Why is there a solar obligation for parking spaces?

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The solar obligation promotes the use of renewable energy by introducing obligations to install photovoltaic systems (or solar thermal systems) to generate electricity. The solar obligation, also known as photovoltaic obligation or commercial obligation for solar systems, usually relates to roof areas and parking spaces, as these offer plenty of space for photovoltaic modules and thus generate as much electricity as possible. The aim of the solar obligation is to increase the share of electricity from renewable energy sources and to accelerate the expansion of solar energy use. The obligation also contributes to greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. Greenhouse gas neutrality is a goal of the Federal Government and means that as many greenhouse gases are emitted as they are reduced, resulting in a “net zero”.

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Which parking spaces are affected by the solar obligation?

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In most cases, the solar obligation applies to parking spaces for newly built, open parking spaces with at least 35 to 100 parking spaces (depending on the federal state). The parking space must also be suitable for solar use. Eligibility is regulated differently depending on the federal state. If these requirements are met, a photovoltaic system must be installed. Depending on the federal state, the installation of a solar thermal system is permitted as an alternative. It is also possible to use outdoor areas of buildings and areas in the immediate vicinity instead of installing photovoltaic modules above the parking area.

The regulations of the individual federal states with solar requirements are explained below.

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Solar obligation in Baden-Württemberg

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In Baden-Württemberg, as part of the development of the Climate Protection Act, a solar obligation was established from 1.1.2022. All newly built, open parking spaces with more than 35 parking spaces, for which the building application was submitted from January 1, 2022, must be equipped with a photovoltaic system above the parking space. The parking area must be suitable for solar use. Baden-Württemberg sets clear conditions for suitability: parking spaces are suitable for solar use that are only intended for passenger cars whose parking area is not tilted by more than 10 degrees and if at least four parking spaces are arranged next to each other. If these requirements are met, it is mandatory to equip at least 60 percent of the parking space with photovoltaic modules. It is also possible to install the photovoltaic system on an outer surface of a new building in the immediate vicinity. An exception to the solar requirement applies to parking spaces directly along roadways of public roads. More about this: Baden-Württemberg Climate Protection Act

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Solar obligation in North Rhine-Westphalia

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According to North Rhine-Westphalia's solar obligation, new, open parking spaces in non-residential buildings or commercial spaces with more than 35 parking spaces must install photovoltaic systems if they are suitable for solar use. The state building code does not further define what is meant by suitability for solar use or who decides on suitability. The solar obligation applies to parking spaces for which an application for a building permit was received by the building inspectorate from 1.1.2022. The photovoltaic system should be installed over the suitable parking space. The installation of a solar thermal system to generate heat is equivalent to the installation of a photovoltaic system. As in Baden-Württemberg, the obligation does not apply to parking spaces directly along roadways. You can find more information here: Landesbauordnung Nordrhein-Westfalen

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Solar obligation in Rhineland-Palatinate

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In the state law on the installation of solar systems in Rhineland-Palatinate, there is an obligation to install solar systems (photovoltaic systems) for new parking spaces suitable for solar use with 50 parking spaces or more from 1.1.2023. The Ministry responsible for climate protection reserves the right, in cooperation with other departments, to determine further regulations on the minimum requirements for parking spaces suitable for solar use. As an alternative to photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems can also be used, provided that a need can be proven. In contrast to North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, photovoltaic systems do not have to be installed above the parking space. If photovoltaic systems or solar thermal systems are installed on outdoor surfaces in the immediate vicinity, this is also approved. The area of the photovoltaic systems must be at least 60 percent of the parking space suitable for solar use. New parking spaces right next to public roads are excluded from the solar requirement. For more information, click here: Rhineland-Palatinate State Solar Act

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Solar obligation in Schleswig-Holstein

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The Schleswig-Holstein Energy Transition and Climate Protection Act, which enshrines the solar obligation, applies to newly built, open parking spaces suitable for solar use with more than 100 parking spaces, which will be built after 1.1.2023. Together with other ministries, the Ministry responsible for Energy and Climate Protection may define more specific rules on the minimum requirements for the nature of a suitable open parking area. This also includes suitability for solar use. If these requirements are met, photovoltaic systems must be installed over parking spaces. Alternatively, the photovoltaic modules can also be installed on the outer surfaces of adjacent buildings or in the immediate vicinity. As a replacement, it is also possible to equip the roof surfaces with a solar thermal system to generate heat. More about this: Schleswig-Holstein Energy Transition and Climate Protection Act

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Solar mandatory in Bavaria, Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg and Lower Saxony

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The solar obligation in a few other federal states usually only concerns new residential and commercial buildings and no parking spaces. Bavaria, for example, has a solar obligation for commercial roofs, while Lower Saxony has a solar obligation for commercial properties. In Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg, a solar obligation was adopted for new buildings and roof renovations.

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What about the solar obligation in the other federal states?

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Other federal states, on the other hand, have not (yet) decided on a solar obligation. However, according to the coalition agreement, at least roof areas should be used for photovoltaic systems. This should be mandatory for new commercial buildings and “the rule” for new private buildings.

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This is how the solar obligation contributes to sustainable mobility

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Renewable energies are thus being promoted more intensively with country-specific solar obligations, thus increasing their share of total electricity production. Parking spaces with photovoltaic systems thus contribute directly to sustainable mobility, as does digital parking space management, which reduces area sealing, air pollution and waste. Learn more about this in this article: Contribution of digital parking management to sustainable transport turnaround

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