France streamlines renewables environmental permitting with new provisions
Published in the French Official Journal on April 22, a new decree aims to speed up the handling of appeals against strategic environmental projects, particularly in the renewable energy sector. It introduces direct access to administrative courts of appeal and tightens rules on deadlines and procedures for challenging projects.
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.
Heat pumps may help boost residential solar in France
The government’s electrification plan, presented last week, includes a goal to double heat pump deployment in France by 2030, potentially benefiting the residential photovoltaic sector.
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 plans 2.9 GW of PV tenders despite lower 2030 target
France’s new Multiannual Energy Program sets a 48 GW solar target for 2030 and outlines 2.9 GW of tenders through 2028, with industry saying the framework restores investment visibility and supports gigafactory plans.
France awards 40 MW of solar projects in non-interconnected zones
France’s fourth PV tender for non-interconnected areas allocated 40 MW across Corsica, Réunion, and French Guiana. The weighted average tariff fell to €92.04 ($107.59)/MWh, while overall subscription remained well below the 99 MW available.
Key takeaways from France’s Energaia trade show
France’s Energaia trade fair drew record crowds and exhibitors last week, underscoring continued investment appetite in solar and storage, even as developers warn that policy delays and a residential slowdown could weigh on activity after 2025.
Trina Solar to invest in Holosolis PV gigafactory in France
Trina Solar and Holosolis signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the recent France–China summit, consolidating the Chinese manufacturer’s role as a key partner in a plan to manufacture 5 GW of solar cells and panels a year.
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.
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.
