Introduction: The French energy landscape is undergoing a significant change with the introduction of a new order dated 5 January 2024. This order defines the conditions for purchasing electricity generated by installations using solar photovoltaic energy, marking a crucial step towards a more sustainable energy transition.
Eligibility conditions: The installations covered by this order are those located on buildings, sheds or carports, with an installed peak capacity not exceeding 500 kilowatts. These installations must be located in areas not interconnected with the mainland grid, while being connected to the main grid of certain regions, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion Island, as well as to the specific grids of Wallis and Futuna, the Ponant islands and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, and to the non-interconnected grids of the regions mentioned above.
Exclusions and exemptions: It is important to note that installations in service before the date of publication of the order, or those that have already produced electricity under a commercial contract, cannot benefit from the new conditions. However, an exemption is granted to installations that were the subject of a communication before the order was published.
Environmental criteria: A particular feature of this order is that, among installations with a capacity of more than 100 kWp, only those with a carbon footprint below 550 kg CO2 eq/kWp will benefit from a purchase contract. The methodology for calculating this carbon footprint is set out in detail in appendices 6 and 6 bis.
Impact on the energy transition: This order is part of an overall approach to promoting renewable energy, while placing emphasis on strict environmental criteria. It paves the way for greater development of small to medium-scale solar installations, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify the energy mix.
