Solar installations are growing in popularity among homeowners in France, with nearly 200,000 installations during 2024 – a 52% growth compared to the previous year. With generous government incentives including grants, reduced VAT rates, and the ability to sell surplus electricity back to the grid, it is an increasingly attractive option. In this article, we look at the benefits from installing solar panels as well as insurance cover considerations.

How much electricity does the average French property use?

The typical French household consumes about 4,760 kWh of electricity per year, for heating, lighting, cooking and powering household appliances such as computers, washing machines, dishwashers etc.[1]  The surge in electricity prices in 2022, general inflation and technological advances have boosted the market for solar panels – convincing householders of the benefits from installing solar energy systems. Government financial incentives – such as Ma Prime Rénov’ – have further helped to increase demand. However, what is the average cost of the systems – and how many do you need?

Estimating how many solar panels you will need

The number of solar panels you will need varies between 4 and 18[2], depending on the size of property and electricity consumption. For houses with an annual consumption of 4000 – 6000 kWh, installers are likely to recommend mounting 7 to 9 panels. Installers also use a ‘20% rule’: panels should give you 20% more energy than your home usually needs.

Regional variations across France will be a factor; and perhaps determine how many panels you’ll need to cover full electricity consumption. For example, in Marseille in the south of France one solar panel will produce about 620 kWh per year. This compares with the same panel generating 430 kWh per year in Paris[3]. That’s a difference of 44%.

What is the approximate cost for a standard installation?

Installing between 7-9 solar panels (approximately 3 kWc) in France varies from around €6,500 to €10,000. The costs will depend on various factors: whether you use a professional installer or a DIY kit; the quality of the solar panel; the type of installation (e.g. integrated into the roof or roof mounted) and labour costs.

Financial grants and incentives

As part of France’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges and encouraging the use of renewable energy, the government offers financial incentives through its Ma Prime Rénov’ scheme. These inducements include:

–          A one-off premium for self-consumption (Prime à l’Autoconsommation) currently set at €80 per kWc for installations[4], this equates to €240 for a 3 kWc system.

–          Feed-in Tariff (Obligation d’Achat): Homeowners can sell surplus electricity back to the grid at rates fixed by law through EDF Obligation d’Achat, providing guaranteed returns over 20 years.

–          Reduced VAT Rate: From October 1, 2025, a reduced VAT rate of 5.5% applies to the purchase and installation of photovoltaic panels up to 9 kWc in all residential properties.

Does the installation of solar panels require planning permission?

Any changes to the external appearance of your property in France generally needs planning consent. Putting solar panels on your roof is unlikely to need full planning permission, however a simpler Déclaration Préalable de Travaux is a requirement. Contact your Mairie for further advice.

Insurance considerations

Installing solar panels may lead to a slight increase in your home insurance premium because the system raises the property’s replacement value, which you must declare to your insurer.

If a storm or fire damages the roof or panels, your home building insurance generally protects the solar panels. You need to check your policy first to confirm the specific cover.

Standard home insurance typically covers solar panels for major risks, including damage from natural events, fire, theft, and third-party liability to neighbours. It’s important to note that theft of panels is very rare.

However, securing cover for loss of energy production and seeking an all-risks policy to cover accidental damage or highly valuable systems will require additional or specialised cover.

Final thoughts

Before installation, don’t forget to notify your home insurer to adjust your cover for the panels and ensure your policy’s replacement value is adequate.

If you would like to find out more about AXA’s home insurance cover, please get in touch. We will help secure what matters most to you.

Insurance France is the trading name of AXA Marthon. We are an English and French speaking AXA agency, taking care of your insurance so you can enjoy your life in France.

To find out more, please contact us below for a free, no-obligation quotation:

Phone: +33 (0)5 45 70 43 76

Email: agence.florentmorin@axa.fr

Website: insurancefrance.fr

References:

[1] https://en.selectra.info/energy-france/guides/tips/bills/average

[2] https://www.endesa.com/en/blogs/endesa-s-blog/light/calculate-how-many-solar-panels-a-house-needs

[3] Endesa.com

[4] https://www.laprimeenergie.fr/les-travaux/le-panneau-solaire/panneau-solaire-gratuit-gouvernement