Photovoltaic shelter’s future

The importance of photovoltaic energy development in the current energy context

The development of photovoltaic energy has become essential in the current energy context, with increased interest from governments and private actors around the world to address challenges related to energy supply.

Current state

In France, legislation now requires the installation of photovoltaic modules on parking lots larger than 1500 m², which is significantly stimulating the deployment of photovoltaic shelters.

These structures, also known as solar carports, offer a dual functionality: they provide shade and protect vehicles while producing electricity through solar energy captured by photovoltaic cells. The implementation of these carports is encouraged by French legislation, notably by the law relating to the acceleration of the production of renewable energies (EnR), which stipulates the obligation to equip parking lots with these structures, at least on half of their surface area, for parking lots larger than 1500 m².

This law, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, provides for exemptions for parking lots with technical, security, architectural, heritage, or environmental constraints.

In terms of electricity production, a theoretical estimate shows that the widespread installation of photovoltaic shelters on parking lots in France could generate up to 25 TWh per year, representing more than 5% of the country’s total electricity consumption.

The different deadlines

There are different deadlines to be respected concerning the installation of parking covers:

• Immediately
  For outdoor parking lots larger than 1500 m² whose urban planning permit application was submitted after March 10, 2023.
• Before July 2026
  For existing outdoor parking covers with a surface area of 10,000 m² or more.
• Before July 2028
  For existing outdoor parking lots with a surface area between 1500 m² and 10,000 m².

It is important to note that these deadlines may be modified depending on regulatory updates and political decisions.