France: The retail sector opposes mandatory photovoltaic canopies

The decree mandating photovoltaic canopies in parking lots has drawn criticism from the retail sector, which highlights technical and financial challenges despite the implementation deadlines set for 2028.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the energy transition by mandating photovoltaic canopies in outdoor parking lots. This measure, part of the 2023 Renewable Energy Act, requires installing solar panel structures covering at least half the surface area of large parking lots. The deadlines are set for July 2026 for lots exceeding 10,000 m² and July 2028 for those over 1,500 m².

A measure primarily targeting the retail sector

With 70 million m² of parking areas spread across 21,000 stores and shopping centers, the retail sector is at the forefront of those affected. Industry players had requested at least a two-year postponement, citing logistical and financial challenges. However, this extension was not granted.

The decree specifies that certain areas, such as green spaces, storage zones, or logistics areas, are excluded from the calculation of mandatory coverage. However, distributors argue that other elements, such as circulation lanes, unfairly inflate the obligations.

Concerns over costs and deadlines

The Technical Federation of Distribution (Perifem) criticized the application of the decree as excessive. According to Franck Charton, Perifem’s general delegate, “these decisions will freeze land use for decades.” He also noted that the deadlines fail to account for the 18-month delay in publishing the decree and the time required to develop a French photovoltaic panel industry.

The decree does provide for certain exemptions. Parking lots where half the area is shaded by trees—calculated at one tree per three parking spaces—or those where installation costs are deemed excessive may be exempt. Despite these provisions, industry actors remain dissatisfied.

Deterrent sanctions

Non-compliant parking lot operators face fines of up to €40,000 per year until they meet the requirements. Some stakeholders view this penalty as disproportionate given the difficulties in adapting infrastructure quickly.

Dominique Schelcher, president of the U Cooperative, expressed his frustrations on the platform X, calling for simplification measures. According to him, “This is critical for our competitiveness and the strength of the French economy.” His statement reflects a broader sentiment of discontent with regulations that are seen as disconnected from economic realities.

The New South Wales Government has approved Ark Energy’s hybrid solar and battery project in Richmond Valley, combining a solar power plant and long-duration storage.
Nextracker will supply steel frames for solar modules to T1 Energy in a multi-year deal worth over $75mn, aiming to strengthen the local solar supply chain and reduce dependence on imported aluminium.
Geronimo Power has started construction on the Bee Hollow solar park in St. Clair County, a 150 MW project expected to generate $54mn in direct economic impact for the region.
EDF has inaugurated a 1.2 MWc solar power plant and an intelligent electrical grid in Maripasoula, French Guiana, strengthening the energy autonomy of this remote community previously reliant on fuel imports.
EDP has commissioned a solar power plant in Salerno integrating livestock farming, with a capacity of 10 MWc and an annual output of 17 GWh, marking the launch of a hybrid model to be replicated in France and Germany.
Aura Power has finalised financing for its fourth UK solar plant in twelve months, backed by Rabobank, bringing its under-construction capacity to 242 MWp across the country.
The Tützpatz solar project, developed by Vattenfall and powered by GCL System Integration, combines energy production and agricultural use across 93 hectares without public funding.
Koshidaka Group signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with Farmland and Eneres to supply its Tokyo-area facilities with electricity from a 1.6MWAC solar plant located in Annaka.
The PairPHNXX system, designed for rapid deployment in areas without grid access, targets agricultural, military, and industrial markets with a turnkey modular technology.
Ascent Solar Technologies has delivered samples of its flexible photovoltaic technology to two companies for testing in extreme environments, at sea and in space.
Geronimo Power has started construction of the Bee Hollow solar project, valued at $54mn, in St. Clair County, delivering jobs, tax revenue and a partnership with the IMEA municipal agency.
The British government has approved Tillbridge Solar Farm, a 500-MW solar power plant with 2,310 MWh of energy storage, developed by Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.
wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.
Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.
GreenYellow strengthens its presence in the French overseas territories with the acquisition of 18 rooftop photovoltaic installations in Réunion, totalling 3.1 MWc in capacity, as part of a strategy to consolidate its decentralised energy assets.
The rapid rise of agri-voltaic projects in France raises concerns over agricultural impact, land speculation and the economic viability of a still-emerging model.
Norwegian developer Empower New Energy expands in North Africa with a strategic partnership involving ten industrial solar sites for self-consumption in Tunisia.
Chinese manufacturer JA Solar has started initial deliveries of its 650W n-type DeepBlue 5.0 module from its automated production site in Yangzhou.
Melvan is issuing local bonds to co-finance two photovoltaic projects in Avignon and Sault, aiming to supplement a total budget of EUR5.5mn ($5.82mn).
The 50 MW Kong solar power plant marks a new step in Côte d’Ivoire’s national grid expansion, with CFA37bn ($60.5mn) in funding and commissioning set for early 2027.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.