In short: In 2026, multiple incentives help lower the cost of solar panel installations in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes, including the self-consumption premium, reduced VAT, surplus resale, and local subsidies. The primary support for standard PV systems is the state-backed self-consumption premium (EDF OA), while CEE incentives apply only to hybrid or thermal systems.
Understanding energy savings certificates (CEE)
The Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme was introduced by the French government to encourage energy efficiency improvements. It requires energy suppliers to financially support initiatives that reduce energy consumption for households, businesses, and local authorities.
Important: standard photovoltaic solar panels are not eligible for CEE incentives. The scheme is designed to reduce energy consumption—not to produce energy.
Only the following systems qualify for CEE support:
- Solar thermal installations (solar water heaters, combined solar systems)
- Hybrid systems (photovoltaic + thermal, BAR-TH-162 category)
For conventional photovoltaic systems, the main financial support remains the self-consumption premium, which is the primary incentive available in 2026.
Financial incentives available for a photovoltaic solar installation in 2026
The solar self-consumption premium (photovoltaic grant)
This national incentive is paid by the French government via EDF Obligation d’Achat (EDF OA) to homeowners and businesses that self-consume part of their solar electricity while selling the surplus back to the grid.
For installations below 9 kWp, the premium is paid as a single lump sum on the first anniversary of commissioning. The amount is updated quarterly by the CRE (Energy Regulatory Commission); once your grid connection request (DCR) is validated by Enedis, the rate is fixed for 20 years.
Applicable rates for Q1 2026 (January 1 – March 31, 2026):
System Capacity | Self-Consumption Premium (Q1 2026) |
|---|---|
≤ 9 kWc (residential) | €80/kWc (up to €720) |
9 to 36 kWc (professionnel/agricole) | €140/kWc (up to €5 040) |
36 to 100 kWc | €70/kWc (up to €7 000) |
Reduced VAT on solar panels
Since January 1, 2026, VAT rules for photovoltaic systems in France have changed. Only two VAT rates now apply:
Reduced VAT at 5.5%: reserved for installations ≤ 9 kWp, on properties older than 2 years, using eco-certified panels (PPE2 V2, low carbon footprint) and equipped with an energy management system (EMS). These cumulative conditions are still difficult to meet in practice.
Standard VAT at 20%: applies in all other cases (new builds, systems > 9 kWp, non-certified panels, or absence of an EMS). Note: the previous reduced 10% VAT rate for small systems (< 3 kWp) ended on December 31, 2025.
At Edmond Solutions, we help you identify which VAT conditions apply to your project in the Var or Alpes-Maritimes, so you can maximize available tax benefits.
Selling excess solar electricity
The self-consumption model with surplus resale allows you to use most of the electricity you produce while selling excess power back to the grid. This additional income improves the overall profitability of the solar installation over time. The EDF OA feed-in tariff is guaranteed for 20 years from the grid connection date.
Feed-in tariffs applicable for Q1 2026:
- ≤ 9 kWp: €0.04/kWh (4 c€/kWh)
- 9 to 100 kWp: 7.306 c€/kWh
Overview of complementary solutions
Incentives for solar thermal and hybrid systems
If you choose solar thermal systems (solar water heaters, combined solar systems) or hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels, additional financial incentives become available. These include CEE grants (under schemes such as BAR-TH-101, BAR-TH-143, and BAR-TH-162), MaPrimeRénov’, and a reduced VAT rate of 5.5% for thermal systems. These technologies also benefit from a wider combination of subsidies compared to standard photovoltaic installations.
For solar panel maintenance, see our dedicated article.
Local subsidies in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes
In the PACA region, departmental and municipal subsidies may complement national incentives depending on the local authority. Edmond Solutions monitors available local funding for each project, whether in Toulon, Nice, Draguignan, or across the wider Mediterranean area.
Combining incentives to optimize your project
To maximize the financing of your photovoltaic installation, several incentives can be combined:
- Self-consumption premium (main incentive for standard PV systems)
- Reduced VAT (5.5%) under strict eligibility conditions
- Revenue from surplus electricity sales (guaranteed EDF OA tariff over 20 years)
- Regional or departmental subsidies (depending on local authorities)
Edmond Solutions supports you from start to finish in structuring the financial plan for your solar project in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes. Request your free personalized assessment to identify all the incentives you are eligible for.
Frequently asked questions about solar incentives
Are photovoltaic solar panels eligible for CEE incentives?
No. Standard photovoltaic panels are not eligible for Energy Savings Certificates (CEE), as this scheme is designed to support reductions in energy consumption rather than energy production. Only solar thermal systems and hybrid installations are covered under the CEE framework. For photovoltaic systems, the main financial incentive remains the self-consumption premium.
Can the self-consumption premium be combined with other incentives?
How can you determine the exact amount of your self-consumption premium?
The calculation is straightforward: installed capacity (kWp) × CRE quarterly rate. For a 6 kWp installation in Q1 2026: 6 × €80 = €480.
Tariffs are updated every quarter, but the rate is fixed once your grid connection request (DCR) is validated by Enedis.
For an accurate estimate tailored to your project, consult an RGE-certified installer such as Edmond Solutions.
Does my installation have to be carried out by an RGE-certified professional?
Can an existing solar installation be retroactively eligible for the self-consumption premium?
No. The grid connection request (DCR) must be submitted before the installation is commissioned. A system that has already been installed without prior application cannot benefit from the scheme retroactively.
