Owners of solar panels in France have reason to rejoice: the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has unveiled new prices and bonuses for photovoltaic installations. These changes, effective from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, concern systems with a maximum power of 500 kWp installed on buildings, hangars or shade houses. Let’s take a detailed look at these changes and their impact on the solar energy market.
Evolution of solar electricity purchase prices
The CRE adjusts the purchase prices for solar electricity quarterly according to connection requests. For quarter 12, covering the period from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, we observe notable variations:
Sale of all electricity produced :
- Installations ≤ 3 kWc: 10.31 c€/kWh
- Installations ≤ 9 kWc: 8.76 c€/kWh
- Installations ≤ 36 kWc: 13.02 c€/kWh
- Installations ≤ 100 kWc: 11.32 c€/kWh
- Installations ≤ 500 kWc: 10.52 c€/kWh
Sale of surplus electricity :
- Installations ≤ 9 kWc: 12.69 c€/kWh
- Installations ≤ 100 kWc: 7.61 c€/kWh
We observe a significant decline rates for the total sale, particularly for residential installations. On the other hand, the surplus repurchase prices remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease compared to the previous quarter.
Self-consumption bonuses: a downward trend
The French State encourages self-consumption of solar energy through specific bonuses. On the other hand, these financial incentives are experiencing diminution progressive :
| Power (kWp) | Prime (€/kWc) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 3 | 220 |
| ≤ 9 | 160 |
| ≤ 36 | 190 |
| ≤ 100 | 100 |
This decline is particularly marked for residential installations. In the space of 18 months, premiums for systems of 0 to 3 kWp increased from 510 to 220 €/kWh, while those for installations of 3 to 9 kWp fell from 380 to 160 €/kWh.
Despite this trend, self-consumption remains a option attractive for many owners. It not only reduces dependence on the electricity network, but also control your energy costs in the long term.
Factors influencing prices and future outlook
Fluctuations in surrender rates and premiums can be explained by several factors:
- The Bn coefficient, reflecting the drop in costs of the photovoltaic sector
- The Kn coefficient, based on seven INSEE indices
- Degression coefficients, adjusted according to political decisions
- Inflation, included in the calculations since November 2022
These elements contribute to a dynamic evolution of the solar market. Although prices tend to decrease, the increasing efficiency of solar panels and falling production costs maintain the appeal of this renewable energy.
In this evolving context, initiatives such as that of the Banque des Territoires, which is launching an ambitious solar project, demonstrate the continued commitment to photovoltaic energy in France.
Adaptation and opportunities for owners
Faced with these price changes, solar panel owners must adapt. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Optimization of self-consumption : maximize the direct use of the energy produced
- Proper sizing : choose an installation power adapted to your real needs
- Technology watch : stay informed about advances in energy storage
- Participation in energy communities : explore possibilities for local energy sharing
Despite the decline in financial incentives, theinvestment in solar remains relevant. The rise in conventional electricity prices and the continued improvement of photovoltaic technologies are helping to maintain the profitability of solar installations in the long term.
Ultimately, although the new feed-in tariffs and EDF bonuses for self-consumption show a downward trend, the solar market in France remains dynamic. Owners and investors must remain attentive to regulatory and technological developments to make the most of this clean and renewable energy.
