Solar roofs on parking lots are to replace 10 nuclear power plants
In France, parking lot operators must cover their properties with solar systems from 2023. The solar roofs will generate up to eleven gigawatts of electricity over an area of up to 150 million square meters. This corresponds to the output of ten nuclear power plants.
The increasing number of electronic devices drives up the demand for electricity. It therefore requires alternative methods of generating energy. France has now developed a concept to stop this problem.
Because from July 1, 2023, a Law come into force that parking lot operators should be obliged to cover their properties with solar systems. These solar roofs should in turn make a significant contribution to the country’s energy supply.
Solar roofs: France wants to build more solar systems
With the government’s proposal, an additional output of seven to eleven gigawatts would be possible. This corresponds to the output of around ten nuclear power plants. However, the regulation should only apply to parking spaces with more than 80 parking spaces. That corresponds to a total area of 90 to 150 million square meters across the country.
There are comparatively few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions only apply if roofing is not possible for architectural, technical or safety-related reasons, or if it jeopardizes environmental protection.
Solar systems: conversion will probably take three to five years
The law should come into force on July 1, 2023 at the latest. Parking lot operators can then use a transitional period to equip their areas with the necessary technology. This is five years for 80 to 400 parking spaces and three years for more than 401 parking spaces. The conversion should therefore be completed by 2028 at the latest.
This in turn should also benefit the French state. Because producers who generate additional income from green electricity must pay this to the state. The government guarantees a minimum payment per kilowatt hour for this.
If everything goes according to plan, France will already generate additional revenue of 31 billion euros in 2022 and 2023. With the solar roofs, it should be significantly more in the coming years.
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