
France is aiming to increase its solar PV capacity from 11.5 GW in March 2021 to 23 GW by the end of 2023. The country offers for small-scale solar PV up to 100 kWp on rooftops for self-consumption, with a specific grid tariff for collective users and exemption from the domestic tax on electricity for projects under 1 MW. However, a proposal to reduce solar PV subsidies for ongoing projects until 2030 has created controversy, affecting the sector's growth. [pdf]
The French government awarded 912MWp of solar PV in its most recent ground-mounted solar tender, which closed this week. The capacity in the fifth instalment of the government’s PPE2 tender (Programmation Pluriannuelle de l’Energie) was spread across 92 projects, covering almost the entirety of the 925MW maximum tendered capacity.
Solar power in France including overseas territories reached an installed capacity figure of 11.2 GW in 2020, and rose further to 17.1 GW at the end of 2022. Government plans announced in 2022 foresee solar PV capacity in France rising to 100 GW by 2050.
In 2016, France was ranked 4th in the EU by installed capacity and 14th in terms of PV capacity by inhabitant at 107.3 Wp/Inhab compared to the EU average of 197.8 Wp/Inhab for the year. The country's largest completed solar park to date was the 300 MW Cestas Solar Park.
A French law passed in 2023 will require parking lots larger than 50,000 square feet (4,600 m 2) to build solar canopies covering half their area. This could result in installed capacity of 6.75–11.25 gigawatts, at a cost of $8.7–14.6 billion. The insolation in France ranges from 3 sun hours/day in the north to 5 sun hours/day in the south.
The insolation in France ranges from 3 sun hours/day in the north to 5 sun hours/day in the south. The output of a solar array is a function of age, temperature, tilt, shading, tracking, and insolation. France is aiming to increase its solar PV capacity from 11.5 GW in March 2021 to 23 GW by the end of 2023.
Beyond falling prices, the IEA PVPS report said solar installations were bolstered by the measures introduced in the French government’s Law for the Acceleration of Renewable Energies which came into force in 2023. A requirement that competitive tender winners share some of the added value with locals.

France is aiming to increase its solar PV capacity from 11.5 GW in March 2021 to 23 GW by the end of 2023. The country offers for small-scale solar PV up to 100 kWp on rooftops for self-consumption, with a specific grid tariff for collective users and exemption from the domestic tax on electricity for projects under 1 MW. However, a proposal to reduce solar PV subsidies for ongoing projects until 2030 has created controversy, affecting the sector's growth. [pdf]
This graph provides an annual and monthly overview of solar power generation in France. The evolution of solar photovoltaic generation is an important parameter in the energy transition, as it is a renewable and low-carbon energy. In 2022, solar power generation rose sharply on the back of expanded capacity and good sunlight.
France is aiming to increase its solar PV capacity from 11.5 GW in March 2021 to 23 GW by the end of 2023. The country offers feed-in tariffs for small-scale solar PV up to 100 kWp on rooftops for self-consumption, with a specific grid tariff for collective users and exemption from the domestic tax on electricity for projects under 1 MW.
Solar PV installations in France started being substantial only from around 2008. Between 2009 and 2011 PV capacity grew almost tenfold, from a relatively low level.
In 2016, France was ranked 4th in the EU by installed capacity and 14th in terms of PV capacity by inhabitant at 107.3 Wp/Inhab compared to the EU average of 197.8 Wp/Inhab for the year. The country's largest completed solar park to date was the 300 MW Cestas Solar Park.
The average size of residential solar PV systems is estimated to be 3.24 kW moving to 2030. The technical potential for residential solar PV in France is estimated at 34,810 MW. The payback time for residential Solar PV in France is 25.1 years as of 2015.
The insolation in France ranges from 3 sun hours/day in the north to 5 sun hours/day in the south. The output of a solar array is a function of age, temperature, tilt, shading, tracking, and insolation. France is aiming to increase its solar PV capacity from 11.5 GW in March 2021 to 23 GW by the end of 2023.

Quaise, Inc was founded in 2018 to develop a drilling system for converting existing power stations to use superdeep . The system would repurpose existing technology to drill 20 kilometers beneath the surface, where temperatures exceed 400°C. No fracking would be required, avoiding the potential for in other geothermal systems. Drilling using this technique is hoped to be fast, with boreholes aime. [pdf]
US-based start-up Quaise Energy was founded in 2018 to develop a millimetre-wave drilling system for converting existing thermal power stations to use superdeep geothermal energy.
Quaise Energy | 14,283 followers on LinkedIn. Unlocking the true power of clean geothermal energy. | Quaise develops millimeter wave drilling systems for deep geothermal heat access. Our technology is the only approach in the world with the potential to build geothermal wells at unprecedented depths and temperatures.
New funding will expand field operations and secure supply chain toward clean energy abundance CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 12, 2024 -- (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quaise Energy, the company unlocking terawatt-scale geothermal, announced today the closing of a $21 Million Series A1 financing round led by Prelude Ventures and Safar Partners.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 12, 2024--Quaise Energy raises $21 M toward terawatt-scale geothermal energy. The funding will expand field operations and secure the company's supply chain.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 12, 2024 -- (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quaise Energy, the company unlocking terawatt-scale geothermal, announced today the closing of a $21 Million Series A1 financing round led by Prelude Ventures and Safar Partners. Mitsubishi Corporation and Standard Investments are among several new investors participating in the round.
Unlocking the true power of clean geothermal energy. Quaise develops millimeter wave drilling systems for deep geothermal heat access. Our technology is the only approach in the world with the potential to build geothermal wells at unprecedented depths and temperatures.
We are deeply committed to excellence in all our endeavors.
Since we maintain control over our products, our customers can be assured of nothing but the best quality at all times.