: Only a few EVs support V2H (Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Ford F-150 Lightning). Requires bidirectional charger (€3,500-5,000) and compatible inverter. Not yet subsidized under MOVES III, but Real Decreto-ley 3/2025 mandates REE develop V2H compensation frameworks by 2026.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Your EV battery provides grid stability services and earns revenue. Similar to the battery grid services I discussed in the Spain voltage crisis article, your EV battery can inject power to the grid during peak demand or voltage fluctuations—and you get paid for it. Pilot programs: REE is running V2G trials in Barcelona and Madrid with 200 participating EVs. Early results show earnings of €15-25/month per vehicle for grid services. Junta de Andalucía announced in September 2025 they'll join V2G pilots in 2026, focusing on Costa del Sol due to high EV adoption rates.
Future-Proofing Your Installation
When we design solar-EV systems today, we plan for bidirectional capability even if your current EV doesn't support it. This means: Inverter sized with 20-30% overhead capacity to handle bidirectional power flows. Electrical panel with capacity for bidirectional charger upgrade (higher amperage rating). Communication infrastructure (Modbus/OCPP) compatible with V2H/V2G protocols. When you replace your current EV in 4-6 years, the next generation will almost certainly be V2H-capable. Your infrastructure will be ready.
The Bottom Line: Act Before December
Andalucía's €13.36M MOVES III expansion is a time-limited opportunity that fundamentally changes solar-EV ROI economics. With combined subsidies reaching €8,200-8,500 for a complete system, payback periods of 4-6 years are achievable—half the typical timeframe for solar alone. But the math only works if you engineer the system correctly. Solar panels plus an EV charger isn't the same as an integrated solar-EV energy system. One eliminates fuel costs and accelerates payback. The other just adds equipment to your home.
We're currently processing 8-12 combined solar-EV applications per week. Based on regional energy agency data, MOVES III funds in Andalucía are being allocated at approximately €980,000/week. That's 6-7 weeks of funding remaining. If you're on the fence, understand that waiting until November means you'll likely miss the subsidy window entirely.
As engineers, we optimize for lifetime value, not upfront cost. A properly designed solar-EV system delivers 25+ years of near-zero energy costs for both home and transportation. It's not just an environmental decision—it's a financial hedge against energy price inflation that compounds annually. The question isn't whether to make this investment. It's whether you'll secure the subsidies that make the ROI exceptional instead of merely good.
About the Author
Ben Hayden
Electrical Consultant and Energy Efficiency Specialist
Ben Hayden is the founder and lead technical expert at LIT Electricians, serving Marbella and the Costa del Sol for over 10 years. As an Electrical Consultant and Energy Efficiency Specialist, Ben has helped thousands of clients reduce their electricity costs and maintain reliable power during blackouts and outages. Recognized as the leading authority on Spanish electricity and renewable energy systems, Ben brings practical engineering solutions to complex energy challenges across Andalucía.
Secure Your MOVES III Allocation
Get a complete solar-EV system design and ROI analysis. We'll model your specific energy usage, driving patterns, and property characteristics to calculate exact payback timelines and subsidy eligibility. Application support included—we handle the entire grant process from technical documentation to final disbursement.
Priority scheduling for consultations booked before October 31st. MOVES III fund depletion projected for early December 2025.
Technical References & Program Documentation
Official sources and regulatory documentation for MOVES III and solar integration:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MOVES III pay for EV chargers in Marbella/Mijas?
For municipalities over 50,000 inhabitants (including Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola), MOVES III provides a 60% subsidy on intelligent EV charger installations, with a maximum subsidy of €1,200. For a typical 7kW charger costing €1,800-2,000 installed, you'll receive €1,080-1,200 back. The charger must be 'intelligent'—capable of smart charging, remote monitoring, and integration with home energy management systems.
Can I combine solar self-consumption grants with MOVES III EV charger subsidies?
Yes, absolutely. These are separate programs managed by different agencies and can be stacked. Solar panel installation grants come from Junta de Andalucía's renewable energy program (30-40% subsidy), while EV charger subsidies come from MOVES III (60-80% depending on municipality). We routinely process both applications simultaneously for integrated solar-EV systems. The key is ensuring proper technical documentation that shows the charger and solar system are designed for integration.
How many solar panels do I need to charge my electric vehicle from solar power?
For typical Costa del Sol driving (40-50 km/day), you need 2.5-3 kW of solar capacity, which equals 6-7 modern 450W panels. The calculation: 45 km × 0.20 kWh/km = 9 kWh daily requirement. With 5.5 peak sun hours in Andalucía and 80% system efficiency: 9 kWh ÷ (5.5 × 0.80) = 2.05 kW minimum. We typically install 3 kW to account for seasonal variations and cloudy days. If you also want to power household loads from solar, a 6-8 kW system (13-18 panels) provides both EV charging and home energy coverage.
Do I need three-phase power for EV charging at home?
No, not for typical residential use. A 7kW charger runs on standard single-phase power (230V, 32A) available in all Spanish homes. This charges a 60 kWh EV battery in 8-9 hours—perfect for overnight charging. You only need three-phase power for 11kW or 22kW chargers, which charge faster (5-6 hours and 3 hours respectively) but require grid upgrades costing €600-3,000. For most homeowners, 7kW single-phase is the sweet spot: compatible with existing electrical infrastructure, fully solar-powered during daytime, and MOVES III subsidized.
What's the ROI timeline for a combined solar-EV system with MOVES III subsidies?
With combined subsidies (MOVES III + solar grants), typical payback is 4.5-6 years for a complete system including EV purchase, solar panels, and charger. Key factors: €7,000 MOVES III vehicle subsidy, €1,200 charger subsidy, €1,500-2,100 solar grant, €5,000-6,500 annual savings (fuel + electricity). Example: €40,000 total investment (after subsidies) ÷ €6,500 annual savings = 6.2 years. However, this includes the EV itself. If you're already planning to buy an EV, the incremental cost of adding solar is only €2,500-3,500, with payback under 2 years from fuel savings alone.
When will MOVES III funds run out in Andalucía?
Based on current application rates (~€980,000/week), the €13.36M October redistribution will be exhausted by early-to-mid December 2025. The original €53.42M was depleted in under 3 months (April-July). Applications are processed first-come, first-served with no waiting list. If you're planning an EV purchase, timeline matters: application preparation (1-2 weeks) + submission + provisional approval (3-5 weeks) + installation (2-3 weeks) = 6-10 week total process. To secure funding, applications should be submitted by mid-November at the latest.
Can I retrofit solar charging to an existing EV and charger?
Yes, if your existing charger supports smart charging protocols (OCPP, Modbus, or manufacturer API integration). We can add solar panels and configure the charger to prioritize solar power. However, MOVES III charger subsidies only apply to new charger purchases (dated after April 2025), so retrofitting solar to an old charger means you miss the €1,200 subsidy. If your current charger is 'dumb' (no smart features), we recommend replacing it with an intelligent model to qualify for MOVES III funding and enable proper solar integration. The subsidy covers most of the charger upgrade cost.