Every new year brings regulatory and fiscal changes that can impact solar and EV charging projects — and 2026 is no exception. For homeowners, installers, and EV drivers, this year starts with several important developments: a progressive reduction in PV incentives, lower feed-in tariffs, a reshaping of the electricity market with the end of the ARENH regime, and other fiscal adjustments that have already started rolling out in late 2025.
This practical guide explains the major changes you should know if you’re planning a solar panel installation, energy self-consumption setup, or electric vehicle charger at home.
PV VAT Rules: Updated Rates Effective in 2026
The rules for value-added tax on photovoltaic installations were fully redefined starting October 1, 2025, and continue into 2026:
20% VAT – Default rate for all PV installations.
10% VAT – Still applicable for solar panel maintenance and servicing on homes older than two years.
5.5% VAT – Reserved for certain small installations (≤ 9 kWc) that meet strict technical and environmental criteria.
Note: Installations signed and advanced with a deposit before January 1, 2026 may retain the reduced 10% VAT.
Solar Self-Consumption Bonuses & Feed-in Tariffs in 2026
Support mechanisms remain active in 2026 but are gradually being reduced, especially for higher-capacity systems.
Investment Bonus (Prime à l’autoconsommation)
Incentives are indexed by system size and the date the grid connection request is submitted.
For January 1 – March 31, 2026:
System Size | Investment Bonus |
|---|---|
≤3 kWc | 80 €/kWc |
3 – 9 kWc | 80 €/kWc |
9 – 36 kWc | 140 €/kWc |
36 – 100 kWc | 70 €/kWc |
What Are the Main Types of Solar Panels?
Example: a 6 kWc installation qualifies for a self-consumption bonus of €480 (6 × €80).
EDF OA Feed-in Tariffs for Excess Electricity
Commissioned by the French Energy Regulatory Commission, feed-in tariffs for surplus solar electricity in 2026 are:
Rates in Effect as of January 1, 2026:
System Size | Feed-in Tariff |
|---|---|
≤ 9 kWc | 0,04 € / kWh |
9 – 100 kWc | 0,0536 € / kWh |
For example, a 6 kWc system producing 2,000 kWh of surplus solar electricity could earn about 80 € / year at 0.04 €/kWh.
EDF Full Feed-in Tariffs
Total export tariffs for fully injected production (if applicable) are also revised downward in 2026.
Rates in Effect as of January 1, 2026:
System Size | Total Electricity Feed-in Tariff |
|---|---|
9 – 36 kWc | 0,0911 € / kWh |
36 – 100 kWc | 0,0792 € / kWh |
Battery Storage & Virtual Battery Options
With feed-in tariffs declining, energy storage is becoming an increasingly strategic choice for maximizing self-consumption and financial returns:
Physical batteries store daytime solar energy locally for use after sunset or during peaks — boosting autonomy and delivering backup power.
Virtual battery storage works like an “energy credit” balancing mechanism — surplus energy is injected into the grid and credited for later use without stored hardware.
Electricity Market Reform: End of ARENH & New Nuclear Payment (VNU)
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the end of the ARENH mechanism (Accès Régulé à l’Électricité Nucléaire Historique), which had been in place since 2011. This regime allowed alternative suppliers access to low-cost nuclear power at a set price.
From January 1, 2026, ARENH is replaced by the Versement Nucléaire Universel (VNU) — a universal nuclear contribution. Under VNU, EDF will sell nuclear electricity at market prices, and any excess profits above a specified threshold will be taxed and redistributed to consumers as automatic bill reductions during periods of sharp price increases.
This reform could eventually lead to higher average electricity prices as regulated pricing disappears and market rates prevail.
Natural Gas: Watch Out for the Subscription Fee
On the natural gas side, pricing will change in 2026:
The price per kWh will decrease slightly (by –2.5% to –3.3%, depending on usage).
Annual subscription fees will increase by just over €13.
This is unfavorable news for low gas consumers (cooking or domestic hot water only), as the fixed subscription cost will now account for an even larger share of their total energy bill.
End of the IRVE Tax Credit for EV Charging Stations
If you are considering installing an electric vehicle charging station at home, be aware that the IRVE tax credit was discontinued as of January 1, 2026. Until then, this incentive provided a €500 tax benefit per charging station installed.
From now on, the ADVENIR program remains the only available financial support for EV charging installations in condominiums or shared parking areas.
Regarding financial incentives more broadly, MaPrimeRénov’ has been officially suspended at the start of 2026, pending a possible overhaul. While photovoltaic systems were not eligible under this scheme, the decision confirms a clear trend: fewer subsidies, higher taxes, and rising energy prices.
In this context, our recommendation remains unchanged. As in 2025, producing and consuming your own electricity continues to be one of the most effective ways to secure long-term energy costs. With solutions such as virtual battery storage, smart energy management, and tailored financing options, it is still possible to build a sustainable, local, and profitable energy model.
