PVGIS Solar Nice: Solar Production on the French Riviera

The Solar Privilege of the French Riviera

Exceptional Sunshine

Nice ranks at the top nationally for sunshine with an average production yield of 1,350-1,450 kWh/kWc/year. A 3 kWc residential installation generates 4,050-4,350 kWh annually, covering an entire household's needs and generating marketable surplus.

Riviera microclimate: Protected from northern winds by the Alps, Nice benefits from an exceptional climate with very few rainy days (65 annual days) and nearly constant sunshine from March to October.

Regional comparison: Nice produces 30-35% more than Paris , 20-25% more than Lyon , and rivals Marseille for the French podium (equivalent performance ±2-3%). This exceptional production guarantees rapid profitability.

Characteristics of Nice's Climate

Optimal sunshine: Annual irradiation exceeds 1,650 kWh/m²/year, placing Nice at the level of the best European Mediterranean regions (comparable to Spain's Costa del Sol or Italy's Amalfi Coast).

Sunny winters: Unlike northern France, Nice maintains remarkable solar production even in winter. December-January months still generate 200-250 kWh for a 3 kWc installation, thanks to numerous bright winter days.

Long, productive summers: The summer season extends from May to September with monthly production of 450-550 kWh. Days are long and skies remain clear for extended periods.

Atmospheric clarity: The exceptional air quality of the Riviera (excluding downtown) promotes maximum direct irradiation. Direct radiation represents 75-80% of total irradiation, optimal for photovoltaics.

Calculate your solar production in Nice

Configuring PVGIS for Your Nice Rooftop

French Riviera Climate Data

PVGIS integrates over 20 years of meteorological history for the Nice region, capturing the specificities of the Riviera climate:

Annual irradiation: 1,650-1,700 kWh/m²/year depending on exposure and altitude. Nice's hills (Cimiez, Mont-Boron, Fabron) often benefit from slightly higher sunshine than the seafront.

Geographic variations: The hilly terrain creates micro-variations. Higher-elevation neighborhoods with south exposure enjoy the best conditions, while valleys (Paillon) may experience morning or winter shading.

Typical monthly production (3 kWc installation, south-facing):

• Summer (June-Aug): 500-550 kWh/month
• Spring/Fall (Mar-May, Sept-Oct): 380-450 kWh/month
• Winter (Nov-Feb): 200-250 kWh/month

This year-round consistent production is a Riviera specialty that optimizes self-consumption and overall profitability.

Optimal Parameters for Nice

Orientation: In Nice, full south orientation remains ideal and maximizes production. However, southeast or southwest orientations maintain 94-97% of maximum production, offering appreciated flexibility.

Nice particularity: Southeast orientation can be interesting for hillside villas, capturing the first rays of sunrise over the Mediterranean. PVGIS allows modeling these configurations to optimize according to your architecture.

Tilt angle: The optimal angle in Nice is 30-32° to maximize annual production. Traditional Nice rooftops (Roman tiles, 28-35° slope) are naturally close to this optimum.

For flat roofs (widespread in Nice's Mediterranean architecture), a 15-20° tilt offers an excellent compromise between production (loss <4%) and aesthetics. Flat roofs also allow installation on frames with optimized orientation.

Premium technologies: Given the exceptional sunshine and Nice's real estate market, premium panels (efficiency >21%, black aesthetics) are particularly recommended. The slightly higher investment is quickly recovered and enhances property value.

Managing Summer Heat

Nice's summer temperatures (28-32°C) heat rooftops to 65-70°C, reducing panel efficiency by 15-20% compared to standard conditions.

PVGIS anticipates these losses: The announced yield (1,350-1,450 kWh/kWc) already integrates these thermal constraints in its calculations.

Best practices for Nice:

• Enhanced ventilation: Leave 12-15 cm between roof and panels
• Panels with low thermal coefficient: PERC, HJT, or bifacial technologies
• Overlay preferred: Better air circulation than building integration
• Light-colored materials under panels: Heat reflection

Nice Architecture and Photovoltaics

Traditional Riviera Housing

Belle Époque villas: Nice's characteristic architecture (Mont-Boron, Cimiez, Fabron) features low-slope roofs with Roman tiles. Often large surface area (60-120 m²) allowing 10-20 kWc installations. Integration must be carefully done to preserve architectural charm.

Haussmann buildings: Nice's center (Jean Médecin, Masséna) has numerous buildings with flat roofs or zinc roofing. Co-ownership projects are developing with collective self-consumption powering elevators, lighting, and shared air conditioning.

Village houses (Nice hinterland): Perched villages (Eze, Saint-Paul, Vence) offer exceptional sunshine conditions with minimal shading. Traditional architecture to preserve but compatible with discreet installations.

Modern Real Estate and Luxury

Seafront towers: Modern residences along Nice's waterfront feature vast flat roofs ideal for collective installations (30-100 kWc per building). Production covering 40-70% of common areas depending on sizing.

Contemporary villas (Nice hills): Modern architecture increasingly integrates solar from conception. Optimized rooftops with south orientation and adapted tilt. Surface 30-60 m² for 5-10 kWc.

Luxury market: Nice has a significant high-end real estate market. Premium photovoltaic installations (black panels, refined architectural integration) enhance these properties and improve their EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).

Specific Regulatory Constraints

French Building Architect (ABF): Many Nice sectors are protected (Old Nice, Château hill, Promenade des Anglais). ABF approval is required, often imposing black panels and discreet integration.

Listed buildings: Nice has numerous protected historic monuments and Belle Époque buildings. Constraints are strict but solutions exist (panels on wings not visible from the street).

High-end condominiums: Nice condominium regulations are often strict regarding external appearance. Favor aesthetic panels (all black, no visible frame) and prepare a thorough file for the general assembly.

Tourist residences: Nice has numerous seasonal rentals. Photovoltaics improve the property's energy rating, a strong commercial argument in the rental market.

Nice Case Studies

Case 1: Mont-Boron Villa

Context: Renovated 1930s villa, exceptional sea view, high summer consumption (air conditioning, pool).

Configuration:

• Surface: 45 m²
• Power: 7 kWc (18 x 390 Wc black panels)
• Orientation: South (180° azimuth)
• Tilt: 30° (Roman tiles)
• Constraints: Protected ABF sector, discreet panels required

PVGIS Simulation:

• Annual production: 9,800 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,400 kWh/kWc
• Summer production: 1,300 kWh in July
• Winter production: 500 kWh in December

Profitability:

• Investment: €18,500 (premium equipment, after subsidies)
• Self-consumption: 62% (significant summer AC + pool)
• Annual savings: €1,420
• Surplus sales: +€410
• ROI: 10.1 years
• 25-year gain: €27,300
• Property appreciation: +3 to 5% (improved EPC)

Lesson: Nice villas with pool and air conditioning offer excellent summer self-consumption profiles. Premium investment is justified by property appreciation in a tight real estate market.

Case 2: Gambetta Condominium (Downtown)

Context: 28-apartment building, 250 m² flat roof, collective self-consumption.

Configuration:

• Surface: 200 m² usable
• Power: 36 kWc
• Orientation: Full south (20° frame)
• Collective project: common areas + 28 units

PVGIS Simulation:

• Annual production: 50,400 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,400 kWh/kWc
• Distribution: 35% common areas, 65% apartments
• Overall self-consumption rate: 78%

Profitability:

• Investment: €65,000 (PACA subsidies deducted)
• Common area savings: €2,800/year
• Distributed apartment savings: €5,600/year
• Collective ROI: 7.7 years
• Collective EPC improvement (condominium appreciation)

Lesson: Collective self-consumption in Nice condominiums is particularly profitable. Year-round consistent production covers elevators, lighting, and air conditioning. In a premium real estate market, EPC improvement significantly enhances apartment values.

Case 3: 3-Star Hotel Promenade des Anglais

Context: Tourist establishment, high year-round consumption (air conditioning, laundry, kitchen).

Configuration:

• Surface: 350 m² flat roof
• Power: 63 kWc
• Orientation: Southeast (optimized morning production)
• Tilt: 15° (existing flat roof)

PVGIS Simulation:

• Annual production: 84,200 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,337 kWh/kWc (slight tilt loss)
• Self-consumption rate: 91% (continuous activity)

Profitability:

• Investment: €95,000
• Self-consumption: 76,600 kWh at €0.18/kWh
• Annual savings: €13,800 + sales €1,000
• ROI: 6.4 years
• "Eco-responsible hotel" communication (marketing value)
• Tourism environmental regulation compliance

Lesson: Nice's hotel sector presents an ideal profile: massive year-round consumption, vast rooftops, client environmental awareness. ROI is excellent and environmental communication enhances the establishment.

Self-Consumption and Riviera Lifestyle

Specificities of Nice Consumption

The Riviera lifestyle strongly influences self-consumption opportunities:

Ubiquitous air conditioning: Nice's summer heat (28-32°C) makes air conditioning nearly universal in modern housing and commercial spaces. This massive summer consumption (500-1,500 kWh/summer) aligns perfectly with peak solar production.

Widespread private pools: Villas and residences with pools are numerous in Nice. Filtration and heating consume 1,800-3,000 kWh/year (April-October), the maximum solar production period. Schedule filtration during daytime to self-consume.

Second homes: Nice has numerous second homes occupied mainly in summer. Photovoltaics adapts perfectly: maximum production when maximum consumption, automatic surplus sales during absence periods.

Dynamic tertiary sector: Offices, shops, hotels consume massively during daytime (air conditioning, lighting). Nice is ideal for commercial photovoltaics with 85-95% self-consumption rates.

Optimization for Riviera Climate

Reversible air conditioning: Reversible heat pumps are widespread in Nice. In summer, they consume solar electricity for cooling. In mild winter, they heat moderately while utilizing winter solar production (still 200-250 kWh/month).

Solar thermal water heating: Nice is ideal for coupling photovoltaic and solar thermal. Some installers offer hybrid solutions optimizing both electrical production AND hot water.

Electric vehicle charging: Nice actively develops electric mobility (numerous charging stations, local incentives). Solar charging of an EV absorbs 2,500-3,500 kWh/year of production surplus.

Absence management: For second homes, install energy managers automatically controlling water heater, pool, air conditioning according to available solar production.

Realistic Self-Consumption Rates

• Primary residence without optimization: 40-50%
• Residence with air conditioning: 60-75% (aligned summer consumption)
• Residence with pool: 65-80% (daytime filtration)
• Summer second home: 70-85% (occupation = maximum production)
• Hotel/Commerce: 85-95% (continuous daytime consumption)
• With battery: 80-90% (investment +€7,000-9,000)

In Nice, self-consumption is naturally high thanks to air conditioning and Mediterranean lifestyle (summer presence, moderate outdoor activities).

Real Estate Enhancement Through Solar

Impact on Nice's Market

Nice's real estate market is among France's tightest (median price >€5,000/m²). Photovoltaics becomes a significant enhancement argument:

EPC improvement: A 5-7 kWc installation can move a property from class E to C, even B. In Nice's market, this represents a 3 to 8% premium depending on the property.

Reduced charges: Strong commercial argument in condominiums. Common area charges reduced by 30-50% through photovoltaics attract buyers.

"Eco-responsible" label: In a luxury market, buyers' environmental awareness (often senior executives, affluent retirees) values properties equipped with renewables.

RT2020 compliance: New constructions must integrate renewable energies. Photovoltaics becomes standard in new Nice developments.

Attractive Financing

Nice banks favorably finance photovoltaic projects:

• Green loans: Preferential rates (0.5 to 1% less than standard renovation loans)
• Eco-PTZ: Zero-interest loan available for energy renovation work including solar
• Property appreciation: Added value can exceed installation cost in Nice's market

PVGIS24 for Riviera Professionals

A Demanding Market

Nice and the French Riviera concentrate affluent and demanding clientele with high expectations for quality and aesthetics. For Riviera installers, differentiation requires professional tools.

PVGIS24 meets these requirements:

Premium simulations: Model complex configurations (villas with multiple roof sections, high-end condominiums, hotels) to optimize production and aesthetics.

Sophisticated financial analyses: Integrate property appreciation, 25-year savings, electricity price evolution. In a premium market, these detailed analyses reassure and convince.

High-quality reports: Generate polished PDF documents with professional graphics, integration photos, comparative analyses. Essential for clientele accustomed to excellence.

Complex project management: For Nice installers handling prestige villas, condominiums, hotels, PVGIS24 PRO or EXPERT becomes indispensable for efficient portfolio management.

Discover PVGIS24 for professionals

Choosing an Installer in Nice

Specific Côte d'Azur Market

Nice's market presents specificities requiring experienced installers:

High-end experience: Favor installers accustomed to upscale projects with high aesthetic requirements.

Regulatory knowledge: Mastery of ABF constraints, protected sectors, strict condominium regulations.

Premium equipment: High-performance aesthetic panels (all black, frameless), discreet inverters, neat cabling.

Selection Criteria

RGE certification: Mandatory for subsidies, verify on France Rénov'.

Local portfolio: Request examples of Nice installations (villas, condominiums, commercial). Visit completed projects if possible.

Realistic PVGIS estimate: In Nice, a 1,350-1,450 kWh/kWc yield is expected. Beware of promises >1,500 kWh/kWc (overestimation).

Enhanced warranties:

• Valid and verifiable 10-year insurance
• Aesthetic guarantee (panel appearance, invisible cabling)
• Production guarantee (some installers guarantee PVGIS yield)
• Responsive local after-sales service (important in premium market)

Nice Market Pricing

• Standard residential (3-9 kWc): €2,200-2,800/kWc installed
• Premium residential (high-end equipment): €2,600-3,400/kWc
• Condominium (20-50 kWc): €1,800-2,400/kWc
• Commercial/Hotel (>50 kWc): €1,400-1,900/kWc

Prices slightly above national average, justified by quality requirements, access constraints (hills), and high finish level expected on the Côte d'Azur.

Financial Assistance in PACA

2025 National Subsidies

Self-consumption premium:

• ≤ 3 kWc: €300/kWc = €900
• ≤ 9 kWc: €230/kWc = €2,070 max
• ≤ 36 kWc: €200/kWc

EDF OA purchase obligation: €0.13/kWh for surplus (≤9kWc), 20-year contract.

Reduced VAT: 10% for ≤3kWc on buildings >2 years.

PACA Region and Nice Metropole Subsidies

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region: Complementary subsidies vary by annual budget (typically €300-700).

Nice Côte d'Azur Metropole (49 municipalities): Occasional subsidies for energy transition, technical support. Information from metropolitan Climate-Energy services.

Nice Villa Financing Example

6 kWc installation in Nice:

• Gross cost: €15,000 (premium equipment)
• Self-consumption premium: -€1,800
• PACA Region subsidy: -€500
• CEE: -€400
• Net cost: €12,300
• Annual production: 8,400 kWh
• 65% self-consumption: 5,460 kWh saved at €0.22
• Savings: €1,200/year + surplus sales €380/year
• ROI: 7.8 years
• 25-year gain: €27,200
• Property appreciation: €4,000-8,000 (EPC improvement)

Total gain (savings + appreciation) exceeds €35,000 on a €12,300 investment—exceptional return.

Frequently Asked Questions - Solar in Nice

Is Nice the best city for photovoltaics?

Nice ranks in the French top three with Marseille and Montpellier (1,350-1,450 kWh/kWc/year). The Nice advantage: year-round consistent production thanks to sunny winters (200-250 kWh/month even in December-January). Profitability is maximal.

Do hillside villas produce more?

Yes, Nice's heights (Mont-Boron, Cimiez, Fabron) often benefit from slightly higher sunshine (+2 to 5%) than the seafront. Less atmospheric pollution and clear horizon improve direct irradiation.

Can you install on a listed property?

It's difficult but not impossible. In protected sectors (Old Nice, Promenade des Anglais), ABF imposes strict constraints: panels invisible from street, building integration, premium materials. A specialized architect can design compliant solutions.

Does photovoltaics really enhance property value in Nice?

Yes, significantly. In Nice's tight market, a photovoltaic installation improves EPC (class C or B achieved) and enhances property value by 3 to 8% depending on configurations. For an €800,000 villa, this represents €24,000 to €64,000 potential appreciation. What lifespan in Mediterranean climate?

25-30 years for panels (25-year warranty), 10-15 years for inverter. Dry Mediterranean climate preserves equipment. Summer heat is managed by adapted ventilation. Nice installations age very well.

Is specific insurance needed?

Your home insurance generally covers the installation. For high-end villas (>€1M), verify that insured capital includes the photovoltaic installation. The installer must have valid 10-year insurance protecting you for 10 years.

Take Action on the Côte d'Azur

Step 1: Assess Your Exceptional Potential

Start with a free PVGIS simulation for your Nice rooftop. Observe the remarkable Côte d'Azur yield (1,350-1,450 kWh/kWc).

Free PVGIS calculator

Step 2: Verify Constraints

• Consult your municipality's PLU (Nice or metropole)
• Check protected sectors (map available at town hall)
• For condominiums, consult regulations and building management

Step 3: Compare Quality Offers

Request 3-4 quotes from RGE installers experienced in Nice's market. Don't choose solely on price: quality, aesthetics, warranties are essential on the Côte d'Azur.

Step 4: Enjoy Riviera Sunshine

Quick installation (1-3 days depending on configuration), simplified procedures, immediate production after Enedis connection (2-3 months). Each sunny day becomes a source of savings and enhances your property.

Conclusion: Nice, French Solar Excellence

With exceptional sunshine (1,350-1,450 kWh/kWc/year), a privileged year-round climate, and a real estate market valuing quality installations, Nice and the French Riviera offer France's best conditions for photovoltaics.

Returns on investment of 7-10 years are excellent, economic gain over 25 years exceeds €25,000-35,000, and property appreciation adds an additional 3 to 8% to your property's value.

PVGIS provides you with precise data to exploit this potential. In the premium Riviera market, don't neglect your installation's quality: it represents a patrimonial investment as much as an energy one.

The contrast with other French regions is striking: where some areas produce moderately even in summer, Nice maintains exceptional performance twelve months a year, guaranteeing profitability and consistency.

Start your solar simulation in Nice

Production data is based on PVGIS statistics for Nice (43.70°N, 7.27°E) and the Côte d'Azur. Use the calculator with your exact parameters for a personalized estimate adapted to your specific location and configuration.

For more information on solar potential in other French cities, explore our guides for Bordeaux , Toulouse , Strasbourg , and Lille .