The French energy regulator says in a new report that France allocated about 5.55 GW of PV capacity through its auction mechanism for large-scale solar between 2011 and 2013. Despite falling solar module prices, the auction mechanism did not lead to cheaper PV electricity or lower project costs.

Solar power is the leading source of renewable electricity in Algeria, with a total capacity of 436.8 MW. About 388.95 MW (82.4%) is grid-connected, and 47.85 MW (10.1%) is off-grid. Recent large-scale tenders aim to push the country’s capacity beyond 4 GW soon.

French developer Green Lighthouse Développement says the French authorities have approved its 450 MW agrivoltaic project on 200 hectares of agricultural land in southwestern France.

The French government says the nation installed 1.05 GW of new solar in the second quarter, bringing the country’s cumulative installed PV capacity to 22.2 GW by the end of June.

France’s new feed-in tariffs (FITs) for August to October 2024 range from €0.1430 ($0.1551)/kWh to €0.1088/kWh, depending on system size.

Grid operator Enedis said last week that France installed 1,013 MW of new PV systems in the second quarter alone. If the current growth rate continues in the second half, the country could install record capacity in 2024.

The French authorities have concluded a commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop PV tender with an average price of €0.1016 ($0.11)/kWh. The government allocated 179.9 MW of PV capacity in total.

The French authorities have identified Carbon and Holosolis solar factories as “projects of national interest,” ensuring streamlined administrative proceedings for their approvals.

Carbon, a French PV module maker, says it will invests €33 million ($35.4 million) in a new R&D center.

Ifrisol, a Tunisian PV module maker, is targeting the US market by producing solar panels with cells sourced from unspecified “non-Chinese” Asian manufacturers.