French renewable energy company GreenYellow and the French retailer, Carrefour have partnered to solarize 350 hypermarkets and supermarkets in France by 2027, creating Europe’s largest decentralized solar program. The 350 MW project will generate 450 GWh of clean energy annually, covering 180,000 parking spaces. GreenYellow will provide complete support from design to operation, guaranteeing performance throughout the 20-year contract. This third-party financing model enables Carrefour to accelerate decarbonization and reduce Carrefour’s dependence on fluctuating electricity prices. The project aligns with ApER Law, a set of legal requirements to solarize parking lots. Development begins in July 2024, with first commissioning expected in 2025 and half of the program completed by end-2026. Once finalized, the initiative will power a city of 200,000 inhabitants annually, according to GreenYellow.
GreenYellow, Carrefour partner for PV car park project
This 20-year contract involves installing photovoltaic shades over 180,000 parking spaces across multiple French regions. (Image Credit: GreenYellow)