The French Photovoltaic Sector Reaches a Milestone with One Million Installations in 2024
The 52nd edition of the Solar Energy Observatory highlights significant growth in photovoltaic connections, marking a milestone with one million installations in operation.
| Sectors | Solar Energy, Photovoltaic |
|---|---|
| Themes | Markets & Finance, Sector Analysis |
| Countries | France |
The French solar market solidified its position in the third quarter of 2024 with a total of 1,352 MW connected, according to data from the Solar Energy Observatory published by France Territoire Solaire. This figure represents a 33% increase compared to the 1,013 MW connected in the previous quarter, reflecting sustained growth across all market segments.
Performance by Segment
Large photovoltaic installations (500 kW and above) accounted for 521 MW of new connections, making it the most dynamic segment of the quarter. Large rooftops (100 to 500 kW) also reached a record, with a total of 456 MW connected, confirming their growing role in market expansion.
The self-consumption and residential installation segments continue to grow. Nearly 61,835 new self-consumption installations were connected, a record number. Residential installations under 36 kW contributed an additional 284 MW to the grid, while medium-sized rooftops (36 to 100 kW) remained stable with an additional 90 MW.
Impact on National Consumption
The share of solar electricity in France’s gross electricity consumption reached 8.91% in the third quarter of 2024. This growth reflects increased photovoltaic capacities connected to the grid and ongoing diversification of energy sources.
Meanwhile, the queue for distribution network connections has increased, surpassing 25 GW. This raises questions about the capacity of operators to manage the continuous growth of the solar fleet, particularly concerning connection delays.
Economic Factors and Constraints
With the market price of electricity stabilized around €45/MWh, the public financial impact of solar installations remains moderate. However, several structural challenges persist, such as delays in adopting strategic texts like the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) and increased permitting and connection delays.
These factors, coupled with persistent price volatility and regulatory uncertainties, could limit short-term investments. According to France Territoire Solaire, these constraints require strengthened coordination between public and private stakeholders to stabilize the market.
A Dynamic to Monitor
Despite these challenges, the figures from the third quarter of 2024 confirm the growth of the photovoltaic market in France. However, the evolution of legislative frameworks and administrative processes will be crucial in sustaining this dynamic.
