Article 40 of France’s APER law requires certain outdoor car parks above 1,500 sqm to cover at least half of the relevant area with renewable-energy canopies. The law also allows mixed solutions with vegetation and certain equivalent-generation alternatives. Scope, deadlines and exemptions require a project-specific review.
Deadlines and permitted solutions as of 14 September 2026
Outside concessions and public-service delegations, general deadlines are 1 July 2026 for car parks of at least 10,000 m² and 1 July 2028 for those over 1,500 m² and under 10,000 m². Conditional extensions exist, making the management arrangement relevant to the assessment.
Since the November 2025 amendment, mixed solutions combine canopies and vegetation. Canopies must account for at least 35% of the required half-area, with vegetation providing the balance. The law also permits certain equivalent renewable-generation alternatives. The configuration requires site-specific validation.
Confirm the regulatory scope
The first step is to calculate the regulated car park area and confirm status, timetable and possible exemptions. Trees, technical, economic, heritage or safety constraints may affect the assessment.
A documented review prevents a design from being based on an incorrect interpretation of the obligation.
Assess operations before capacity
Traffic, emergency access, accessible bays, buried networks, ground conditions, drainage and vehicle clearance shape the layout. PV capacity follows from the usable area and selected structure.
The electrical study compares expected generation, consumption profile, grid connection and EV charging requirements.
Build a realistic programme
Planning, geotechnical work, structural design, grid connection, procurement and supply must be coordinated. Permits and connection lead times can drive the overall schedule.
A clear roadmap allocates responsibilities between owner, operator, designer, EPC, financier and maintenance provider.
Informational content prepared by Lionberry Energy. Project sizing, pricing, performance and contractual structure are confirmed only after site assessment and approval by the parties.
