France Mandates Solar Panel Installation on Parking Lots
- France moves towards a more sustainable future by requiring solar panels on car parks over 1,500 square meters. The move highlights a push for renewable energy solutions where the market is slow to adopt.
What happened?
France has made a bold move towards a more sustainable future with a new parliamentary legislation that requires the installation of solar panels on car parks. The mandate applies to parking lots that stretch over 1,500 square meters, so soon it will be common to see solar panels along the country's large parking lots. The idea is not new, as India has already seen the creation of solar carports, with Tata Motors setting up the largest solar car park in Pune in 2021 with a 6.2 MWp capacity. (Source: Solar Energy News)
Why does it matter?
This legislation is a significant step forward in France's effort to transition to a more sustainable energy source. By mandating the installation of solar panels on car parks, the country is taking action where the market is slow to adopt. Solar car parks not only generate energy, but also provide shade to cars parked below, making them a more attractive solution for hot countries like India. Furthermore, a solar car park can support the renewable energy generation, RPO obligations of states, and even the domestic manufacturing industry. When compared to utility-scale solar, rooftop solar has a higher job potential, making it a win-win solution for both the environment and the economy.
What's next?
The legislation in France has set a precedent for other countries to follow and should encourage more states in India to push for the installation of solar at similar sites such as car parks, public buildings, elevated metro stations, schools, and more. The possibilities for rooftop solar are endless, with attractive benefits that go beyond just financial earnings and savings. The time has come for a formal, concerted effort across states in India to adopt this renewable energy solution and help drive a more sustainable future.
