French solar industry about to close one of its gloomiest years

Dec 13, 2013 - The French solar power industry is about to close one of its gloomiest years as the country managed to add mere 500 MW of solar projects to the national grid in 2013, well below the annual governmental target, think tank France Territoire Solaire said in a study.

For comparison, the government's target was set at 800 MW but obviously this year it will not be achieved.

The French solar energy sector is facing a great number of problems, while the industry seems to be thriving in neighbouring countries, such as Germany or Italy.

The development of photovoltaic projects has become very dependent on the tenders called by France's energy regulation commission CRE. Regrettably, this is a slow process with many hurdles that has still not demonstrated its efficiency, Daniel Bour, head of the think tank, lamented.

The troubles in the French solar energy sector affect all players in the segment, namely solar energy producers, solar panel makers and companies engaged in installation. Not only are there fewer sector players but only those which manage to set foot abroad are able to survive, Daniel Bour explained.

Another major cause for concern is the workforce in the solar power sector. In less than four years, it melt to 10,000 from 25,000.

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