French Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition has selected 392 projects in the 5th round of rooftop solar power auction, awarding a cumulative of 230 MW projects for an average winning tariff of €76.8 ($89.5) per MWh, dropping almost 5% from last auction's €80.8 ($94.2) per MWh (see Prices Drop In French 200 MW Rooftop Tender).
Of the projects selected, 40% will be focused towards 'agricultural buildings' to provide farmers with new sources of income, according to a statement from the ministry. Maximum capacity was awarded to projects in the system range of 100 kW to 500 kW, the rest went to rooftop solar systems between 500 kW to 8 MW.
These auctions are a result of the government mandate of holding rooftop solar tenders disbursing annual capacity of 1,450 MW every year. The program was launched in 2016 for a period of three years, and the tenders are divided into several periods.
The next and 6th round of bidding for rooftop PV projects will be held on November 5, 2018, with a higher capacity on offer, 300 MW. During the launch of the scheme, the maximum capacity per auction round was supposed to be 150 MW, which was then increased to 200 MW, followed by another increase for a total of 225 MW. The November 2018 will give away 300 MW.
20 MW for self-consumption projects
French energy minister François de Rugy also announced the list of 48 winners that will develop PV installations worth 20 MW for self-consumption. These projects 'will benefit from a premium at a weighted price of €26.8 ($31.25) per MWh', the ministry stated.
Rugy was appointed after previous incumbent Nicolas Hulot resigned in a dramatic fashion, citing slow progress and inaction by the Macron government on several climate and environmental issues (see French Energy Minister Quits On Air).
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