The transition to a decarbonised electricity system, where photovoltaic (PV) technology plays a key role, is becoming a reality all over the world. Nevertheless, the PV industry is still going through very difficult times, particularly in countries such as France.

In an Open Letter, co-signed by two former French Environment Ministers, several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Members of the French Parliament, CEOs, and representatives of the civil society, local authorities and the industry (including EPIA), we formally asked the French Government to take immediate actions to ease the difficulties PV is currently experiencing in this country.

The Open Letter, initiated by French MEP Yannick Jadot, was sent on 25 October 2013 to the French Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development & Energy, the Minister for Industrial Renewal, and the Minister for Economy & Finance.

The French PV sector, with its dense network of SMEs, has created about 35.000 jobs in 10 years. But due to a complete lack of visibility on the future, these industrial dynamics are severely threatened. The French PV sector has already lost 15.000 jobs and companies continue closing down. As any other industry, PV needs regulatory and financial stability in order to develop. Yet, for three years now, instability prevails.

Resolute actions to support the French PV industry must be taken urgently and put an end to this dangerous trend. While public statements highlighting the importance of the renewable industries are being made regularly, concrete actions are lagging much behind.

In a continual dialogue with the French PV sector, the Government should find solutions to save the French PV industry and provide it with sufficient visibility and predictability on the future. In this way only will PV be able to unlock its full potential and participate in the most wanted French industrial renewal.