The Evolution of Photovoltaics in France
October 2025
Revaluation of the VAT rate for solar power systems up to 9 kWp. The solar power market is constantly evolving. POWER ENERGY stays on top of these changes and adapts by expanding its scope of services to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Our goal remains the same: to satisfy our customers by offering them high-quality, customized service.
Since September 2025
The Simplified Request for Proposals (SRP) is being implemented and supplements the S21 system.
The main objective is to manage the volume of projects and ensure competitive pricing.
- Systems with a capacity of less than 100 kWp retain the feed-in tariff, which continues to be adjusted on a quarterly basis.
- For power plants with a capacity between 100 and 500 kWp: An application window opens on a specific date and remains open for a set period. To apply, certain administrative and technical requirements must be met.
The bidder submits a bid at a predetermined rate based on the market price of energy.
His application is reviewed by the CRE (Energy Regulatory Commission). If his application is approved, he becomes a successful applicant, and his project can move forward. If his application is not approved, his project is canceled. He may, however, submit another application when the application period reopens.
- In this case, the electricity generated is paid for by an aggregator, while the additional compensation and the negative price premium are covered by EDF OA SOLAIRE. The project therefore involves two contracts.
The Request for Proposals (RFP): Designed for large-scale projects. It is overseen by the CRE to select the most competitive and reliable projects.
Specific criteria—both administrative and related to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards—must be met:
- For power plants with a capacity exceeding 500 kWp that fall into the high-voltage class
- For ground-based projects
Starting in 2021
Decree S21 of October 6, 2021, regarding the terms for purchasing electricity generated by photovoltaic systems installed on buildings, hangars, or shade structures, with a capacity of up to 500 kWp.
It replaces the previous Decrees S17 and S18 and has served as the primary tariff framework since 2021 (with amendments in 2025). The feed-in tariff and the investment premium are adjusted quarterly.
- Intended for residential customers for systems used exclusively for resale, for self-consumption only, or for self-consumption with surplus resale (government support: the investment incentive that encourages self-consumption with surplus resale).
- For professionals with systems up to 500 kWp, installed on buildings, hangars, or shade structures (not ground-mounted), for full resale or self-consumption with surplus resale.
- The electricity generated is sold to EDF OA SOLAIRE
Amendment issued in March 2025: Increase in feed-in tariffs and surplus electricity resale rates, as well as the investment incentive; reduction in the range of power capacities eligible for the open-call program; and implementation of a financial guarantee of €10,000 for projects exceeding 100 kWp.
- The decree is gradually transitioning to the Simplified Request for Proposals (SRP), which will be implemented in September 2025.
- The feed-in tariff for power plants with a capacity of up to 100 kWp will remain unchanged.
Before 2021
Systems up to 100 kWp with quarterly feed-in tariffs.