Solar panel prices in 2026: how much does an installation cost?

Q: What is the average price of a solar installation in France in 2026?

In 2026, the average price of a residential photovoltaic installation is between 2,000 and 3,000 € per installed kWp, supply and installation included. For a 3 kWp system (the most common among households), the budget is between 6,000 and 9,000 € including VAT.

Q: Is VAT reduced for solar panels?

Yes, under conditions. The 5.5% VAT rate applies to residential installations ≤ 9 kWp in a dwelling (whatever its age), with compliant panels (carbon footprint and heavy metals, PPE2-V2 certification) and an EMS installed since 1 January 2026. Without an EMS, the 20% rate applies.

Q: Have solar panel prices fallen in 2026?

The price of panels (the component alone) fell by 30 to 50% between 2020 and 2025. However, the cost of labour and grid connection has remained stable. The overall price of an installation has therefore fallen moderately: by about 10 to 15% over the period.

Q: Is an RGE-certified installer (French quality label) mandatory to qualify for support?

To sell your surplus to EDF OA (the feed-in purchase scheme), yes: the installation must be carried out by a qualified professional (RGE QualiPV or equivalent). The 5.5% VAT rate does not depend on this qualification, but on the system size, the equipment and the energy manager.

Q: How much does installing solar panels alone cost?

Labour generally accounts for 25 to 35% of the total cost of an installation. For 3 kWp, that is about 1,500 to 2,500 €. This item includes mounting, wiring, commissioning and registration with Enedis (the grid operator).

⚡ Key points of this article

→The average price is 2,000 to 3,000 €/kWp installed; for a typical house, allow 6,000 to 16,000 € depending on the system size you choose.
→The roof, the region, the panel technology and the inverter can make the price vary by 20 to 40% for the same system size.
→VAT is reduced to 5.5% under five conditions (notably system ≤ 9 kWp, PPE2-V2-certified panels, EMS mandatory since 2026).
→The self-consumption bonus (prime à l'autoconsommation) has been abolished since 1 June 2026 for all new installations. It no longer reduces the net cost.
→An RGE QualiPV-certified installer is mandatory to benefit from all the support schemes.

What budget should you plan for, depending on your system size?

The first determinant of the price is the installed capacity, expressed in kilowatts-peak (kWp). The higher the capacity, the more electricity you generate, and the lower the cost per kWp, thanks to economies of scale on labour and grid connection.

2,000–3,000 €

Average price per kWp

supply + installation

~7,500 €

Average cost for 3 kWp

(incl. VAT)

~30 years

Lifespan

degradation < 0.5%/year

3 kWp

6 to 8 panels ≈ 14–19 m² of roof*

Price incl. VAT 6,000 – 9,000 €

Generation / year ~3,300 kWh

Most common

6 kWp

12 to 16 panels ≈ 28–37 m² of roof*

Price incl. VAT 10,000 – 16,000 €

Generation / year ~6,600 kWh

9 kWp

18 to 22 panels ≈ 41–51 m² of roof*

Price incl. VAT 14,000 – 22,000 €

Generation / year ~9,900 kWh

* Estimated total roof area: active panel area + mounting rails, gaps between panels and perimeter margin (≈ +15% vs panel area alone). Standard 400 Wp monocrystalline panels (≈ 2.0 m²/panel).

ℹ These prices are including VAT, with the reduced 5.5% VAT rate included when the conditions are met. Annual generation is estimated for a due-south orientation, 30° tilt, in the Centre region.

The full price table by system size

System size	Panels	Price incl. VAT	Price/kWp
3 kWp	6–8	6,000 – 9,000 €	2,000–3,000 €
6 kWp	12–16	10,000 – 16,000 €	1,700–2,700 €
9 kWp	18–22	14,000 – 22,000 €	1,600–2,400 €
12 kWp	24–30	18,000 – 28,000 €	1,500–2,300 €

Which system size should you choose for your home?

The most widespread rule of thumb: 1 kWp for every 1,000 kWh of annual consumption to cover. An average household uses 5,000 to 7,000 kWh/year, which points to 3 to 6 kWp. But your consumption profile (presence during the day, electric vehicle, heat pump) changes this calculation.

What makes up the price of a solar installation?

When an installer gives you a quote, the overall amount hides several quite distinct items. Understanding their respective weight lets you compare offers on an equal scope and spot suspicious quotes.

Photovoltaic panels 42%

Inverter (string or microinverter) 13%

Labour and installation 30%

Enedis grid connection 8%

Paperwork and administration 7%

Solar panels (≈ 40–45% of the total)

The panel itself is the biggest item. Its price depends on the technology (standard monocrystalline, TOPCon, HJT) and the manufacturer. In 2026, a 400 Wp panel costs between 120 and 250 € each depending on the brand. European panels offer stronger guarantees but are more expensive.

The inverter (≈ 10–15% of the total)

The inverter converts the direct current produced by the panels into alternating current usable in your home. Two main families: the central inverter (cheaper, less efficient with partial shading) and microinverters (more expensive but optimising panel by panel). Allow 600 to 2,500 € depending on the type and the system size.

Installation and wiring (≈ 25–35% of the total)

This item covers fixing the panels to the roof, wiring up to the electrical panel, commissioning and testing. Labour is one of the few items that has not fallen in recent years, and it cannot be squeezed.

Enedis grid connection (≈ 500–1,200 €)

For any installation that exports to the grid, Enedis charges for fitting a two-way Linky smart meter and for the connection work. This cost is often included in the overall quote, so always check.

The factors that make the price vary

For the same system size, two quotes can differ by 20 to 40% depending on the site configuration and technical choices. Here are the six main factors to take into account to understand why your neighbour paid a different price from yours.

🗺The geographic region

Labour rates vary greatly by area. Île-de-France and the Côte d'Azur show prices 15 to 25% above the national average. Conversely, less pressured regions (Grand Est, Auvergne) can be cheaper.

Price impact:+/- 15 to 25%

🏠The complexity of the roof

A two-sided roof with no obstacles is the cheapest configuration. Every additional constraint (dormer windows, chimneys, multiple slopes, flat roof) increases installation time and therefore labour cost.

Price impact:+5 to 20%

⚡The panel technology

Standard monocrystalline panels are the benchmark. TOPCon and HJT technologies offer better efficiency (22–24%) but cost 15 to 30% more. Useful if you have little space available.

Price impact:+15 to 30%

🔌The type of inverter

A string inverter costs 600 to 1,200 €; microinverters for 6 kWp come to 1,800–2,800 €. Microinverters are recommended if your roof suffers partial shading (trees, chimneys).

Price impact:+500 to 1,500 €

🔋Adding a home battery

Adding a storage system (5 kWh LFP) represents an extra cost of 3,500 to 5,000 € installed. The battery lets you store surplus generation for the evening, but lengthens the overall payback period by 3 to 6 years.

Price impact:+3,500 to 10,000 €

🚧Site accessibility

A roof that is hard to reach (height, steep pitch, no suitable access road) sometimes requires a lifting platform or special scaffolding. This logistical extra cost can amount to an additional 500 to 1,500 €.

Price impact:+500 to 1,500 €

⚠ Beware of quotes that are too low: a price below 1,800 €/kWp should raise a red flag. It may mean low-quality panels, no warranty, or an installer without RGE certification. Conversely, above 3,500 €/kWp without justification, ask for a competing quote.

The support available to reduce the real cost

Several measures can significantly reduce the net cost. The reduced 5.5% VAT rate is now the main financial support (the self-consumption bonus having been abolished since June 2026), representing a saving of 8 to 12% compared with 20% VAT.

1. The reduced 5.5% VAT rate

Normally subject to 20% VAT, photovoltaic installations benefit from a reduced rate of 5.5% if five conditions are met at the same time:

System with a capacity of ≤ 9 kWp
Dwelling, whatever its age
Carbon footprint of the panels below 530 kg CO2eq/kWp (PPE2-V2 certification, verifiable on certisolis.com)
Heavy metals within the limits (silver, lead, cadmium)
An EMS (Energy Management System) installed, mandatory since 1 January 2026

On an 8,000 € excl.-VAT installation, the saving between 5.5% and 20% is 1,160 €. Check with your installer that all the conditions are met. To find out more: our complete guide to VAT on solar panels.

2. The self-consumption bonus (abolished since June 2026)

This bonus was abolished by the ministerial order (arrêté) of 1 June 2026 for all new installations. Earlier installations continue to receive it until it expires. For information, it was about 80 €/kWp for installations ≤ 9 kWp.

System size	Annual payment	Conditions
3 kWp	over 5 years	Abolished since 1 June 2026
6 kWp	over 5 years	Abolished since 1 June 2026
9 kWp	over 5 years	Abolished since 1 June 2026

The scale changes every quarter. See our article on the 2026 support schemes for the updated amounts.

3. MaPrimeRénov' (French home-renovation grant): beware of a common misconception

⚠ MaPrimeRénov' does not fund photovoltaic panels. This scheme is reserved for thermal renovation work (insulation, heating, solar thermal panels). Do not be misled by salespeople who promise MPR support for your PV installation.

How do you get a reliable quote and compare offers?

The residential photovoltaic market has thousands of installers with widely varying practices. A few reflexes help you avoid the pitfalls and get the best value for money.

Request at least 3 quotes to compare: the differences can exceed 30%.

Check that the installer is RGE QualiPV certification on qualite-construction.com.

Insist on a detailed list of components: brand and reference of the panels, the inverter and the mounting system.

Check that the quote includes the Enedis grid connection and the administrative procedures.

Never sign on the same day as a sales approach: withdrawal penalties are often hidden.

What a good quote must state

Total peak power in kWp and number of panels
Brand, model and reference of each component (panels, inverter, mounting)
Estimated annual generation in kWh for your location
Breakdown of the price excluding and including VAT, with the applicable VAT rate
Installation lead time and warranty conditions (product, performance, labour)
Handling of the Enedis procedures and of the EDF OA bonus application

Price per kWp: the right indicator for comparing quotes

The price shown in euros including VAT is not enough to compare two quotes. The universal indicator is the price per installed kWp.

FORMULA

Price/kWp = Total price incl. VAT ÷ Capacity (kWp)

Example: 7,500 € ÷ 3 kWp = 2,500 €/kWp

< 1,800 €/kWp Warning zone: doubtful quality or reliability

1,800–2,500 €/kWp Fair price: mid-range panels

2,500–3,000 €/kWp Normal price: good quality or expensive region

> 3,500 €/kWp Warning zone: ask for a justification

Frequently asked questions about solar panel prices

What is the average price of a solar installation in France in 2026?

In 2026, the average price is between 2,000 and 3,000 € per installed kWp. For a 3 kWp system (the most common), the budget is 6,000 to 9,000 € including VAT. With the self-consumption bonus abolished since June 2026, the only saving left is the reduced 5.5% VAT rate, already included in a compliant quote: this price is therefore also your net cost.

Is VAT reduced for solar panels?

Yes, under conditions. The 5.5% VAT rate applies to installations ≤ 9 kWp in a dwelling (whatever its age), with compliant panels (carbon footprint and heavy metals, PPE2-V2 certification) and an EMS installed (mandatory since January 2026). Without an EMS, the rate reverts to 20%. Check these conditions with your installer before signing.

Have solar panel prices fallen in 2026?

The panels themselves fell by 30 to 50% between 2020 and 2025. However, the cost of labour and grid connection has remained stable. The overall price of an installation has fallen moderately: by about 10 to 15% over the period, and has been levelling off since late 2024.

Is an RGE-certified installer mandatory?

To sell your surplus to EDF OA, yes: the installation must be carried out by a qualified professional (RGE QualiPV or equivalent). The 5.5% VAT rate does not depend on this qualification, but on the system size, the equipment and the energy manager. Check that the certification is valid on qualite-construction.com before committing to anything.

How much does installing solar panels alone cost?

Labour accounts for 25 to 35% of the total cost. For 3 kWp, that is about 1,500 to 2,500 €. This item includes mounting on the roof, wiring, commissioning and the Enedis procedures. Separating supply from installation is not advisable: you lose the manufacturer warranties and access to support.

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