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.
Water-spray cooling can improve PV module efficiency by 28% in arid environments
An Algerian research team has developed a smart water-spray cooling system for PV panels that activates only when temperatures exceed a set threshold, boosting efficiency while minimizing water use in desert conditions. The system raised power output and reduced module temperatures, offering similar efficiency to continuous cooling but with far lower water consumption, pump operation, and costs.
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.
CEA-Ines, 3Sun build heterojunction solar modules based on UV downshifting
The new heterojunction solar module concept is based on co-extruded EVA/POE/EVA (EPE) encapsulant with UV downshifting (UV-DS) films, which convert harmful UV light into blue light, protecting cells and slightly boosting short-circuit current by 1.5–1.75%.
Engie launches mapping platform to visualize France’s renewable potential
France’s Engie has introduced Enermap, a free online platform that lets users evaluate the potential for solar, wind, hydroelectric, biogas, and battery projects at the municipal and regional level using government and research data.
PV curtailment surges in France as grid adapts to rising solar output
French grid operator RTE says almost 3 TWh of renewable energy was curtailed in 2025, driven by higher solar output and more frequent negative-price market periods.
Engie to buy UK Power Networks in $14 billion deal
French utility acquiring one of United Kingdom’s largest electricity distribution networks. Deal subject to regulatory approval with completion expected mid-2026. Engie says transaction in line with company’s broader electricity network infrastructure ambitions.
