CRE tariffs: French open window and auctions explained for 2026
France's energy regulator CRE has run the tariff mechanisms underpinning PV economics since 2009. In 2026, the system rests on two pillars: the open window (S21 tariff revised quarterly) for small projects and the CRE auctions (PPE2 ground, rooftop, hybridisation, innovation, self-consumption) for projects above 500 kWp. This guide unpacks operations, 2026 prices, eligibility and VoltWatt's strategy by project size.
1. Open window and S21 tariff
Open window targets ≤500 kWp self-consumption-with-surplus or full-export (rooftop, canopy, ground). S21 is revised quarterly per a formula linking previous tariff to a coefficient based on cumulative installed volume. Q1 2026: €95/MWh for 0–9 kWp surplus, €102 for 9–36, €109 for 36–100, €95 for 100–500 full export.
20-year contract with EDF OA. CPI indexation capped at ±25%. Open until the quarterly envelope (200–300 MWp) saturates; saturation rolls applicants to next quarter.
2. PPE2 ground and rooftop auctions
PPE2 auctions allocate 2 GW/year ground, 1.8 GW/year rooftop plus sub-segments. Project size 500 kWp to 30 MWp. Scoring: bid price (50–60%) and module carbon footprint (40–50%).
2025 average winners: €87/MWh ground (vs €65 in 2022), €95/MWh rooftop. Build deadline 24 months ground, 18 months rooftop after winner notification.
3. The hybrid auction: the new frontier
Launched in 2024, the hybrid auction requires PV + BESS at a single connection point with storage duration and delivery profile commitments. First session allocated 500 MW at €87/MWh average over 20 years, prioritising saturated zones.
VoltWatt won three projects in this session totalling 75 MW with a typical 50 MWp PV + 18 MW / 36 MWh DC-coupled BESS structure.
4. Self-consumption and innovation auctions
Self-consumption auction targets >100 kWp projects injecting <10% of production. 2025 average €78/MWh on 10 years for the injected share. Innovation auction supports tech disruption (perovskite tandem, dynamic AVPV, specific hybrid BESS) with €108–135/MWh prices but limited volumes (50–100 MW/year).
5. Strategy by size
The choice among open window, auction or merchant PPA depends mainly on project size and producer profile.
- ≤100 kWp self-consumption: open window, tariff fixed.
- 100–500 kWp: open window or self-consumption auction.
- 500 kWp–10 MWp: PPE2 auction, 35–45% success rate.
- 10–50 MWp: PPE2 large lots or corporate PPA combined.
- ≥50 MWp: corporate PPA or VPPA, hybridisation for revenue stability.
Frequently asked questions on CRE tariffs
- How is S21 calculated?
- S21 is updated quarterly per a tariff decree formula factoring previous quarter's cumulative installed volume. If the queue saturated, the tariff drops next quarter; otherwise stable or slightly indexed.
- What if a winner cannot deliver?
- Winners have 24 months (ground) or 18 months (rooftop) to commission. Beyond that, penalties (deposit minus fine) and envelope returns to the queue. CRE has been tightening.
- Does the manufacturer carbon score really matter?
- Yes: 40–50% of scoring. With CFP gaps between Chinese Tier-1 (530–620 kg CO₂eq/kWp) and European/Korean (430–480), score differential can offset a €5–8/MWh higher bid.
- Can we combine CRE tariff with corporate PPA?
- Never. Public support and PPA are mutually exclusive. PPA after CRE expiry (post-20 years) or for uncovered share is fine.
- Auction processing times?
- PPE2 ground: 4 months. Hybrid: 5–6 months. Innovation: 6–8 months. All include thorough technical and financial review.
- Does PPE2 work for agrivoltaics?
- Yes since 2024: a dedicated dynamic AVPV sub-segment with higher tariffs (€95–110/MWh) reflecting tech premium. Carbon scoring slightly relaxed to favour French innovation.
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