This market report offers an incisive and reliable overview of the photovoltaic (solar PV) sector of the country for the period 2025 - 2034..
Update: February 2025
Format: 1 file(s) (PDF report) in English language and 1 file(s) in MS Excel with data from charts and tables
Author: Renewable Market WatchTM
Pages: 123
Report production №: RMWIN562202594
Delivery: Up to 24 hours by e-mail
Subscription: In the report price is included a subscription for 1 year period with up to 4 quarterly updates
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This market report offers an incisive and reliable overview of the photovoltaic sector of the country for the next long-term period, 2025 ÷ 2034. France is located in Western Europe and is the largest country in the European Union by land area, covering approximately 640,679 square kilometres (247,368 square miles). It shares borders with eight countries: Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy and Monaco to the southeast, and Spain and Andorra to the south. France has an extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the English Channel (La Manche) to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. France also has numerous overseas territories and departments around the world, including French Guiana in South America, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean, Réunion in the Indian Ocean, and French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean.
France is among the best performers in Europe in the share of installed small-scale solar generation capacity (<1 MW). The French residential solar market is currently in a state of rapid growth. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including rising electricity prices, the desire for energy independence, the increasing availability of financing options, and the growing popularity of solar battery storage systems. The current cumulative installed PV capacity in France grew up from 1 GW in 2010 to over 23.5 GW at the end of 2024. French prosumers have a wide range of governmental support mechanisms that either subsidise the adoption of flexible technologies or allow for direct monetisation of their assets. Current government plans and legislative changes show firm intentions to continue the existing support and increase solar self-consumption and the number of prosumers.
The report provides a complete picture of the market situation, dynamics, current issues and future prospects. You will find more than 120 pages of valuable information in this unique, in-depth analysis of France photovoltaic marketwill receive an overview of how the military conflict in Ukraine and the European Union's efforts to achieve a significant reduction of Russian gas and other energy commodities import will impact it. With comprehensive market data, this report brings clear and concise insights to help investors in their decision-making process. As 2023 and 2024 were challenging years for the photovoltaic industry, the time for making the right decisions during 2025 and the next few years is limited. A fast-changing market environment requires relevant and accurate information. For your convenience, we offer the opportunity for orders with customized report content. Reasons to buy this market report are, but are not limited to:
- Overview of the France political and economic environment
- Solar resource potential of France
- Financial Model and Analysis of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant investment in France (IRR, WACC, Payback, NPV, Cash Flow, etc.)
- Over 55 charts, tables and maps
- Overview of the France Photovoltaic Market Development 2014 ÷ 2034
- Grid-connected photovoltaic installations
- Future market trends and planned photovoltaic projects for 2025 ÷ 2034
- Market prices of fully permitted and operational photovoltaic projects
- French legal and energy regulatory framework for renewable projects
- Key companies and competitive landscape in the photovoltaic sector
- Review of most relevant financing and supporting incentives
- SWOT Analysis (detailed in 5 pages)
On the next pages, you will see the full table of contents of this report. To order this report, click on the button "ADD TO CART". If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call us on ++44 203 807 0079 or write an e-mail to orders@renewablemarketwatch.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
FOREWORD 8
1 METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS 10
1.1 Research Methodology 10
1.2 Limitations 12
2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 13
2.1 Historical and Current Development Overview of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Market in France 13
2.2 France Solar Resource Potential 13
2.3 Key Stakeholders Affecting Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Market Development in France 14
2.4 Market Drivers and Constraints 15
2.5 Feed-in Tariff (Tarif de rachat photovoltaique), Auctions and Net Metering Support Scheme for Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants in France 15
2.6 Recent and Pending Changes in Renewable Energy Law in France 15
2.7 Market Forecast Summary 16
3 FRANCE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT. PEST ANALYSIS 17
3.1 Basic Country Data 17
3.2 Political Climate and Ruling Party 21
3.3 GDP and Economic Growth 21
3.4 Taxes 25
3.4.1 VAT 25
3.4.2 Income and Corporate Taxes 25
4 WESTERN EUROPE POWER MARKET 26
4.1 General Electricity Market Information 26
4.2 Photovoltaics (Solar PV) in Energy Sector 32
4.3 Single Electricity Market 35
5 WESTERN EUROPE PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR PV) POWER MARKET 38
5.1 Market Overview 38
5.2 Cumulative Installed Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Capacity and Revenue 39
5.3 Annual Installed Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Capacity 40
5.4 Future Development Trends 41
6 FRANCE POWER MARKET 42
6.1 Electricity Transmission and Distribution 42
6.2 Electricity Consumption and Generation 43
6.3 Electricity Imports and Exports 45
6.4 Electricity Prices for Businesses and Households 47
6.5 Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Targets 48
7 FRANCE PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR PV) POWER MARKET 50
7.1 Why Invest in Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power in France? 50
7.2 France Solar Resource Potential 52
7.3 Licensing Period Duration 53
7.4 Regional Substation Capacities for Solar PV Power Projects in France 53
7.5 Overview of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Market in France 53
7.6 Market Structure Analysis 55
7.7 Investment Trends and Development Roadmap 55
7.8 Competitive Environment in Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Market 55
7.9 Profiles of Key Players and Investors in Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Market 57
7.10 Cumulative Installed Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Capacity and Revenue 58
7.11 Annual Installed Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Capacity 59
7.12 Market Prices for Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Projects in France in Development, Ready to Build and Operational (Grid Connected) Condition 60
7.13 Key Cost Structure Elements of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant in France 61
7.14 Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power in France 61
7.15 Key Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Projects in France Under Development 62
7.16 Mergers and Acquisitions 66
8 DRIVERS AND CONSTRAINTS OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR PV) MARKET IN FRANCE. SWOT ANALYSIS 68
8.1 Market Drivers 68
8.2 Market Drivers Explained 68
8.3 Market Constraints 68
8.4 Market Constraints Explained 68
8.5 SWOT Analysis 69
9 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR PV) MARKET IN FRANCE 72
9.1 Financing Options of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Projects in France 72
9.2 Financial Model and Analysis of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant Investment in France (IRR, WACC, Payback, NPV, Cash Flow, ETC.) 77
10 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS 81
10.1 Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Technology Overview 81
10.2 Technology Trends 82
11 EUROPEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY LANDSCAPE 85
11.1 RES Regulations and EU Directives 85
11.1.1 Precedent EU Regulations 85
11.1.2 Most recent EU Renewable Energy Policy Developments 85
12 FRANCE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (RES) LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 87
12.1 Main Laws and Regulations 87
12.2 Support Schemes 88
12.3 Green Certificates Trading 89
12.4 Recent and Pending Changes in Renewable Energy Law in France 90
12.5 Zoning, Planning and Construction-Related Authorizations 90
12.5.1 Zoning Plans Procedure 91
12.5.2 Building Permit (Construction License) Procedure 91
12.6 Environmental-Related Authorizations 91
12.6.1 Natura 2000 Network 92
12.6.2 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) 93
12.7 Energy Law Authorizations 94
12.7.1 Power Generation Licensing 94
12.7.2 Grid Interconnection 96
12.7.3 Power Off-Take 96
12.7.4 Feed-in Tariff (Tarif de rachat photovoltaique), Auctions and Net Metering Support Scheme 96
12.7.5 Green Certificates (Guarantees of Origin) 98
12.8 Future Market Pricing Mechanisms 98
13 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AFFECTING PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR PV) POWER MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN FRANCE 99
13.1 Government Stakeholders 99
13.2 Non-Government Stakeholders 103
13.3 Electricity Generation, Transmission System Operator (TSO) and Distribution System Operators (DSO’s) 103
14 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 109
15 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 112
16 REFERENCES 114
17 DISCLAIMER 116
APPENDIX I. SOLAR RESOURCE MAPS OF EUROPE AND FRANCE 117
Map 1: Where is France on the European Map 17
Map 2: France Road Network 18
Map 3: France Administrative Regions Map 20
Map 4: France Electricity Grids Network 43
Map 5: Solar Resource Map of France 51
Map 6: Solar Irradiation and Solar Electricity Potential for Optimally Inclined Photovoltaic Modules in France 52
MAP 7: France Natura 2000 Areas Map 93
MAP 8: Solar Irradiation and Solar Electricity Potential for Horizontally Mounted Photovoltaic Modules in France 117
Map 9: Solar Irradiation and Solar Electricity Potential for Horizontally Mounted Photovoltaic Modules in France 117
Map 10: Solar Irradiation and Solar Electricity Potential for Optimally Inclined Photovoltaic Modules in Europe 118
Chart 1: France Real GDP Growth for the Period 2014 - 2034 in % (including forecast) 22
Chart 2: France GDP Growth Compared to EU-27 for the Period 2014 - 2034 in % (including forecast) 23
Chart 3: Corporate Tax Income in Selected Western European Countries 25
Chart 4: Physical Energy Flows Values in GW in Western Europe in 2024 28
Chart 5: Breakdown of Electricity Production by Source Type in the EU-27 in 2024 (in %) 30
Chart 6: Average Base Load Electricity Price in Selected European Countries (€/MWh): 2014 - 2024; Renewable Market WatchTM 31
Chart 7: Forecast for RES Generation Capacity by Source Type in the EU to 2030 (in GW) 32
Chart 8: New Installed and Decommissioned Power Capacity by Source Type in the EU in 2024 (MW) 33
Chart 9: Age of Power Plants in Europe in 2024 34
Chart 10: Share of New Power Generation Capacities Added in the EU 27 in 2024 (MW) 35
Chart 11: Annual Installed Power Generating Capacity (MW) and Renewable Share (in %) 2014 - 2024 in the EU 36
Chart 12: Number of Filled Patents for Solar PV Technologies in Western Europe Countries 2014 - 2024, EPO PATSTAT 39
Chart 13: Cumulative Installed Capacity of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants (in MW) in Western Europe 2014 - 2034, including forecast 40
Chart 14: Cumulative Revenue of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants (in Millions USD) in Western Europe 2014 - 2034, including forecast 41
Chart 15: Annual Installed Capacity of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants (in MW) in Western Europe 2014 - 2034, including forecast 42
Chart 16: France Power Market Structure 44
Chart 17: Share of RES electricity from Total Installed Power Capacity in France in 2024 47
Chart 18: France Total Annual Electricity Consumption (in TWh) 2014 - 2024 48
Chart 19: France Power Generation Capacity Breakdown by Source (Fuel) Type in 2024 49
Chart 20: Electricity Imports and Exports in France 2014 - 2034 (in a million kWh), including forecast 51
Chart 21: France Targets for Renewable Energy Sources by 2030 (in %) set by National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) 53
Chart 22: Chart: Number of Filled Patents for Solar PV Technologies in France 2014 - 2024, EPO PATSTAT 61
Chart 23: Cumulative Installed Capacity of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants in France (in MW) 2014 - 2034, including forecast 64
Chart 24: Cumulative Revenue of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants in France (in Millions EUR) 2014 - 2034, including forecast 65
Chart 25: Annual Installed Capacity of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plants in France (in MW) 2014 - 2034, including forecast 66
Chart 26: Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power and Other Renewable Technologies in France by 2030 (in €) 68
Chart 27: France SEFF Structure 80
Chart 28: Cumulative Cash Flows and Break-Even Point of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant Investment in France 87
Chart 29: Photovoltaic (Solar PV) System Price Evolution (€/Wp) 2004 - 2024 90
Chart 30: Market Shares by Sales of the Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in France in 2024 114
Table 1: Electricity Prices for Businesses and Households 52
Table 2: Support Schemes for RES Generation in the EU Countries and France 54
Table 3: Market Prices for Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Projects in France for 2025 - 2034 in Development, Ready to Build and Operational (Grid Connected) Condition (2025 Update) 67
Table 4: Key Cost Structure Elements of Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant in France in 2025 68
Table 5: Database with Major Operational, Under Construction and Planned Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Projects in France 70
Table 6: Key Financial Parameters of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant Investment in France 85
Table 7: Key Financial Viability Indicators of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant Investment in France (IRR, NPV, Payback, Benefit-Cost) 85
Table 8: Project Costs and Savings (Income) Summary of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant Investment in France 86
Table 9: Yearly Cash Flows of 50 MW Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Power Plant Investment in France (Pre-tax, After-tax, Cumulative) 87
Table 10: Crystalline Module Price Trend in 2025 91