PPE2 2026 Tenders: Complete Guide to Eligibility for Your Solar Panels in France

The PPE2 Revolution: A New Paradigm for Commercial Photovoltaics in France

The year 2026 marks a major structural transition for the French photovoltaic market. The definitive shift from the historic open tariff window mechanism (S21) to the new tender systems (AOS and PPE2) completely redefines the financial and technical engineering of commercial, industrial and agricultural solar projects.

For project developers, design offices and professional installers, understanding the PPE2 eligibility criteria is becoming a strategic imperative. At the heart of this transformation is the Simplified Carbon Assessment (ECS), which now determines the economic viability of any project exceeding 100 kWp.

Understanding the 100 kWp threshold: Open Window S21 vs PPE2 Calls for Tenders

The Open Window Mechanism (S21): Simplicity below 100 kWp

For photovoltaic installations for self-consumption with surplus sales or total sales of less than 100 kWp, the S21 mechanism (tariff decree of 6 October 2021) remains applicable. This mechanism offers several advantages:

• Guaranteed purchase prices published quarterly by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE)
• Simplified procedure without competitive bidding
• Short connection times (4-6 months on average)
• Simplified eligibility criteria focused on technical standards (NF C 15-100, IEC 61215)

However, S21 tariffs have gradually decreased by 18-22% between 2021 and 2026, making profitability more difficult for medium-sized projects (70-100 kWp) without rigorous optimisation.

PPE2 Calls for Tenders: Essential for installations above 100 kWp

For any installation greater than or equal to 100 kWp (large commercial roofs, car park shade structures, agricultural roofs), participation in PPE2 tenders becomes mandatory in order to benefit from public support. This system requires:

"In 2026, 87% of projects rejected in PPE2 tenders are rejected due to non-compliance of the panels' carbon footprint. A high-performance panel without an ECS certificate disqualifies the entire application, regardless of the technical quality of the rest of the project."
— Source: CRE 2025 Report on PV Tenders

Simplified Carbon Assessment (ECS): The Decisive Criterion for 2026

What is ECS and Why Has it Become Mandatory?

Simplified Carbon Assessment (ECS) is a standardised method developed by ADEME and imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) to quantify the carbon footprint of photovoltaic panels throughout their life cycle:

• Extraction and refining of raw materials (silicon, aluminium, glass)
• Manufacture of cells and assembly of modules
• International transport (factory → European warehouse → installation site)
• End-of-life recycling (PV Cycle contribution deducted)

This approach is in line with the objectives of France's National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC), which aims to reduce emissions from the energy sector by 40% by 2030. The threshold of 550 kg CO₂eq/kWp imposed by PPE2 reflects this ambition.

The Three Levels of Carbon Certification in France

Please note: Some Asian manufacturers mention "carbon footprints" in their technical data sheets without third-party certification. These statements are not acceptable under PPE2. Only ECS certificates issued by Certisolis or PEP equivalents are accepted by the CRE.

Wattuneed Solar Panels Eligible for PPE2: Performance and Certifications

AIKO Neostar 3S+ 470Wp: The Technological Benchmark

The AIKO Neostar range represents the state of the art in energy and environmental performance. These panels use revolutionary 0BB (Zero BusBar) technology with ABC (All Back Contact) cells and copper metallisation, eliminating traditional silver ribbons.

The AIKO Neostar panel also benefits from a drastic reduction in micro-cracks thanks to 0BB technology, improving long-term reliability. To learn more about this innovation, check out our dedicated article: Aiko Solar: Why 0BB technology changes everything.

Luxen LUXNERI N5 500Wp: The Performance-Price Compromise

For projects seeking excellent value for money while meeting PPE2 criteria, the Luxen LUXNERI range is a strategic alternative. These N-Type bifacial panels combine high efficiency with a controlled carbon footprint.

Panel range: Logistics optimisation for large projects

Wattuneed offers complete pallets to simplify the supply of PPE2 projects:

• 37× AIKO Neostar 3S+ 470Wp pallet (17.4 kWp per pallet)
• 37× Luxen LUXNERI N5 500Wp pallet (18.5 kWp per pallet) – Price: €3,374 including VAT

For a 250 kWp project, allow for 14-15 pallets, i.e. an optimised supply in 2-3 deliveries to comply with PPE2 schedules.

Compiling the PPE2 file: Technical and Administrative Checklist

Mandatory Documents for the Application

Putting together a complete PPE2 file requires close coordination between the project owner, design office and installer. The following documents are essential:

Typical Timeline for a PPE2 Project

For a 300 kWp installation on an industrial roof, here is an indicative reverse schedule:

1. M-8 to M-6: Feasibility study, selection of ECS-certified panels, building permit application
2. M-6 to M-4: Urban planning approval, Enedis connection study, detailed design
3. M-4 to M-2: Compilation of PPE2 file, securing financing, ordering equipment
4. M-2: Submission of PPE2 application (quarterly CRE sessions)
5. M+1 to M+2: Notification of results, signing of EDF OA purchase contract
6. M+3 to M+5: Installation, acceptance of works, obtaining Consuel certification
7. M+6: Commissioning and start of production

"The average time between the launch of a PPE2 project and its commissioning is 14 months. 60% of delays are due to incomplete applications at the time of submission, in particular the absence of an ECS certificate. Anticipate this step as early as the study phase."
— Feedback from Wattuneed design offices

Application Strategies and Optimisation of the Price Offered

The PPE2 Project Selection Mechanism

Unlike the S21 open window, PPE2 operates on a competitive basis. The CRE ranks applications according to two main criteria:

• Price offered (€/MWh): 70% of the score – The lower the price, the better the ranking
• Environmental and social criteria: 30% of the score – Bonus for very low carbon footprint (< 400 kg CO₂eq/kWc), local integration, short supply chains

The winning projects are those offering the best compromise between price competitiveness and environmental impact.

Calculate your cost price to offer a competitive price

The price offered must cover all project costs while remaining attractive to the CRE. Here is the typical structure for a 250 kWp installation:

With CAPEX optimised at £623/kWp via Wattuneed, a project developer can offer a PPE2 price of £85-95/MWh while maintaining an IRR of 6-8%, whereas CAPEX at £850/kWp would impose a price of £110-120/MWh (uncompetitive).

Common mistakes to avoid in PPE2 applications

Top 5 causes of rejection

1. Panel without valid ECS certificate (42% of rejections)
   • ❌ Unaudited manufacturer's declaration
   • ❌ ECS certificate out of date (> 3 years)
   • ✅ Solution: Check the validity of the Certisolis certificate before ordering
2. Carbon footprint above the threshold (23% of rejections)
   • ❌ Panels manufactured using coal-fired electricity (inland China)
   • ✅ Solution: Favour certified low-carbon manufacturers (AIKO, Luxen, JA Solar Green)
3. Incomplete administrative file (18% of rejections)
   • ❌ Building permit not obtained by the date of submission
   • ❌ Financial guarantee missing
   • ✅ Solution: Use the official CRE checklist (available at cre.fr)
4. Technical inconsistencies (10% of rejections)
   • ❌ Declared power ≠ calculated power (number of panels × Wc)
   • ❌ Undersized inverters (DC/AC ratio < 1.1)
   • ✅ Solution: Have the file validated by a certified design office
5. Off-market price offered (7% of rejections)
   • ❌ Price > £150/MWh (uncompetitive)
   • ✅ Solution: Benchmark against the results of previous sessions (median 2025: £92/MWh)

Wattuneed support for your PPE2 projects

Services dedicated to installers and design offices

Wattuneed offers comprehensive support to secure your PPE2 applications:

• Ready-to-use DHW data sheets for AIKO and Luxen panels (free download on request)
• Dedicated technical support for sizing and equipment selection: support.wattuneed.com
• Preferential pallet rates for projects > 100 kWp (quote within 48 hours)
• Guaranteed stock availability: AIKO and Luxen panels in permanent stock (delivery within 5-10 days)
• PPE2 training: quarterly webinars on regulatory developments

Feedback: Successful PPE2 projects with Wattuneed

"We won three PPE2 tenders in 2025 thanks to the AIKO Neostar panels supplied by Wattuneed. The carbon footprint of 480 kg CO₂eq/kWp gave us a 5-point bonus in the CRE scoring, which was decisive in the face of competition. The technical support team was responsive and validated our sizing within 72 hours."
— SOLENER design office, Toulouse (3 projects 150-300 kWp winners of PPE2 2025)

FAQ: PPE2 Calls for Tenders and Panel Eligibility

🔍 What is the minimum power requirement to apply for PPE2?

PPE2 becomes mandatory for all installations ≥ 100 kWp. Below this threshold, you can benefit from the S21 feed-in tariff (open window). Between 90 and 110 kWp, consider both options: S21 offers guaranteed but declining tariffs, while PPE2 can offer better prices if your application is competitive.

🔍 My panel has good efficiency but no ECS certificate. Can I apply?

No, this is a deal-breaker. The CRE automatically rejects any application for which the panels do not have an ECS Certisolis certificate or PEP equivalent. Technical performance (efficiency, warranty) does not compensate for the lack of carbon certification. Choose panels such as AIKO Neostar or Luxen LUXNERI, which are already certified.

🔍 How long does it take to obtain an ECS certificate for my panels?

Allow 8 to 16 weeks depending on the organisation (Certisolis is faster than TÜV/Bureau Veritas). The cost varies from £1,500 to £3,000 depending on the number of references to be certified. Tip: Choose panels that are already certified (Wattuneed range) from the outset to avoid this delay and cost.

🔍 What is the median price of PPE2 winning projects in 2025?

According to CRE data, the median price is €92/MWh for 100-500 kWp rooftop installations. Projects above €110/MWh are unlikely to be selected, unless they offer exceptional environmental benefits (carbon footprint < 350 kg CO₂eq/kWp).

🔍 Can I use several types of panels on the same PPE2 project?

Yes, but the carbon footprint will be the weighted average of all the panels installed. If you mix AIKO panels (480 kg) with others at 540 kg, make sure that the average remains below 550 kg. In practice, homogeneity simplifies management and optimises scoring.

🔍 Does Wattuneed provide ECS certificates for all its panels?

Wattuneed provides ECS certificates for the AIKO Neostar and Luxen LUXNERI ranges, which are PPE2-eligible. For other references, please contact our technical support team (support.wattuneed.com) to check availability. Certificates are sent within 48 hours of order confirmation.

Conclusion: Anticipate your carbon footprint to ensure the success of your PPE2 projects

In 2026, the success of a commercial photovoltaic project in France will no longer be based solely on technical performance. The carbon footprint of solar panels has become the decisive criterion for accessing PPE2 public support mechanisms.

Project developers, design offices and installers must now integrate ECS from the design phase onwards, in the same way as electrical dimensioning or structural strength. A high-performance panel that is not ECS-certified compromises the entire project, regardless of its technical quality.

The keys to PPE2 success:

• ✅ Choose ECS-certified panels from the outset (AIKO Neostar, Luxen LUXNERI)
• ✅ Anticipate administrative procedures (permits, Consuel, network study) 6-8 months before submission
• ✅ Optimise CAPEX to offer a competitive price (< £95/MWh)
• ✅ Rely on a reliable supplier (stock, technical support, certifications) such as Wattuneed

If you have any questions about the eligibility of your panels or support for your PPE2 project, the Wattuneed team is at your disposal.

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Rue Henripré 12, 4821 Andrimont, Belgium
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