Solar Incentives in France

Under the obligation d'achat (OA) scheme, EDF (or local distribution utilities — ELD) is required to purchase all electricity produced by qualifying solar installations at a guaranteed tariff for 20 years. For rooftop systems ≤9 kWc, the tariff is a single surplus-sale (vente du surplus) rate of approximately €0.011/kWh (1.1 c€) as of mid-2026 (arrêté of 1 June 2026), a sharp cut from the prior ~12.69 c€/kWh, subject to quarterly CRE revision and degression. Since 2026, residential systems ≤9 kWc are eligible for surplus sale only; full-injection (vente totale) contracts are no longer offered in this size band. Installations must be completed by a Qualibat or QualiPV certified installer and registered with the Guichet Unique des Énergies Renouvelables. For systems >9 kW and up to 500 kW, a tendering process (appel d'offres CRE) applies. The feed-in tariff is particularly attractive in combination with the zero-rate eco-PTZ loan.

MaPrimeRénov' (ANAH) targets heat-producing renovation measures, so standalone solar PV (electricity) panels are NOT eligible — only solar-thermal (CESI up to €4,000 / SSC up to €10,000) and PV-thermal hybrid (PVT) systems qualify, alongside heat pumps and insulation. Corrected + verified 2026-07-06 (totalenergies.fr, quelleenergie.fr, laprimeenergie.fr): a prior '€4,000 for PV panels via renovationmaison.fr' claim was inaccurate — the €4,000 figure is the CESI (solar water-heater) ceiling for very-modest incomes, not a PV subsidy, and the portal name was wrong. For grid-tied solar PV, the applicable French supports are the EDF OA feed-in/self-consumption tariff and the reduced 5.5% VAT — see the other FR entries.

Since 1 October 2025, residential solar PV systems up to 9 kWc qualify for the reduced TVA (taxe sur la valeur ajoutée) rate of 5.5% (previously 10% under Article 279-0 bis of the French General Tax Code, for buildings completed and occupied for more than 2 years). The standard French TVA rate is 20%, making this a 14.5-percentage-point saving. Systems above 9 kWc and certain configurations may fall under the 10% or standard rate — consult the installer. The reduced rate applies to both equipment and labor when invoiced together by a single RGE-certified contractor. New-build installations are subject to standard TVA at 20%.

The éco-prêt à taux zéro (éco-PTZ) is a zero-interest loan available to homeowners for qualifying energy renovation works. Solar PV installation is eligible when it is part of a renovation project that meets minimum energy performance improvement criteria, or as part of a 'single-gesture' renovation for specific measures. Loan amounts up to €50,000 are available with repayment terms up to 20 years, with no interest charged to the borrower — the government subsidizes the interest cost to participating banks. The loan is available through participating French banks (Banque Populaire, Crédit Agricole, CIC, LCL, etc.). Works must be performed by a certified RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement) installer. The éco-PTZ can be combined with MaPrimeRénov' grants, making it a powerful financing tool for solar installation in France. Note (verified 2026-07-06, totalenergies.fr/quelleenergie.fr): the éco-PTZ finances solar-THERMAL panels, NOT standalone photovoltaic (electricity) panels; PV can only ride along inside a broader qualifying multi-works renovation package. Verify eligibility at service-public.fr.