The solar energy sector in France is encountering several challenges, including uncertainty around the S21 mechanism, which determines the financial support for solar power plants, and difficulties in securing funding for energy storage. Daniel Bour, president of Enerplan, a major solar industry group, has urged the government to provide greater clarity for investors and to ensure a stable, long-term strategy for solar energy development. The government is considering adjusting the tariffs for solar plants ranging from 300 to 500 MWc under the S21 framework. Bour noted that even if these changes are made, significant damage has already been done to investor confidence. He criticized the government's approach as unfair to the solar industry, especially after previous tariff adjustments, such as those under the S6-S10 program, which had created uncertainty. Bour raised concerns about the current energy policy, suggesting it is undermining the growth of solar energy. He pointed out that France's energy mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for 60 percent of total energy use. He emphasized the need for long-term planning and consistent policy, arguing that energy projects require stability and cannot thrive under a stop-and-go approach. He also highlighted the increased use of gas for electricity generation this summer, which he said is detrimental to energy sovereignty, the environment, and electricity costs. Solar power plants typically take four to five years to develop and build, with long-term financial support for the next twenty years. Bour stressed that investors cannot tolerate constant uncertainty about signed contracts. He argued that the state must provide visibility and stability, which he believes is currently lacking. Solar installations commissioned since 2020 have saved the French economy an estimated eight billion euros between 2020 and 2025, and solar energy could again benefit the state budget in 2026, similar to 2022 and 2023. A neutral tender for 500 MWc of solar power is currently open until October 16, with developers expected to participate. Photovoltaic technology is expected to dominate this tender, raising questions about the effectiveness of neutral tenders for solar installations on buildings and rooftops. The APER law encouraged the installation of solar panels on parking lot canopies, but the lack of tenders has stalled this initiative. Self-consumption of solar energy on buildings remains a viable option, though the government has not provided clear policy support. A "super neutral tender" is planned for 2027, with more details expected by the end of the week. The terms of reference must ensure that solar power plants can participate, particularly regarding the reference price used for compensation. While the current system favors solar energy, there is a willingness to rebalance with wind power. Enerplan, however, is not satisfied with the government's alternative proposal, which would shift risk to project developers and financiers, potentially increasing costs. The Lévy-Tuot report recommended public support for initial projects, including state guarantees and subsidized loans. The Energy Ministry's strategy for energy storage is primarily focused on meeting the needs of the electrical system, specifically the primary, secondary, and tertiary reserves managed by RTE and Enedis. Storage is not currently being used to manage the intermittency of solar power. The Lévy-Tuot report suggested using battery storage to smooth out solar production, but the national energy plan (PPE) does not include specific numerical targets for storage. Enerplan has called for a clear storage policy as an essential complement to solar energy.