PVTIME – The French government has announced plans to increase the maximum installed capacity of hybrid solar-plus-storage projects to 25MW, while maintaining the maximum power injected into the grid at 17MW. This measure is expected to come into force by the end of 2026, forming part of a wider package of reforms to increase electricity flexibility.
Under the current regulations, both the installed capacity and the grid injection were capped at 17MW. The revised approach will allow developers to install larger solar arrays and corresponding storage systems, provided the maximum export to the network does not exceed 17MW. The intention is to expand project capacity without putting additional strain on the grid by using storage to absorb surplus generation and manage output.
This proposal is part of wider efforts to unlock demand-side flexibility. From 2027, subsidies for heat pumps will be linked to smart control capabilities, and new electric vehicle chargers are expected to default to flexible charging. The energy regulator, the CRE, is also trialling tariff products aligned with solar generation profiles to encourage consumption during midday peaks.
