By 2028, all French parking lots with more than 80 spots will have to be covered with solar panels, providing both shade and renewable energy.

Writing in Jalopnik, Ryan Erik King describes a new French law that will require the installation of solar panels over all surface parking lots in the country as part of an effort to shift a larger portion of the nation’s energy production to solar. “The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2023, with the deadlines for compliance set on this date in upcoming years. Smaller lots must install solar panels by 2028. Larger parking lots will be held to a stricter deadline and must comply with the new law by 2026.”
According to King, “France’s government expected to generate 11 gigawatts of electricity or the equivalent output of ten French nuclear reactors,” or almost 8 percent of France’s electricity capacity.
France previously experimented with solar roads, installing a 0.6 mile test strip of photovoltaic road panels in Normandy, but the project yielded disappointing results as the panels deteriorated quickly under pressure from weather and traffic.
FULL STORY: France Requiring Solar Panels to Cover Parking Lots by 2028

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
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Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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