According to a recent report by the Thomas More Institute, 98% of solar panels imported into Europe come from China, which raises serious concerns about France's energy sovereignty. The report's author, Laetitia Puyfaucher, emphasizes that while a significant majority of French citizens trust solar energy to ensure energy independence, the current reliance on Chinese imports poses a risk. As the solar industry grows, the dependency on foreign sources for critical technology becomes more pronounced.

France has experienced rapid growth in its solar photovoltaic capacity, rising from zero in 2008 to an expected 30 gigawatts by the end of 2025. However, this growth has not translated into a significant share of electricity production, with solar energy accounting for less than 5% of France's total electricity output. Moreover, the contribution of solar energy to overall final energy consumption remains minimal, around 1%. This disparity highlights the need for a more balanced and locally sourced approach to solar energy production to enhance energy security.

The findings of the Thomas More Institute call into question the long-term sustainability of relying heavily on foreign imports for renewable energy technologies. As the demand for solar energy increases, policymakers need to consider strategies to boost domestic production capabilities and reduce dependency on imports, particularly during times of geopolitical uncertainty. Ensuring a secure energy future for France may require a reevaluation of current energy policies and an investment in local solar manufacturing.