Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Algeria proposes reduced customs duty rate on solar panel components
Algeria’s draft finance law for 2026 includes a reduced customs duty rate of 5% on products intended for the manufacture of solar panels, as well as an exemption for electrolyzers required for hydrogen production.
Europe moves to 15-minute electricity spot market, driving up battery revenue
The shift to 15-minute spot market intervals has increased battery arbitrage revenue in Europe, while providing more accurate signals for grid efficiency, says French battery storage specialist Storio Energy.
Voltec Solar unveils hail-resistant PV module
French manufacturer Voltec Solar has designed a solar module capable of withstanding impacts from 55 mm hailstones. Its RG5 certification is the highest level of resistance listed by the European hail index.
Asian solar companies meet France’s carbon rules for reduced residential VAT
Chinese manufacturers such as JinkoSolar and DMEGC Solar have launched low-carbon PV modules that comply with France’s 530 kgCO₂eq/kWp threshold for residential systems eligible for a 5.5% value-added tax (VAT) rate, with more compliant products expected.
France adds 4.2 GW of solar in first nine months of 2025
Statistics from Enedis show that 4.2 GW of solar connected to France’s grid in the January-September period, including 82 MW paired with storage, marking a slight decline from 2024.
France certifies first solar panels eligible for reduced 5.5% VAT
France’s Certisolis approved four Voltec Solar panels and one Meyer Burger module with carbon footprints under 530 kg CO₂/kWp, making them potentially eligible for the country’s 5.5% VAT rate.
France to double grid tax on pre-2021 solar systems over 100 kW
France’s proposed 2026 budget would double the flat-rate grid tax for solar plants over 100 kW commissioned before 2021, drawing backlash from investors and PV industry groups.
ArcelorMittal starts BIPV module production in France
ArcelorMittal has started producing its Helioroof building-integrated PV modules in France. The steelmaker says the system aims to simplify energy retrofits for commercial and industrial roofs.
France cuts feed-in tariffs for solar up to 100 kW
The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has lowered feed-in tariffs by up to 16% for rooftop solar systems between 10 kW and 100 kW, while keeping smaller system rates unchanged.
France revises grid tariffs to spur smarter battery storage use
France’s updated TURPE 7 framework adds an annual injection-withdrawal charge to incentivize battery energy storage system (BESS) operators to balance grid loads during high demand or surplus generation periods.
