Solar installations are now mandatory for large parking lots in France

The French government has published a decree requiring large parking lots to have solar canopies installed.

First announced in 2023, the parameters of the law have now been set — it’ll apply to outdoor parking areas that are bigger than 1,500 square metres. The decree also specifies where exemptions can be made, and includes provisions for fines over non-compliance.

The aim is to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in the country, which already operates one of the world’s cleanest power grids on an emissions-intensity basis. In 2023, nuclear accounted for 65% of electricity output, followed by hydropower (10%) and wind (9%). Solar comprised 5% of the mix, while all fossil fuels combined held an 8% share.

One additional benefit of solarised parking lots is that they provide shade for cars.

Even in the absence of mandates, these systems are growing in popularity in other parts of the world.

Solar carports come with higher upfront costs relative to rooftop-mounted systems, but there is more scope to place the panels in a way that boosts power output. As such, the cost per kilowatt hour is usually similar to rooftop installations, according to Anré Gustav Gous, managing director of ACES Africa.

Johan Pienaar, CEO at Eversolar, says solar carports make good use of space, are easy to maintain, and provide good yields because the panels can be positioned optimally.

“From a return on investments perspective, solar carports definitely make sense,” Pienaar says.

See also:

• ‘Win-win’: Octopus Energy will give free solar-covered storage sheds to French farmers
• European Parliament approves law requiring solar installations on buildings
• France’s pioneering plan to create a more sustainable fashion industry
• France follows Germany’s lead with flat-rate public transport pass