Solar French solar industry is robust in solar energy development a
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 834 Hits
Date 25-02-22 09:48
Content
The French solar industry is robust in solar energy development and deployment, but when it comes to the domestic manufacturing of solar panels, the field is relatively small and specialized. Unlike markets in countries such as Germany, China, or the United States where many companies focus on panel production, France has historically featured only a few dedicated manufacturers. In many cases, companies that operate in France are more focused on system integration, project development, or international partnerships rather than large‐scale, standalone panel manufacturing.
Below is an overview of the key French companies—both current and historically significant—that have been involved in the manufacturing or local assembly of solar panels. (Because of the industry’s size, reaching a full list of 20 distinct, dedicated panel manufacturers isn’t feasible. However, the list below includes the most notable players along with integrated energy companies whose efforts have contributed to local solar panel production.)
---
### 1. Photowatt
**Overview:**
One of the longest‑standing names in French photovoltaic technology, Photowatt has been manufacturing PV modules for decades. Renowned for its commitment to quality and efficiency, the company helped establish France’s reputation in the solar sector.
**Key Points:**
- Pioneering domestic panel production
- Focus on high‑performance modules for both residential and industrial applications
---
### 2. DualSun
**Overview:**
DualSun stands out for its innovative approach by developing hybrid solar panels that generate both electricity and hot water. Founded in 2009, the company’s dual‑generation technology maximizes energy output from a single installation.
**Key Points:**
- Combines photovoltaic cells with a thermal collector
- Ideal for applications where space is limited and multi‑energy production is desired
---
### 3. Areva Solar (Historical)
**Overview:**
Part of the former Areva group, Areva Solar was involved in developing solar technologies—including PV modules—in an era when France was actively expanding its renewable energy base. Although the company’s solar division has since been restructured or absorbed into broader renewable initiatives, its work laid important groundwork for domestic solar manufacturing.
**Key Points:**
- Contributed to early advancements in French solar technology
- Represents historical efforts in local panel production
---
### 4. Solairedirect (Historical)
**Overview:**
Originally established as a solar panel producer, Solairedirect evolved into one of France’s leading solar project developers. While its role in direct panel manufacturing diminished over time, its early involvement highlights the country’s integrated approach to solar energy—from manufacturing to large‑scale project implementation.
**Key Points:**
- Early participant in the French solar panel market
- Transitioned to a focus on comprehensive solar project development
---
### 5. Total Solar (Under TotalEnergies)
**Overview:**
TotalEnergies, a major global energy player based in France, has ventured into solar energy through its Total Solar initiatives. Although not a pure panel manufacturer in the traditional sense, Total Solar represents efforts to develop and, in some cases, locally assemble advanced PV modules as part of TotalEnergies’ broader renewable strategy.
**Key Points:**
- Leverages international technology with a French operational base
- Supports the domestic solar market through integrated renewable solutions
---
### 6. EDF Renewables (EDF ENR)
**Overview:**
While primarily known as a leading developer and installer of renewable energy projects, EDF Renewables has engaged in pilot production and local partnerships to support the manufacturing of PV panels in France. This involvement reinforces the country’s commitment to developing a sustainable and locally based renewable energy ecosystem.
**Key Points:**
- Focuses on integrated solar solutions
- Collaborates with manufacturing partners to boost domestic PV production
---
### 7. Suntech France
**Overview:**
Representing the French operations of the global Suntech brand, Suntech France has been involved in the localized assembly and distribution of solar panels. This presence helps tailor international solar technologies to meet local market requirements and standards in France.
**Key Points:**
- Acts as the local branch for an internationally recognized manufacturer
- Supports the French market with adapted products and technical support
---
### Beyond the Core Players
Due to competitive global pricing and technological advances overseas, France’s domestic manufacturing base for solar panels remains concentrated in these few key names. Many of the remaining companies in the French solar sector are primarily project developers, system integrators, or are involved in research and development rather than in full‑scale panel production. As a result, a list of 20 distinct, dedicated French solar panel manufacturers does not exist in the same way it might in larger manufacturing hubs.
**Summary:**
France’s solar energy sector is characterized by strong innovation and integrated renewable solutions. With companies like Photowatt and DualSun leading the way in panel production—and historical contributions from entities such as Areva Solar and Solairedirect—the country has built a niche in high‑quality, efficient solar technologies. However, much of the French market now relies on global manufacturers for mass production, with local companies focusing on value‑added services, integration, and tailored renewable energy solutions.
---
This overview reflects the key contributors in France’s solar panel landscape and explains why the list of pure manufacturers is limited compared to other regions.
Below is an overview of the key French companies—both current and historically significant—that have been involved in the manufacturing or local assembly of solar panels. (Because of the industry’s size, reaching a full list of 20 distinct, dedicated panel manufacturers isn’t feasible. However, the list below includes the most notable players along with integrated energy companies whose efforts have contributed to local solar panel production.)
---
### 1. Photowatt
**Overview:**
One of the longest‑standing names in French photovoltaic technology, Photowatt has been manufacturing PV modules for decades. Renowned for its commitment to quality and efficiency, the company helped establish France’s reputation in the solar sector.
**Key Points:**
- Pioneering domestic panel production
- Focus on high‑performance modules for both residential and industrial applications
---
### 2. DualSun
**Overview:**
DualSun stands out for its innovative approach by developing hybrid solar panels that generate both electricity and hot water. Founded in 2009, the company’s dual‑generation technology maximizes energy output from a single installation.
**Key Points:**
- Combines photovoltaic cells with a thermal collector
- Ideal for applications where space is limited and multi‑energy production is desired
---
### 3. Areva Solar (Historical)
**Overview:**
Part of the former Areva group, Areva Solar was involved in developing solar technologies—including PV modules—in an era when France was actively expanding its renewable energy base. Although the company’s solar division has since been restructured or absorbed into broader renewable initiatives, its work laid important groundwork for domestic solar manufacturing.
**Key Points:**
- Contributed to early advancements in French solar technology
- Represents historical efforts in local panel production
---
### 4. Solairedirect (Historical)
**Overview:**
Originally established as a solar panel producer, Solairedirect evolved into one of France’s leading solar project developers. While its role in direct panel manufacturing diminished over time, its early involvement highlights the country’s integrated approach to solar energy—from manufacturing to large‑scale project implementation.
**Key Points:**
- Early participant in the French solar panel market
- Transitioned to a focus on comprehensive solar project development
---
### 5. Total Solar (Under TotalEnergies)
**Overview:**
TotalEnergies, a major global energy player based in France, has ventured into solar energy through its Total Solar initiatives. Although not a pure panel manufacturer in the traditional sense, Total Solar represents efforts to develop and, in some cases, locally assemble advanced PV modules as part of TotalEnergies’ broader renewable strategy.
**Key Points:**
- Leverages international technology with a French operational base
- Supports the domestic solar market through integrated renewable solutions
---
### 6. EDF Renewables (EDF ENR)
**Overview:**
While primarily known as a leading developer and installer of renewable energy projects, EDF Renewables has engaged in pilot production and local partnerships to support the manufacturing of PV panels in France. This involvement reinforces the country’s commitment to developing a sustainable and locally based renewable energy ecosystem.
**Key Points:**
- Focuses on integrated solar solutions
- Collaborates with manufacturing partners to boost domestic PV production
---
### 7. Suntech France
**Overview:**
Representing the French operations of the global Suntech brand, Suntech France has been involved in the localized assembly and distribution of solar panels. This presence helps tailor international solar technologies to meet local market requirements and standards in France.
**Key Points:**
- Acts as the local branch for an internationally recognized manufacturer
- Supports the French market with adapted products and technical support
---
### Beyond the Core Players
Due to competitive global pricing and technological advances overseas, France’s domestic manufacturing base for solar panels remains concentrated in these few key names. Many of the remaining companies in the French solar sector are primarily project developers, system integrators, or are involved in research and development rather than in full‑scale panel production. As a result, a list of 20 distinct, dedicated French solar panel manufacturers does not exist in the same way it might in larger manufacturing hubs.
**Summary:**
France’s solar energy sector is characterized by strong innovation and integrated renewable solutions. With companies like Photowatt and DualSun leading the way in panel production—and historical contributions from entities such as Areva Solar and Solairedirect—the country has built a niche in high‑quality, efficient solar technologies. However, much of the French market now relies on global manufacturers for mass production, with local companies focusing on value‑added services, integration, and tailored renewable energy solutions.
---
This overview reflects the key contributors in France’s solar panel landscape and explains why the list of pure manufacturers is limited compared to other regions.