THE FRENCH PV MARKET 2007 A NEGLECTED FUTURE MARKET?

摘要

With a newly installed capacity of 14.4 MWp in 2006, the French PV market even surpassed Italy (9MWp), a market much higher hopes had been pinned on. But the French market contains some specialties, whichmake it more difficult to successfully cover it. One reason is the focus of the promotion scheme on buildingintegratedPV systems, especially in the continental market. This implies that only certain types of products aredemanded in the market – products companies often cannot offer. Secondly, the French PV market is characterizedby the circumstance that – according to the will by relevant stakeholders – the biggest market growth takes place inthe overseas departments (DOM, 8.9 of the 14.4 MWp in 2006). Reasons are a higher basic tariff of 0.40 €/kWh(compared to 0.30 €/kWh in central France), a higher insolation and special tax regimes for investment in these areas.Because of the long distances and the unknown areas, many companies refrain from becoming active there, however.Up to now, no profound quantitative primary research has been conducted on the French photovoltaic market. Thisgap is filled by the new study of EuPD Research, having conducted an inquiry among all identified Frenchcompanies that are active in the market.