France has released its new Q3 tariff rates for rooftop solar systems up to 500 kWc—reflecting a strategic policy move to reinforce residential stability while gradually shifting mid-size projects toward competitive tendering.
Highlights of the New Tariff Structure
<9 kWc systems: No change in tariff. Feed-in remains at €40/MWh with an €80/kW investment premium—unchanged and appealing for homeowners.
9–36 kWc: Slight drop to 12.43 ct€/kWh.
36–100 kWc: Reduced to 10.81 ct€/kWh.
100–500 kWc: Adjusted upward to €88.6/MWh (a 6.8% decrease compared to the previous structure). However, this segment is expected to shift into a new simplified tender model by Q3 2025.
Deployment vs Expectations
While Q2’s total new capacity dropped to 1,154 MW (from Q1’s 2,307 MW), all rooftop categories performed beyond expectations:
<9 kWp: Reached 260% of the quarterly goal
9–100 kWp: Hit 190% of target
100–500 kWp: Achieved 230% of target
These results highlight high installer engagement and continued interest in the rooftop segment, particularly on decentralized systems.
Implications for the Solar Sector
Scalability takes the lead: Support for small rooftops remains consistent, while larger installations will soon require competitive bidding, shifting the economics for developers.
Tariff predictability declines: Mid-to-large rooftops must prepare for increased pricing uncertainty under tender-based support.
Residential remains resilient: Simpler permitting, stable incentives, and long-term returns keep this segment attractive for investors and homeowners alike.
Why PV Cable Selection Matters More Than Ever
With these changes, EPCs and developers must not only win bids—but also optimize system design. In today’s rooftop PV landscape:
Fire safety compliance is becoming non-negotiable
Thermal performance of cables under rooftop heat stress is mission-critical
Procurement timelines must adapt to future tender schedules
At KUKA CABLE, we’re seeing a clear uptick in demand for tailored rooftop cable solutions—particularly for the evolving 100–500 kWc segment. In this new tender-driven era, durability, fire resistance, and consistent climate performance aren’t optional—they're essential.
