The French government has introduced Decree No. 2024-1023, which requires the installation of solar panels on parking lots larger than 1,500 square meters.

The decree provides guidelines for calculating the areas that fall under this rule, outlines specific exemption criteria, and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Parking areas that exceed 10,000 square meters must have solar carports installed by July 1, 2026, while those ranging from 1,500 to 10,000 square meters have until July 1, 2028, to comply.

The decree mandates that at least 50% of the parking area, including traffic lanes, be covered by solar canopies or green roofs. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to €40,000 ($42,160) annually until the issue is addressed.

Additionally, the decree amends the regulations surrounding planning permissions for both ground-mounted solar panels and renewable energy canopies.

Certain exemptions exist for parking areas where technical factors, such as soil quality or steep slopes, prevent the installation of solar panels. Parking lots located in areas with significant natural, technological, or security risks, or those handling hazardous materials, are also excluded from the requirements.