In many federal states in Germany, solar energy is mandatory for new parking lots. Depending on the region, however, there are different requirements that companies and building owners must observe. We have compiled an overview for you:

North Rhine-Westphalia:

• Mandatory since January 1, 2022 for newly built parking spaces
• Applies to > 35 parking spaces on commercial premises
• Alternative: solar thermal energy permitted
• Special feature: No precise specification of the suitability of the area
• Parking spaces directly next to roadways excluded

Baden-Württemberg:

• Mandatory since January 1, 2022 for newly built, open parking spaces
• Applies to > 35 parking spaces
• Minimum area: 60 % covered with PV
• Special feature: Only applies to flat surfaces and car parking spaces
• Exceptions possible
• Parking spaces directly next to roadways excluded

Schleswig-Holstein:

• Mandatory since January 1, 2023 for newly built parking spaces
• Applies to > 100 parking spaces
• Alternative: Solar thermal energy or installation on building surfaces
• Special feature: Strict suitability criteria

Rhineland-Palatinate:

• Mandatory since January 1 for newly built parking spaces
• Applies to > 50 parking spaces
• Minimum area: 60 % with PV
• Alternative: solar thermal energy possible
• Special feature: PV can also be mounted on nearby outdoor surfaces
• Parking spaces directly next to roadways excluded

Hesse:

• Mandatory since January 1, 2023 for newly built parking spaces
• Applies to > 50 parking spaces

Lower Saxony:

• Mandatory since January 1, 2023 for newly built parking spaces and parking garages
• Applies to > 50 parking spaces

The PV obligation is an important step towards promoting the energy transition and the use of sustainable energy sources. With modern solutions such as roofing with integrated PV modules, companies can not only meet the legal requirements, but also actively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. Sealed surfaces are used twice: As parking space and for sustainable energy generation.

An overview of the solar obligations in the German federal states can be found at the German Solar Industry Association.