As France Solar Week draws attention to the nation’s growing renewable energy ambitions, data highlights just how far the country’s solar sector has come – and how much potential remains.
The Solar & Storage Live Paris: French Solar Market Report 2025 outlines steady progress toward national targets, strong policy support, and an expanding base of innovation that continues to strengthen France’s position as a leader in European solar development.
Market growth and trailblazers
France’s solar energy market has expanded significantly over the past decade, becoming one of Europe’s leading renewable sectors. Between 2009 and 2011, solar capacity surged nearly tenfold, reaching 6.7TWh annually by 2015.
In 2023, France’s solar market was valued at several billion dollars, with an expected annual growth rate of 14.24% until 2032. Solar PV generated 4.3% of all electricity in France, with large solar farms driving expansion. Falling solar panel costs, rising energy prices, and new solar technologies continue to boost growth.
Key companies leading the charge in France’s solar market include Engie SA, EDF Renewables, and TotalEnergies SE. Their pioneering efforts are helping to make solar a more viable and attractive option for businesses and industries looking to meet sustainability goals.
Meeting government expectations
France has set ambitious goals for the future of its solar industry. By 2050, the country aims to have 100GW of installed solar capacity, a significant jump from its current level of 17.1GW. The government is also aiming to produce 40% of the solar panels used in France domestically by 2030, reducing reliance on imports.
France has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 52% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. This forms part of a broader effort to meet the European Union’s goal of a 55% emissions reduction by 2030.
To meet these goals, the government has introduced policies to encourage growth, including tax breaks, subsidies, and feed-in tariffs, which guarantee fixed payments for solar energy producers.
In 2023, new laws were passed requiring large car parks to install solar panels – a move expected to add between 6.75 GW and 11.25 GW of solar capacity. The government has also invested €2.2 billion in domestic solar panel production, funding two new factories.
The road ahead
The report identifies several challenges to France’s solar momentum, including the intermittency of solar power, land use competition, and the environmental impact of panel manufacturing and disposal. Solutions cited include investment in energy storage systems, smart grids, agrivoltaics, floating solar farms, and more.
Overall, France’s solar energy market is expected to experience rapid growth in the coming years, driven by robust government policies, innovative technologies, and increasing demand for renewable energy.
With ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050, the country is on track to become a leader in the global solar market.
To read about these developments in full, download the full Solar & Storage Live Paris: French Solar Market Report 2025 or meet the market in person at Solar & Storage Live Paris, taking place 5–6 November 2025.
France Solar Week marks the lead-up to Solar & Storage Live Paris, taking place 5-6 November. Haven’t registered yet? Don’t miss out on your free ticket by securing your place here.
