France looks to resuscitate residential solar market

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The French government is looking to kick-start the country’s residential market with an adjustment to the feed-in tariff (FiT) for projects up to 36kW.

As part of the country’s ongoing energy reforms, the minister responsible for energy, Ségolène Royal, has proposed increasing the tariff rate for systems below 36kW.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

In November 2014, a 400MW tender for systems over 250kW in size was launched as the country’s stalled PV sector began to see the benefits of solar advocate Royal’s tenure. The French market shrank by almost half in 2013 to 613MW from 1115MW in 2012, according to figures from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

In addition to the proposed adjustment to the small-scale FiT, a premium could be added to electricity sold from solar plants as the government looks to bolster its support for larger projects.

The new proposals are the result of a consultation period and were presented to figures from the renewable energy industry. They will undergo further discussion before being added to the energy reform legislation. It is expected to be reviewed by the Council of State this summer, which must assess all draft legislation.

After a number of changes, Ségolène Royal is President Hollande’s third minister in as many years at the Department of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy. The changes have hampered progress with the country's energy reforms.

Read Next

December 12, 2024
The standard aims to trace silicon from quartz mining to solar module production and implement management and broader ESG measures.
December 12, 2024
Nextracker has delivered what it says are the first trackers to comply entirely with the domestic content manufacturing guidelines of the IRA.
December 12, 2024
Australian trade association Clean Energy Investor Group has warned that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act has seen a doubling in decision-making periods from 2021 to 2023.
Premium
December 12, 2024
After experiencing a difficult year, China's PV equipment manufacturers need to find a better way to cooperate, writes Carrie Xiao.
Premium
December 11, 2024
PV Talk: Guy Turner describes the EU Emissions Trading Scheme as, in effect, a subsidy scheme that is driven by the market.
December 11, 2024
Indian independent power producer Juniper Green Energy has signed a 1GW module supply deal with US module manufacturer First Solar.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events, Upcoming Webinars
December 12, 2024
9am GMT / 10am CET
Solar Media Events, Upcoming Webinars
December 18, 2024
9am GMT / 10am CET
Solar Media Events
February 4, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
February 17, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
February 26, 2025
Seattle, USA