The government is conducting an extensive study into requiring the installation of solar panels above parking lots. The House of Representatives previously voted in favor of such an obligation for solar carports, but there are still many snags to the plan.
The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth is investigating the proposed obligation for solar panels on carports above parking lots. The research follows after the House of Representatives adopted a motion by D66 two years ago to require solar carports at parking lots. Several industry organizations subsequently came up with plans for the implementation, but the cabinet has so far remained silent on the subject.
In a new one brief Minister Sophie Hermans provided more clarification to the House of Representatives. Her ministry has conducted research into market conditions and possible financing options for solar carports. In addition, an extensive investigation is underway into the consequences of such an obligation.
According to Hermans, ‘a national investment subsidy is an option to support the sector and initiators’. The government wants to develop this further and is investigating how it can be implemented.
Power grid
A tricky issue is how such an obligation relates to property rights and how it could become part of the Environmental Act. But there are more problems with the proposal, because according to Hermans, the shadow effect of the solar carports and the transport capacity on the power grid must also be carefully considered.
According to the minister, the possibility of own use of the generated electricity must also be taken into account in the consideration. It must also be examined whether the plan fits in with the Regional Energy Strategies. There are therefore quite a few snags associated with requiring solar panels above parking spaces.
The government says that the House of Representatives will be informed later this year about the results of the new research. The cabinet will then take a position on the plan.
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Source: www.bright.nl
