The decision to install solar panels on all major car parks in France by 2026 could accelerate the adoption of electric cars and boost the French and European solar panel industry, still lagging behind China.
The Senate has adopted a law which, according to Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Energy Transition, will help France to accelerate the decarbonization of its economy. In concrete terms, shopping centers with parking areas of more than 80 spaces will be obliged toinstall photovoltaic panels on half of their surface.
This law, which aims to rapidly increase the level of solar energy production in France, therefore requires the managers of these commercial areas to install shade houses equipped with solar panels on at least half of their surface. According to the government, this type of facility should make it possible to produce as much energy as a dozen nuclear reactors, or about 11 Gigawatt. The figure is not negligible, when one remembers that France has 56 reactors in operation in 18 nuclear power plants.
Large car parks will have to cover half of their surface with solar panels
The Senate ratified article 11 of the bill relating to the acceleration of renewable energies. The first version of the text was more lax. It should only apply to very large car parks of more than 2,500 square meters. Believing that this rule would have been too easy to circumvent, the senators imposed a strict 80-seat rule, much to the chagrin of the government. Beware of those who do not respect this law, sincea fine of €50 per location and per month is foreseen for offenders.
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The law will gradually come into force from July 1, 2023. The largest car parks (more than 400 spaces) will have to install photovoltaic panels on half of their surface before July 2026, while the smallest will have five years to comply. However, not all car parks are affected by this measure. In order to preserve the remarkable sites, the surrounding parking areas will be prohibited from installing solar panels. Truck parking lots are also spared from this provision. In any case, the installation of so many solar panels is likely to take longer than expected. As the government points out, the French and European solar panel industry is far from well established. Supply issues are to be expected. The text adopted by the Senate must go through the National Assembly before its final adoption.
Source: Public Senate