Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff: Solar PV

Source: JOIN IEA/IRENA Policy and Measures Database
Last updated: 27 September 2016

In March 2011 France adjusted its feed-in tariff system for electricity from solar PV plants. The support framework is now structured along two main systems: 

  • A feed-in tariff, adjusted every trimester, for building installation no bigger than 100 kW; and
  • Tenders for building installations larger than 100kW and ground mounted plants. 

In cases when solar PV installed capacity reaches or exceeds the fixed cap of 50 MW/quarter for residential and 200 MW/quarter for non-residential caps, tariffs will drop by 2.6% each quarter - about 10% annually- and less so if the installation rate slows down.

The 2006 tariffs will continue to apply to certain kinds of projects submitted in late 2009, before 11 January 2010, and certain small- and medium-sized projects in the agricultural sector.

As of July 2016: 

  • Building-integrated photovoltaic installations (BIPV) no larger than 9 kWc are entitled a EUR 0.246/kWh.
  • Simplified BIPV systems: EUR 0.133/kWh for plants no larger than 36kWc and EUR 0.126/kWc for plants between 36 and 100kWc.;
  • Panels must be safely installed parallel to the roof, and fulfil cover and staunchness requirements in order to be eligible for the support.
  • Until 30th of May 2016, there was also a feed-in-tariff at EUR 0.058/kWh for plants larger than 100 kWc. This tariff has been abandoned. The only way to develop plants larger than 100 kWc will be through a tender scheme.  

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