France has added 2,230 MW of solar capacity to its grid in the first nine months of 2023, bringing its cumulative connected photovoltaic (PV) capacity to 18,988 MW, according to government statistics. The data, provided by the French energy ministry's Department of Data and Statistical Studies (SDES), indicates that 157,429 solar plants were commissioned during this period, representing a notable increase of 16.02% compared to the previous year.
The majority of the new solar installations, accounting for 94%, had individual capacities of less than 9 kW, while 36% of the systems were larger than 250 kW. The regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, and Grand Est collectively contributed to 68% of the newly connected capacity in the first three quarters.
France's photovoltaic parks generated 19.4 TWh of electricity from January to September, reflecting a growth from 16.4 TWh in the same period the previous year. Photovoltaics now contribute to 5.7% of the national power consumption.
As of the end of September, France's pipeline of solar projects stood at 21.4 GW, including 5.4 GW with grid-connection contracts already in place. This data underscores the ongoing expansion of solar energy capacity in France, aligning with the country's efforts to diversify its energy mix and increase the share of renewables in its overall power generation.
