☀️ Peak sun hours in France
France's sun varies clearly by region — roughly 3 to 4.5 peak sun hours. Provence and the Mediterranean are best; the north lower.
| Region | Approx. peak sun hours (annual avg) |
|---|---|
| Provence & the Mediterranean | ~4.0 – 4.5 |
| South-West & Rhône valley | ~3.7 – 4.2 |
| Central France | ~3.3 – 3.8 |
| Paris & the north | ~3.0 – 3.5 |
| Brittany & the north-west | ~2.9 – 3.4 |
Use your local figure in the solar panel calculator and the energy production calculator. Background: peak sun hours by location.
⚡ Electricity prices in France
French residential electricity runs on the regulated tariff at roughly €0.23 to €0.27 per kWh. It's not the highest in Europe, but combined with self-consumption incentives it makes rooftop solar worthwhile — most of all in the sunnier south.
💸 Incentives & net metering
France supports rooftop solar with a self-consumption premium (prime à l'autoconsommation) paid over the first years, plus a feed-in obligation (obligation d'achat) that buys your surplus at a set rate, and reduced VAT on smaller systems. Amounts are revised each quarter, so check the current figures before installing.
💰 System cost & payback in France
Small residential systems run roughly €2,000–€2,500 per kWp installed:
| System size | Approx. cost | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | ~€6,000 – 8,000 | Typical home, self-consumption |
| 6 kWp | ~€11,000 – 15,000 | Larger home / higher usage |
| 9 kWp | ~€15,000 – 20,000 | Large home / small business |
Work out your own numbers with the ROI calculator and the bill savings calculator, or design the whole system with the system report builder.
💡 Local insight: France
In France the north-south split really matters: a south-facing roof in Provence can generate close to 50% more than the same roof in Brittany, so payback in the sunny south is noticeably faster. With the self-consumption premium and the feed-in obligation for surplus, a well-sized system typically pays back in about 9–13 years, sooner in the south.
🧰 Solar tools
Plan your system with these:
- Solar panel calculator — how many panels for your usage and sun hours.
- Solar bill savings calculator — how much you'll save.
- ROI calculator — payback period.
- Battery calculator — if you want backup.
- Full system report — design the whole system in one page.
Related reading: how many panels to run a house, do solar panels work in winter, and peak sun hours by location.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many peak sun hours does France get?
About 3 to 4.5. Provence and the Mediterranean are highest (~4–4.5), while Paris and the north-west are around 3–3.5.
Is solar worth it in France?
Yes, especially in the sunnier south. The self-consumption premium plus the feed-in obligation give a typical payback of about 9–13 years, faster in the Mediterranean regions.
What incentives does France offer for solar?
A self-consumption premium (prime à l'autoconsommation), a feed-in obligation (obligation d'achat) that buys your surplus, and reduced VAT on smaller systems. Rates are revised quarterly.
How much do solar panels cost in France?
Roughly €2,000–€2,500 per kWp, so about €6,000–€8,000 for a 3 kWp system. Get local quotes.
Note: French electricity prices, the self-consumption premium and feed-in rates change (revised quarterly). These figures are approximate, for planning only — verify current rates and use a certified (RGE) installer.