France Awards 930 MW in Ground-Mounted Solar Tender

Overview of the Tender

Key Outcomes and Pricing Trends

The French government announced the results of its latest ground-mounted solar tender on October 7, awarding 930 MW of capacity to 125 projects at a weighted average price of €60/MWh. This price represents a significant decline of 24.5% compared to the previous round in September 2025, which had an average price of €79.48/MWh for 971 MW of capacity awarded to 165 projects.

Implications for the Renewable Energy Sector

The decline in price is a welcome development for France's renewable energy sector, which aims to increase its share of solar power in the energy mix. According to Maud Bregeon, France's minister delegate for energy, "We must not create windfall profits." The awarded projects will contribute to the country's solar power growth, supporting its renewable energy targets.

Comparison with Other Tenders

The average price of €60/MWh is also lower than the €75/MWh average price for smaller PV installations. In the 100 kW to 500 kW segment, 157 projects with a total capacity of 43.5 MW were awarded at an average price of €88.73/MWh, which is a 15.5% decline from the initial round. The ceiling price for this segment was €95/MWh, and 82.1 MW of bids were received for a capacity offering of 192 MW.

• Capacity awarded: 930 MW
• Number of projects: 125
• Average price: €60/MWh or $67.40
• Previous round average price: €79.48/MWh
• Price decline: 24.5%

Key Facts

Ground-Mounted Solar Tender Insights

The French government has awarded 930 MW of capacity in its latest ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) tender, with 125 projects securing contracts. The weighted average price for these projects came in at €60/MWh, marking a significant decrease from the previous round.

To put this into perspective, the previous tender round, held in September 2025, saw 971 MW of capacity awarded across 165 projects, with an average price of €79.48/MWh. This represents a 24.5% decline in price.

The awarded projects will play a crucial role in France's renewable energy mix, helping the country achieve its climate goals. Maud Bregeon, France's minister delegate for energy, emphasized the importance of fair pricing, stating, "We must not create windfall profits."

Tender Price Trends

Category	Average Price (€/MWh)	Capacity Awarded (MW)	Number of Projects
Latest Round	60	930	125
Previous Round	79.48	971	165

The decrease in prices is a positive sign for consumers and the grid, as it indicates a reduction in the cost of renewable energy. This trend is expected to continue, with a technology-neutral tender planned for 2027. As the solar sector continues to evolve, developers and investors will need to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory requirements.

Comparison of Tender Rounds

Key Metrics and Trends

France's latest ground-mounted solar tender awarded 930 MW of capacity across 125 projects, with a weighted average price of €60/MWh. This represents a significant decrease from the previous round, which saw 971 MW awarded across 165 projects at an average price of €79.48/MWh.

The 24.5% decline in price is notable, as it reflects increased competition and decreasing costs in the solar sector. To put this into perspective, the average price in the previous round was €79.48/MWh, while the latest round came in at €60/MWh.

Price Trends and Implications

• The latest weighted average price of €60/MWh is equivalent to approximately $67.40/MWh.
• This is a substantial drop from the previous round's average price of €79.48/MWh, and also lower than the €75/MWh average price for smaller PV installations.
• The decrease in prices has implications for developers, investors, and consumers, as it could lead to more cost-effective solar projects and lower electricity costs.

Context and Future Outlook

According to Maud Bregeon, France's minister delegate for energy, "We must not create windfall profits." The French government seems committed to ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are shared fairly. With 2027 marked as the year for a technology-neutral tender, the sector is likely to see further evolution. As the industry moves forward, keeping an eye on these trends will be crucial for stakeholders.

Smaller PV Installations

Segment Overview

France's recent tender results also included 157 projects in the 100 kW to 500 kW segment, totaling 43.5 MW of capacity. This segment is crucial for diversifying the country's solar energy mix, as it targets smaller installations that can be integrated into local grids and communities.

Pricing and Comparison

The awarded projects in this segment had an average price of €88.73/MWh. This rate is significantly lower than the €95/MWh ceiling price set for the segment, indicating competitive bidding from developers. However, it remains higher than the €75/MWh average price for smaller PV installations, suggesting that these projects may require additional support or have different cost structures.

Context and Implications

The 100 kW to 500 kW segment is an important part of France's solar energy strategy, as it allows for more decentralized and community-based solar projects. According to Maud Bregeon, France's minister delegate for energy, the goal is to ensure that the tender process "must not create windfall profits." The pricing trends in this segment will be closely watched by developers, investors, and regulators, including the CRE, to ensure that they align with the country's renewable energy goals and economic objectives.

What to Watch

Market Trends and Regulatory Shifts

France's renewable energy sector is closely monitoring the implementation of recent tender results and upcoming events. On October 7, the results of the ground-mounted solar tender were announced, with 930 MW of capacity awarded across 125 projects at a weighted average price of €60/MWh. This significant decrease from the previous round's average price of €79.48/MWh – a 24.5% decline – reflects the sector's growing competitiveness.

Tender Performance and Price Trends

Tender Round	Capacity Awarded (MW)	Number of Projects	Average Price (€/MWh)
Current Round	930	125	60
Previous Round (September 2025)	971	165	79.48

The awarded projects will likely have a substantial impact on France's renewable energy capacity. As France's minister delegate for energy, Maud Bregeon, emphasized, "We must not create windfall profits." The sector will be watching to ensure that the awarded projects align with this goal.

Sector Implications and Future Outlook

The upcoming technology-neutral tender in 2027 may bring further changes to the market. With a solid foundation in place, as Bregeon described, the sector is poised for growth. Developers, investors, and consumers will be monitoring the situation closely, particularly in light of the recent tender results and upcoming events, including a webinar and in-person event on October 23, 2026.