French company Closura has launched custom-built solar canopies to help car park operators comply with national legislation requiring photovoltaic coverage on large outdoor parking areas.

Since the Climate and Resilience Act came into force in 2021, followed by the APER Act in 2023, outdoor car parks in France larger than 1,500 square metres must be fitted with photovoltaic (PV) canopies covering at least 50% of the surface area between 2026 and 2028.

To support compliance, Closura, a company based in Le Thou in southwestern France, has developed a range of custom-made solar canopies. Available either ready to install or in a plug-and-play version, their key feature is the use of marine-grade aluminium — known for being both lightweight and highly durable.

Designed for local authorities, commercial operators, and large retail sites, the canopies are 100% made in France. They combine robust performance with a sleek aesthetic, available in standard RAL 7016 or RAL 9010 frosted finishes. Depending on the configuration, each canopy can produce up to 7.5 kWp of power. Their modular design allows for easy adaptation to various parking layouts.

The aluminium structure is guaranteed for 25 years and supported by four 110 mm square posts. Installation options include direct anchoring or the use of reinforced base plates. The canopy’s roof is angled between 5 and 10 degrees for optimal solar generation.

Optional extras include removal of corner posts, an EV charging socket, an energy monitoring system, rainwater collection gutters, and an aluminium privacy screen.

(Image: Closura)