Photovoltaics on parking lots and rooftops: an under-exploited lever for the energy transition of major retailers
The energy transition is no longer an option: it’s a strategic priority for major retailers. Faced with growing regulatory obligations and the need to reduce their carbon footprint, retail players have a largely untapped potential: photovoltaic shading systems on parking lots and rooftop solar power plants. solar carports on parking lots and the rooftop solar plants.
These solutions not only generate green energy, but also optimize the use of existing surfaces, which are often under-valued. Focus on a strategic opportunity with a high return on investment.
Regulations and legal requirements for photovoltaic systems on parking lots and roofs
In France: an increasingly restrictive regulatory framework
Since 2023, the Climate and Resilience Law, supplemented by the Renewable Energy Acceleration Law (Loi d’Accélération des Énergies Renouvelables – AER), has required outdoor parking lots over 1,500 m² to be equipped with photovoltaic panels via solar carports. The aim of these measures is to mobilize large, already artificialized surfaces for local electricity production.
This obligation is accompanied by strict compliance deadlines, with financial penalties for non-compliance. For major retailers, it is therefore essential to anticipate these legislative changes.
👉 Find out more in this reference article on the AER law.
👉 Download our complete guide to the LOM law
Across Europe: a shared trend
France is not an isolated case. In Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Austria, similar legislation is encouraging the solarization of public and private parking lots. The European Union itself has set deployment targets for photovoltaics, including parking lots as a key lever for development.
Although France has launched an ambitious legal framework, it still lags behind its European neighbors when it comes to the solarization of parking lots. According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), only 12% of commercial parking lots are currently equipped with solar carports. This figure reveals the immense untapped potential in the retail sector, particularly for national chains with a dense network of sites.
Profitability and financing of a photovoltaic project on parking lots and roofs
Profitable, sustainable projects
A photovoltaic project on a parking lot is much more than an environmental investment: it’s a sound economic choice. Thanks to self-consumption, energy bills can drop considerably. On average, a photovoltaic shading system pays for itself in 8 to 10 years, with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
Depending on local regulations, return on investment can even be accelerated through the resale of surplus electricity at guaranteed tariffs.
Attractive financing solutions
Energy strategy and impact: why integrate photovoltaics into your brand?
One of the financing methods favored by major retailers is third-party investment. In this model, a specialized operator (such as GreenYellow) fully finances the installation of photovoltaic shading systems on parking lots, in return for a power purchase agreement (PPA). This scheme limits the initial investment while guaranteeing local energy at a competitive price.
In this case, the operator designs, finances, installs and operates the solar power plant at the customer’s site. There are two possible scenarios:
- Autoconsommation : Le client consomme de l’électricité sur place, là où elle est produite, ce qui réduit ses émissions de carbone. Le client achète de l’énergie à GreenYellow à un tarif préalablement convenu et fixe pendant toute la durée du contrat, et utilise l’électricité produite pour couvrir ses propres besoins.
- Injection réseau : GreenYellow vend l’énergie verte produite au réseau et verse un loyer au propriétaire foncier pour l’utilisation du foncier où la centrale est installée.
It is also possible to benefit from tax exemptions, energy saving certificates (CEE) and regional subsidies. These subsidies make photovoltaic parking lot shading even more competitive.
In addition, operators such as GreenYellow offer turnkey financing solutions that include :
- the initial investment,
- maintenance,
- continuous optimization of photovoltaic production.
👉 Plus d’infos sur nos solutions de financement
📩 Besoin d’une étude personnalisée ? Contactez nos experts
Cost reduction and energy autonomy
Integrating photovoltaic systems into your commercial sites allows you to :
- control your energy costs,
- gain independence from the network,
- develop parking lots as energy assets.
This makes photovoltaic shading a sustainable source of added value for major retailers.
A strengthened CSR strategy
Parking lot shade systems send out a strong signal: environmental commitment, innovation, responsibility. This reinforces the CSR strategy, enhances brand image and meets the growing expectations of customers and partners.
👉 Discover our expertise for major retail chains
Types of photovoltaic systems for large retailers
Photovoltaic shading systems for parking lots: a high-potential solution
Still under-exploited, solar shading systems transform parking lots into renewable energy production plants. They protect vehicles from inclement weather, enhance customer comfort and enable the integration of charging stations for electric vehicles.
With over 70% of commercial parking lots uncovered, the potential is immense.
On roofs: maximize existing surfaces
Large commercial premises have vast, often unused roofs. Installing photovoltaic panels on roofs maximizes the production of solar energy without taking up any floor space.
These two approaches are complementary and offer interesting synergies in technical and financial terms.
👉 Find out more about our solar photovoltaic production
Benefits and support for major retailers
Multiple benefits
By opting for photovoltaic shading systems for parking lots, you benefit from :
- lower energy costs,
- improved customer comfort (shade, EV charging),
- a strong CSR positioning,
- sustainable competitive advantage.
Specialized operators (like GreenYellow) are there to support you every step of the way:
- Energy and technical feasibility study for your parking lots and roofs.
- Custom design of photovoltaic shading systems.
- Installation, connection, production monitoring and maintenance.
- Reporting and performance management.
One aspect that is often underestimated is the value of the land. A parking lot equipped with photovoltaic shading systems increases in value on the commercial real estate market, due to its energy benefits and enhanced attractiveness to customers, local authorities or investors.
Implementation and constraints of a photovoltaic project
| Keysteps | Details |
|---|---|
| 1/ Energy audit and feasibility study: | Analysis of energy requirements, assessment of the site’s solar potential, identification of available surface areas and estimation of economic and environmental gains. |
| 2/ Technical design and approvals: | Drawing up the installation plan, choosing the right equipment, filing administrative applications (building permit, connection, etc.), and complying with current standards. |
| 3/ Installation and connection: | Installation of solar panels, connection to the electrical grid, installation of production monitoring systems and performance tests. |
| 4/ Monitoring, maintenance and optimization: | Continuous performance monitoring, preventive and corrective action, panel cleaning and parameter adjustment to optimize production. |
| PV + storage coupling: a solution for the future | |
| Combining solar installations with storage batteries maximizes self-consumption, avoids energy losses, and guarantees a continuous power supply even in the event of blackouts or low sunlight. 👉 Find out more in our article dedicated to energy storage. |
|
| Challenges to anticipate | |
| – Technical constraints: structural strength, surface orientation, potential shading. – Administrative authorizations: processing times, local specificities and town planning. – Intermittency management: dependence on sunshine and balance between production and consumption. |
|
Conclusion
Photovoltaic solar power on parking lots and roofs represents a strategic, economic and environmental opportunity. For major retailers, photovoltaic shading systems can transform dormant surfaces into profitable energy assets, while enhancing their commitment to a low-carbon economy.
Against a backdrop of volatile electricity prices and tougher ESG requirements, companies that invest in photovoltaic systems on parking lots and rooftops today are taking a significant strategic step forward. They are equipping themselves with resilient infrastructures, in line with climate commitments, while securing their supply costs over the long term.
With GreenYellow’s support, take action: turn your parking lots into high-performance, visible photovoltaic power plants, in line with tomorrow’s challenges.
📩 Would you like a customized study of your site? Contact our GreenYellow experts now to activate your solar transition.
For further information
📘 Want to understand everything about the APER law and the solarization of parking lots in France?
Download our free guide 👉 Guide 2024: Solarization of parking lots in France.
Selected customer references
