The expansion of renewable energies in Saarland is falling far behind the requirements. While the annual expansion rate in Germany has nearly doubled since 2017, the expansion in Saarland has stagnated at a low level since 2015. There is therefore an urgent need for action.
In Rhineland-Palatinate, from 2023 onwards, commercial new buildings with more than 100 square meters of usable area as well as new commercial parking lots with more than 50 parking spaces must be equipped with photovoltaic systems. The regulations are designed to be balanced in such a way that the economic operation of the systems is possible. The Green Party Saar considers a similar legal regulation in Saarland to be appropriate and necessary. In view of the plans to expand renewable energy in Saarland, the Green Party Saarland appeals to the state government to initiate a corresponding legislative procedure this year. The public sector should fulfill its role as a model. In addition to the announcements regarding the expansion of PV systems on public buildings, parking lots in public ownership should also be equipped with solar roofs, as was realized at the new parking garage of Stadtwerke Saarbrücken following intervention by the Greens.
Photovoltaic systems over parking lots offer many advantages. No additional areas need to be sealed, and the systems increase comfort for parking lot users by providing protection from the weather. The runoff rainwater can also be collected and used for irrigation in the immediate vicinity. The Green Party Saar also expects positive effects on the microclimate around parking lots. The spokesperson for the LAG Building-Planning-Housing, Hanko Zachow, explains: “Measurements on asphalted surfaces, for example at the Großer Markt in Saarlouis, have shown that parking lots can heat up quickly to over 60 degrees Celsius in summer. This additional shading can help mitigate these heat islands. Heating inside parked vehicles is also significantly reduced as a result.”
The Saarland Greens propose granting municipalities creative leeway within the framework of the PV obligation for new parking spaces. This applies in cases where greening or unsealing is the more effective solution. In addition to a PV obligation, which should be regarded as a priority, the LAG Planning-Building-Living assesses that in neighborhoods with little greenery, planting trees can be a more sensible measure for climate adaptation and also for climate protection.
The Greens Saar also see a positive effect on the energy transition by equipping parking lots with solar modules in the close proximity between PV systems and consumption points. Regarding this, the chairman of the Saarland Greens, Dr. Ralph Nonninger, said: “Commercial consumers generally have the highest electricity consumption throughout the day. This can be well covered with solar power. Due to the proximity of photovoltaic systems to commercial consumers and possible charging stations for electric cars, the power grids can be partially relieved by such measures.” Ralph Nonninger is optimistic that with sufficient experience with such photovoltaic systems over parking areas, owners of existing sites will also install such systems voluntarily in the long term: “An obligation goes hand in hand with establishing a market for such systems and raising awareness among potential system operators. While industrial buildings in existing stock sometimes cannot accommodate photovoltaic systems for structural reasons, these problems usually do not arise with parking lot systems. We also see a mandatory installation of photovoltaic systems on new commercial parking lots as a catalyst to economically unlock additional potentials in existing stock.”
How far behind Saarland is becomes apparent in comparison with other federal states. Since May 1, 2022, Baden-Württemberg has had a comprehensive solar obligation. Photovoltaic systems must be installed on all new buildings. In Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, there is now also an obligation for non-residential buildings and for parking lots. In North Rhine-Westphalia, parking lots associated with commercial buildings must be covered and equipped with PV systems. In Rhineland-Palatinate, Hamburg, and Berlin, an obligation will each be introduced on January 1, 2023. In Bavaria, Bremen, and Saxony, the introduction of the obligation is at least being discussed for 2023.
