Will France increase its solar power capacity by 2023?

France is aiming to increase its solar PV capacity from 11.5 GW in March 2021 to 23 GW by the end of 2023. The country offers feed-in tariffs for small-scale solar PV up to 100 kWp on rooftops for self-consumption, with a specific grid tariff for collective users and exemption from the domestic tax on electricity for projects under 1 MW.

Is France a good country for solar power?

In 2016, France was ranked 4th in the EU by installed capacity and 14th in terms of PV capacity by inhabitant at 107.3 Wp/Inhab compared to the EU average of 197.8 Wp/Inhab for the year. The country's largest completed solar park to date was the 300 MW Cestas Solar Park.

When did solar PV start in France?

Solar PV installations in France started being substantial only from around 2008. Between 2009 and 2011 PV capacity grew almost tenfold, from a relatively low level.

Which energy company has the biggest solar portfolio in France?

ENGIE is a gas utility also present in the development and generation of electricity capacity - and has the biggest solar portfolio in France at around 1 GW (3 GW worldwide). Almost all local authorities have climate energy plans that are generally ambitious in terms of photovoltaic development.

Does France use geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is a minor source of electricity generation in France, representing only 0.1% of renewable electricity production and 2.3% of renewable energies for thermal use in 2020. France essentially uses low and medium power geothermal energy for heating networks.

Why do municipalities and Local Governments Invest in photovoltaics in France?

This is one of the reasons why municipalities and local governments continue to be active participants in the growth of photovoltaics in France, both investing in projects, experimenting innovative projects (particularly collective self-consumption), and facilitating citizen investment and grid integration.