44th edition of the Photovoltaic Solar Energy Observatory

The complete and detailed edition is available on the France Territoire Solaire website: www.franceterritoiresolaire.fr.

The following conclusions can be drawn:

• The connection volume in the 3rd quarter of 2022 stood at 572 MW*, a slight increase compared to the volume of the 2nd quarter of 2022.

* NB: the figures of this Observatory relate to mainland France outside the transport network for this edition, they are slightly different from the figures of the CGDD, because the Observatory does not have access to the connection and queue data of the companies Distribution Locales (ELD), the latter not being published.

• Compared to the 2nd trimester, this 3rd trimester is marked:
  • by a very strong increase in the “self-consumption” segment (total or partial), with almost 25.000 installations connected, which is an absolute record,
  • by a very strong increase in the segment of domestic installations (<9 kW), with 83 MW connected, which is a level rarely observed,
  • by a slight drop in the medium-sized roof segment (9 to 100 kW), with 131 MW connected, which is a high level,
  • by a drop in the segment of large roofs (100 to 250 kW), with a connected volume of 34 MW,
  • by an increase in the segment of very large roofs (250 kW to 1 MW), with a connected volume of 9 MW,
  • by a slight increase in the large installations segment (1 MW and +), with 293 MW connected (excluding RTE data),
• The share of photovoltaic electricity in gross electricity consumption in France reached a record level of 7,42% in July and August 2022.
• The queue on the distribution network is again marked by an increase but moderate compared to the previous quarter (data not available for projects on the transmission network) and the stock of projects exceeds 14 GW at the end of this 3rd quarter of 2022. To be noted, a significant exit movement by abandonment concerning 350 MW of projects.
• As the market price for electricity was very high in the 3rd quarter, we again observed a positive impact on public costs and on all segments. Since the price of their electricity is lower than the market price, these facilities save public costs.

This quarter was marked by a sharp increase and the achievement of an unprecedented level in the self-consumption segment (largely power installations below 6 kW) and residential injection installations, under the effect of the energy crisis. More generally, the roofing market remains stimulated by the entry into force of H21 and this high level should be maintained over the coming quarters. On the other hand, as in the previous quarter, the market for ground power plants is suffering from inflation, but projects continue to queue en masse.

For Antoine HUARD, President of France Territoire Solaire: “This third quarter sees solar energy beating a new record in the French electricity mix, with a share of 7,42% in gross electricity consumption over the months of July and August. But this performance, made possible by very favorable weather, should not hide a climate that is not very favorable to the development of projects, which is still marked by cumbersome procedures. The so-called RES production acceleration bill has raised hopes of change for those involved in the sector, but the results of the discussions as they stand are more than mixed. With the publication of the many implementing texts of the law, the year 2023 will make it possible to conclude as to the real positive impact of the text even if its concrete effects will probably only be measured in the years that will follow. »