Green concreting

Turning parking lots into solar power plants

Austria is the world champion when it comes to building over concrete. In the case of large parking lots, there is now to be an obligation to build photovoltaic systems.

(Bild: Star Movie, P. Huber, Krone KREATIV)

If you're going to pour concrete, at least do it properly. The Greens want to turn all newly built parking spaces into solar power plants. From 50 parking spaces, the construction of a photovoltaic system as a roof should be mandatory. Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) has stipulated this in the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act.

There are to be exceptions for purely residential buildings - the regulation is primarily aimed at retail parks, supermarkets and similar facilities. A covered parking lot with 50 parking spaces would generate around 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This would be enough to supply around thirty households.