New law mandates solar canopies over all large parking lots in France.

France is leaning heavily on solar to meet its climate goals. They have announced that as of July 1, 2023, parking lots with between 80 and 400 spaces have 5 years to add solar panels as roofs over the parking spaces. Lots with more than 400 spaces must be covered in solar panels within three years. Lots with less than 80 spaces do not require any. The new law applies to new and existing parking lots and states that at least, 50% of the surface of these large lots must be covered There are exceptions for historic areas and lots with tall trucks. Once in place, the parking lot panels are expected to generate up to 11 gigawatts of energy which is equivalent to the power of 10 nuclear reactors. It’s great to see France leading the shift to solar. Canada, will not be far behind.