PVGIS Solar Paris: Estimate Your Photovoltaic Production

The Underestimated Solar Potential of Paris

Is Paris Really Suitable for Photovoltaics?

Contrary to popular belief, Paris has more than sufficient sunshine to make a solar installation profitable. The average yield in Île-de-France reaches 1,000-1,100 kWh/kWp/year, allowing a residential 3 kWp installation to generate 3,000-3,300 kWh per year.

Regional comparison: While Paris produces 15-20% less than Lyon or Marseille , this difference is largely offset by other favorable economic factors in the capital region.

Economic Advantages of Parisian Photovoltaics

High electricity prices: Parisians pay among the highest rates in France. Each self-produced kWh represents a saving of €0.22-0.25, making self-consumption particularly profitable even with average sunshine.

Property value enhancement: In a tight real estate market like Paris, a photovoltaic installation increases your property value and improves your energy performance certificate (DPE). A significant asset when reselling.

Regional momentum: The Île-de-France Region actively supports the energy transition with specific subsidies and ambitious goals for developing urban renewable energy.

Simulate your solar production in Paris

Using PVGIS in the Parisian Context

Urban Environment Specificities

Using PVGIS in Paris requires particular attention to several parameters specific to urban density.

Shading analysis: The most critical factor in the capital. Haussmannian buildings, modern towers, and street trees create complex solar masks. PVGIS allows you to integrate these shadings for a realistic estimate, but a site visit remains essential.

Air pollution: Parisian air quality slightly impacts direct irradiation. PVGIS incorporates this data in its calculations based on historical satellite measurements. The effect remains marginal (1-2% loss maximum).

Climatic micro-variations: Paris proper benefits from an urban heat island effect. Higher temperatures slightly reduce panel efficiency (-0.4 to -0.5% per degree above 25°C), but PVGIS automatically adjusts these calculations.

Optimal Configuration for a Parisian Rooftop

Site selection: Precisely locate your address in PVGIS. Paris proper (districts 1-20) and the inner suburbs (92, 93, 94) present similar characteristics, while the outer suburbs resemble peri-urban areas with less shading.

Orientation parameters:

• Ideal orientation: Due south remains optimal, but in Paris, architectural constraints often require compromises. A southeast or southwest orientation maintains 88-92% of maximum production.
• East-west roofs: In some Parisian cases, an east-west installation can be wise. It smooths production throughout the day, ideal for self-consumption by households with spread-out usage. PVGIS allows modeling this configuration.

Tilt: Typical Parisian roofs (zinc, mechanical tiles) often have slopes of 35-45°, slightly higher than optimal (30-32° for Paris). Production loss remains negligible (2-3%). For flat roofs, favor 15-20° to limit wind exposure in urban environments.

Adapted technologies: Black monocrystalline panels are recommended in Paris for their discreet aesthetics, particularly in protected zones. Their better efficiency compensates for the often limited surface area of urban roofs.

Parisian Regulatory Constraints

Protected Zones and Historic Monuments

Paris has over 200 historic monuments and vast protected sectors. The Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF) must validate your project if you're within 500 meters of a classified monument.

Recommendations for ABF approval:

• Favor black panels (uniform appearance)
• Choose building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) rather than roof-mounted
• Demonstrate via PVGIS that the proposed configuration is technically optimal
• Provide photomontages showing the installation's discretion

Timeline: ABF review extends your preliminary declaration processing by 2-3 months. Anticipate this constraint in your project planning.

Local Urban Plan (PLU)

The Parisian PLU imposes strict rules on building exterior appearance. Solar panels are generally authorized but must meet certain conditions:

• Alignment with existing roof slope
• Dark colors preferred
• No protrusion beyond ridge line
• Harmonious integration with existing architecture

Good news: Since 2020, the Parisian PLU explicitly encourages photovoltaic installations as part of the Climate Plan.

Parisian Condominiums

85% of Parisians live in condominiums, adding an administrative layer:

General assembly authorization: Your project must be voted on in the GA. A simple majority is generally sufficient for private areas (rooftop on top floor). For common areas, an absolute majority is required.

Collective self-consumption projects: More and more Parisian condominiums are launching collective projects. The electricity produced is distributed among units and common areas. These complex projects require advanced simulations to model flows and profitability for each co-owner.

Types of Parisian Installations

Haussmannian Buildings (50% of Parisian Construction)

Characteristics: Steep zinc roofs (38-45°), variable orientation depending on street axis, often north-south in Haussmannian Paris.

Available surface: Generally 80-150 m² for a typical building, allowing 12-25 kWp installation.

PVGIS specificities: Chimneys, antennas, and roof features create shadings to model. Buildings being aligned, lateral shading is limited but exposure depends heavily on street orientation.

Typical production: 12,000-25,000 kWh/year for a complete roof, covering 30-50% of common area consumption (elevators, lighting, collective heating).

Modern Buildings and Towers

Flat roofs: Ideal for frame installation with optimized orientation. Often large surface area (200-1,000 m²) allowing 30-150 kWp installations.

Advantages: No orientation constraint, possible optimization via PVGIS to find the best tilt/spacing angle. Facilitated maintenance access.

Production: A Parisian office building with 50 kWp produces approximately 50,000-55,000 kWh/year, covering 15-25% of its consumption depending on occupancy profile.

Single-Family Homes in Periphery

Suburban homes in inner and outer suburbs (92-95) offer more favorable conditions than within Paris proper:

Less shading: More horizontal habitat, less dense vegetation
Available surface: 20-40 m² typical rooftop
Production: 3-6 kWp generating 3,000-6,300 kWh/year
Self-consumption: 50-65% rate with usage programming

To precisely size these peri-urban installations, PVGIS data is particularly reliable as it's less impacted by urban micro-variations.

Parisian Case Studies

Case 1: Top Floor Apartment - 11th Arrondissement

Context: Top floor co-owner wishing to install panels on their private roof portion.

Configuration:

• Surface: 15 m²
• Power: 2.4 kWp (6 x 400 Wp panels)
• Orientation: South-East (azimuth 135°)
• Tilt: 40° (natural zinc slope)

PVGIS simulation:

• Annual production: 2,500 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,042 kWh/kWp
• Production peak: 310 kWh in July
• Winter low: 95 kWh in December

Economics:

• Investment: €6,200 (after self-consumption premium)
• Self-consumption: 55% (remote work presence)
• Annual savings: €375
• Return on investment: 16.5 years (long duration but 25-year gain: €3,100)

Learning: Small Parisian installations are at the profitability threshold. The interest is as much economic as ecological and property value enhancement.

Case 2: Office Building - Neuilly-sur-Seine

Context: Tertiary business on flat roof with high daytime consumption.

Configuration:

• Surface: 250 m² exploitable
• Power: 45 kWp
• Orientation: Due south (frame)
• Tilt: 20° (wind-optimized urban)

PVGIS simulation:

• Annual production: 46,800 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,040 kWh/kWp
• Self-consumption rate: 82% (office profile 8am-7pm)

Profitability:

• Investment: €85,000
• Self-consumption: 38,400 kWh saved at €0.18/kWh
• Annual savings: €6,900
• Return on investment: 12.3 years
• CSR value and corporate communication

Learning: Parisian tertiary sector with daytime consumption offers the best profile for photovoltaic self-consumption. Profitability is excellent despite average sunshine.

Case 3: Residential Home - Vincennes (94)

Context: Single-family home, family of 4, maximum energy autonomy goal.

Configuration:

• Surface: 28 m²
• Power: 4.5 kWp
• Orientation: South-West (azimuth 225°)
• Tilt: 35°
• Battery: 5 kWh (optional)

PVGIS simulation:

• Annual production: 4,730 kWh
• Specific yield: 1,051 kWh/kWp
• Without battery: 42% self-consumption
• With battery: 73% self-consumption

Profitability:

• Panel investment: €10,500
• Battery investment: +€6,500 (optional)
• Annual savings without battery: €610
• Annual savings with battery: €960
• ROI without battery: 17.2 years
• ROI with battery: 17.7 years (not really economically interesting, but energy autonomy)

Learning: In inner suburbs, conditions approach classic peri-urban installations. Battery improves autonomy but not necessarily short-term profitability.

Optimizing Your Parisian Installation with PVGIS24

Free Calculator Limitations in Urban Environment

Free PVGIS offers a basic estimate, but for Paris, specific constraints often require in-depth analysis:

• Urban solar masks are complex and difficult to model without advanced tools
• Self-consumption profiles vary greatly depending on habitat type (office vs. residential)
• Multi-orientation configurations (several roof sections) require cumulative calculations
• Financial analyses must integrate Parisian specificities (high electricity prices, regional subsidies)

PVGIS24: The Professional Tool for Paris

For installers and engineering firms operating in Île-de-France, PVGIS24 quickly becomes essential:

Multi-section management: Model each roof section separately (common on Haussmannian buildings) then automatically cumulate total production.

Advanced self-consumption simulations: Integrate specific consumption profiles (urban residential, tertiary, commercial) to precisely calculate actual self-consumption rate and optimally size the installation.

Personalized financial analyses: Account for high electricity prices in Île-de-France (€0.22-0.25/kWh), specific regional subsidies, and generate NPV/IRR analyses over 25 years.

Professional reports: Create detailed PDF documents for your Parisian clients, with production graphs, shading analyses, profitability calculations, and scenario comparisons. Essential when facing demanding clientele.

Time savings: For a Parisian installer handling 50+ projects annually, PVGIS24 PRO (€299/year, 300 credits) represents less than €1 per study. Time saved on manual calculations is considerable.

If you're a solar professional in the Paris region, PVGIS24 strengthens your credibility and accelerates your sales when facing often well-informed clients.

Discover PVGIS24 professional plans

Finding a Qualified Installer in Paris

Certification and Qualifications

RGE Photovoltaic certification required: Without this certification, impossible to benefit from state subsidies. Check on the official France Rénov' directory.

Urban experience: An installer accustomed to Parisian constraints (difficult access, strict urban planning rules, condominiums) will be more efficient. Ask for references in Paris and inner suburbs.

Ten-year insurance: Verify current insurance certificate. It covers defects for 10 years after project completion.

Comparing Quotes

Request 3-4 quotes to compare. Each installer should provide:

• Production estimate based on PVGIS: A difference of more than 10% with your own PVGIS calculations should alert you
• Expected self-consumption rate: Should match your consumption profile
• Equipment details: Panel brand and model, inverter, warranties
• Included administrative procedures: Preliminary declaration, CONSUEL, Enedis connection, subsidy applications
• Detailed schedule: Installation, commissioning, monitoring

Parisian market price: €2,200-3,000/kWp installed for residential (slightly higher than provinces due to access constraints and labor costs).

Warning Signs

Beware of aggressive canvassing: Photovoltaic scams exist, particularly in Paris. Never sign immediately, take time to compare.

Overestimated production: Some salespeople announce unrealistic yields (>1,200 kWh/kWp in Paris). Trust PVGIS data which ranges around 1,000-1,100 kWh/kWp.

Exaggerated self-consumption: A 70-80% rate without battery is unlikely for a typical household. Be realistic (typically 40-55%).

Financial Subsidies in Île-de-France

2025 National Subsidies

Self-consumption premium (paid over 1 year):

• ≤ 3 kWp: €300/kWp
• ≤ 9 kWp: €230/kWp
• ≤ 36 kWp: €200/kWp
• ≤ 100 kWp: €100/kWp

Purchase obligation: EDF buys your surplus at €0.13/kWh (≤9kWp) for 20 years.

Reduced VAT: 10% for installations ≤3kWp on buildings >2 years old (20% beyond or new construction).

Île-de-France Regional Subsidies

The Île-de-France Region occasionally offers additional subsidies. Regularly consult the official website or contact a France Rénov' advisor to learn about current programs.

IDF eco-energy bonus (subject to income conditions): Can add €500-1,500 depending on budget years.

Municipal Subsidies

Some inner and outer suburb cities offer additional grants:

• City of Paris: Variable program depending on municipal budget
• Issy-les-Moulineaux, Montreuil, Vincennes: Occasional subsidies

Inquire at your town hall or on your municipality's website.

Financing Example

3 kWp installation in Paris (apartment):

• Gross cost: €8,100
• Self-consumption premium: -€900
• CEE: -€250
• Regional subsidy (if eligible): -€500
• Net cost: €6,450
• Annual savings: €400
• Return on investment: 16 years

The ROI may seem long, but over 25 years of operation, the net gain exceeds €3,500 in addition to property value enhancement and positive environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions - Photovoltaics in Paris

Is it really profitable to install panels in Paris with less sun than elsewhere?

Yes, because the high electricity price in Île-de-France largely compensates for average sunshine. Each self-produced kWh saves €0.22-0.25 versus €0.18-0.20 in provinces. Additionally, property value enhancement is significant in a tight market like Paris.

How long does it take to obtain permits in Paris?

Allow 2-3 months for a standard preliminary declaration, 4-6 months if ABF review required. Installation itself takes 1-3 days. Enedis connection adds 1-3 months. Total: 4-12 months depending on administrative complexity.

Can panels be installed in all districts?

Yes, but with variable constraints. Central districts (1st-7th) are more restrictive due to historic monuments. Peripheral districts (12th-20th) offer more flexibility. In all cases, a preliminary declaration is mandatory.

Do panels withstand Parisian pollution?

Yes, modern panels are designed to withstand urban environments. Pollution slightly reduces irradiation (1-2%) but doesn't damage modules. Annual cleaning is sufficient, often naturally ensured by rain on tilted roofs.

What if my condominium refuses my project?

If you're top floor with private rooftop, condominium authorization isn't always required (check your regulations). For common areas, propose a collective project benefiting everyone. Present a solid PVGIS study showing profitability to convince the GA.

What minimum surface for a profitable installation in Paris?

From 10-12 m² (1.5-2 kWp), an installation can be profitable over 20-25 years. Below this, fixed costs (installation, connection, procedures) weigh too heavily. Ideal is between 15-30 m² (2.5-5 kWp) for residential.

Take Action

Step 1: Assess Your Potential

Start with a free PVGIS simulation. Enter your precise Parisian address, your roof characteristics (orientation, tilt), and obtain an initial production estimate.

Free PVGIS calculator

Step 2: Verify Administrative Constraints

• Consult your municipality's PLU on your town hall website
• Check if you're within historic monument perimeter (map available on Géoportail)
• For condominiums, consult your condominium regulations

Step 3: Refine Your Project (Professionals)

If you're an installer or project developer in Île-de-France, invest in PVGIS24 to:

• Conduct precise studies with urban shading analysis
• Generate professional reports adapted to demanding Parisian clients
• Simulate different self-consumption scenarios
• Efficiently manage your project portfolio

Subscribe to PVGIS24 PRO

Step 4: Request Quotes

Contact 3-4 RGE installers experienced in Paris. Compare their estimates with your PVGIS calculations. A good installer will use similar data.

Step 5: Launch Your Project

Once installer chosen and permits obtained, installation is quick (1-3 days). You start producing your electricity once Enedis connection is completed.

Conclusion: Paris, Tomorrow's Solar Capital

With its 20 million m² of exploitable rooftops and commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, Paris and Île-de-France represent a strategic territory for urban photovoltaic development.

Although sunshine is lower than Mediterranean regions, Parisian economic conditions (high electricity prices, property value enhancement, market dynamism) make solar projects perfectly profitable.

PVGIS provides the necessary data to accurately assess your potential. Don't leave your Parisian rooftop unexploited: each year without panels represents €300-700 in lost savings depending on your installation.

To discover other solar opportunities in France, consult guides dedicated to different French regions. Southern regions benefit from more generous sunshine that can make installations even more efficient, such as in Nice , Toulouse , Montpellier , and other areas as explained in our complementary resources. Meanwhile, other major cities like Nantes , Bordeaux , Rennes , Lille , and Strasbourg offer their own unique opportunities worth exploring.

Start your solar simulation in Paris