Gwénaëlle Deboutte
France deploys 1.41 GW of solar in Q1
New figures from grid operator Enedis reveal that France added 1,418 MW of new PV capacity in Q1 2026, roughly matching Q1 2025, despite a broader sector slowdown linked to regulatory changes and delayed tenders.
Voltalia secures €100 million financing amid restructuring
Voltalia has secured €100 million ($116.8 million) in shareholder financing to support its restructuring plan and asset divestment program as it advances its “Spring” transformation strategy.
Switzerland deploys 1.52 GW of solar in 2025
Switzerland’s photovoltaic market slowed in 2025, with newly installed capacity falling 15% to 1,526 MW, according to Swissolar. Despite the decline, growth in residential storage, building electrification, and EV integration points to a gradual market recovery.
Solar, mining groups partner to improve mineral traceability
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) have signed an agreement to strengthen traceability and sustainability standards across solar supply chains.
France introduces cybersecurity, sustainability requirements in solar tenders
The French authorities announced they will assign 288 MW of PV in the 2026 tender for projects ranging from 100 kW to 500 kW in size and 925 MW in the procurement exercise for PV systems exceeding 500 kW. The tenders will include cybersecurity requirements as well as provisions to support European manufacturing.
France lowers PV feed-in tariffs for systems up to 100 kW
France’s energy regulator has reduced feed-in tariffs (FITs) for PV systems up to 100 kW for the April to July 2026 period, with lower rates across all segments and reduced compensation for surplus electricity.
France proposes linking solar subsidies to storage as prices turn negative
France’s energy regulator plans to link PV support to storage as negative power prices increase and reduce solar revenues.
France selects six operators for PV module recycling capacity
France’s solar recycling body has selected Envie 2E, Galloo, Rosi, RVE, and First Solar to manage rising volumes of end-of-life panels, with combined capacity exceeding 45,000 metric tons (MT) per year.
French electricity posts first negative prices of 2026, battery storage gains
February marked an early 2026 turning point in France’s electricity market, with negative prices emerging for the first time, intraday volatility spiking, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) capturing growing revenue opportunities.
Heliup raises €16 million to scale lightweight solar panel production
French solar manufacturer Heliup has raised €16 million ($18.6 million) to scale production of lightweight solar panels designed for commercial and industrial rooftops with low load-bearing capacity.
