The French Ministry for Ecological Transition recently released the results of the eighth round of the PPE2 (Multi-Year Energy Plan) auction for "solar roofs and carports." While this auction allocated 253.3 MWc of solar capacity, below the 300 MWc target, it still demonstrated robust growth in France's solar sector. As these projects move forward, the demand for high-quality PV cables—an essential component of photovoltaic systems—is also set to rise, particularly driven by the increasing number of large-scale projects.
Project Allocations and Key Developers
According to analysis by consulting firm Finergreen, a total of 72 projects were awarded in this auction, led by 31 developers. The top performers included Technique Solaire, Urbasolar, and Sunrock, while the start-up Terra Solaire also made an impressive debut with 12.5 MWc allocated. Most of these projects are medium to large-sized solar roof and carport installations, which require significant quantities of high-quality PV cables to ensure efficient operation.
The Critical Role of PV Cables and Industry Challenges
As these large solar projects progress, the demand for PV cables will increase significantly. PV cables are crucial for the safe and efficient transmission of electricity from solar panels to the grid. These cables must be durable, capable of withstanding high temperatures, UV radiation, and oxidation, and designed to perform reliably in outdoor environments over extended periods.
For large-scale projects such as Technique Solaire's 17 MWc solar roof project in Lot-et-Garonne, the need for high-performance cables becomes even more important. These projects require cables that can carry high electrical currents, and that are resistant to fire, moisture, and extreme weather conditions, ensuring the long-term safety and efficiency of the system.
Regional Distribution and Growing Demand for PV Cables
The results of this auction show that all regions in France are actively participating in the solar energy transition, and this is reflected in the growing demand for PV cables across the country:
Nouvelle-Aquitaine takes the lead with 60.7 MWp and 12 projects, including the largest project of 17 MWp. The need for PV cables in this region will be significant as these large projects come online.
Occitanie ranks second with 33.8 MWp allocated across 12 projects, further fueling the demand for reliable and durable PV cables.
The Eastern Regions (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Grand-Est) also performed well, collectively receiving 74.9 MWp. These regions will continue to be key markets for PV cables, particularly with numerous large-scale installations in the pipeline.
Centre-Val de Loire has shown impressive performance with 32.0 MWp and 7 projects, ranking third for average capacity per project (4.6 MW per project).
Environmental Considerations and Technological Innovations in PV Cables
As the solar industry grows, so does the demand for environmentally friendly and high-performance PV cables. The increasing number of large-scale solar roof and carport projects means that the cables used must not only meet technical requirements such as high current-carrying capacity and durability but also adhere to stricter environmental standards.
The adoption of low-smoke, halogen-free (LSZH) materials, along with innovations in cable design and recycling technologies, is pushing the PV cable industry toward greater sustainability. Manufacturers are focusing on producing cables that are both high-performing and environmentally friendly, ensuring that the solar industry's growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
As the French solar sector continues to expand, particularly in the solar roof and carport market, the demand for PV cables is set to rise significantly. The rapid growth of large-scale solar projects will drive the need for high-quality cables that can ensure efficient energy transmission and long-term reliability. The PV cable industry must innovate with more durable, environmentally friendly solutions to meet these growing needs, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of the solar energy transition.
With continued support from government policies and increasing investment in renewable energy, the PV cable industry will play a critical role in supporting the green energy transition in France and beyond. The future of solar energy relies on efficient and reliable components, and PV cables are key to ensuring the success of solar power systems worldwide.
