https://electrek.co/2025/11/02/new-national-law-will-turn-large-parking-lots-into-solar-power-farms/ Skip to main content Toggle main menu Go to the Electrek home page Switch site * 9to5Mac * 9to5Google * 9to5Toys * DroneDJ * Space Explored * About * Privacy * * * * * * * * * * * * * Toggle social menu * Toggle dark mode Search for: [ ] Submit Toggle search form * Exclusives * Autos + Electric Vehicle Price Guide - best prices for dealers in the US + Tesla + Ford + GM + BMW + Jaguar + VW + Daimler/Mercedes + Hyundai + Nissan + Toyota * Alt. Transport + Ebikes + Electric Motorcycles + Bus + Hyperloop * Autonomy + Tesla Autopilot + Cruise Automation + Uber + Waymo * Energy + Green Energy + Climate * Tesla Shop * Store * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Toggle dark mode * Solar power * South Korea New national law will turn large parking lots into solar power farms Avatar for Jo Borras Jo Borras | Nov 2 2025 - 4:09 am PT 51 Comments Mandatory Installation of Solar Panels in Public Parking Lots to Apply Retroactively to Existing Facilities Starting this month, parking lots in South Korea with more than 80 spaces will be required to install solar canopies and carports. But, unlike similar laws that have been proposed in the US, this new law doesn't just apply to new construction - existing lots will have to comply as well! South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced in August that it has prepared an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of the Development, Use, and Diffusion of New and Renewable Energy to the effect that all publicly- and privately-owned parking lots in the Asian country with room for more than 80 vehicles will be compelled to add solar panels to their lots in a move designed to proactively expand renewable energy and create more solar and construction jobs. In addition to creating jobs and working to stabilize the local grid with more renewable energy, the proposed solar canopies will offer a number of practical, day-to-day benefits for Korean drivers, as well. The shaded structures will protect vehicles from heavy rain, snow, and the blistering summer sun -- keeping interiors cooler, extending the life of plastics and upholstery, and even helping to preserve battery range in EVs and PHEVs by reducing their AC loads (and, of course, provide charging while the cars are parked). Advertisement - scroll for more content To their credit, Ministry officials absolutely get it. "Through this mandatory installation," one unnamed official told Asia Business Daily, "we expect to expand the distribution of eco-friendly renewable energy generation facilities while providing tangible benefits to the public. By utilizing idle land such as parking lots, we can maximize land use efficiency. In addition, installing canopy-type solar panels can provide shade underneath, offering noticeable comfort to people using parking lots during hot weather." The new rule was approved in late September, and is expected to go into effect later this month, with new installation projects set to begin immediately. It could work here --------------------------------------------------------------------- [NW-Fire-main]Solar carport; by Standard Solar. South Korea is proving that an idea like is practical. Here in the US, we're proving that out, too - the Northwest Fire District in Arizona partnered with Standard Solar to build a conceptually similar, 657 kW solar carport system across 12 parking lots (shown, above) that delivers more than 1.23 million kWh of clean, emissions-free power annually and offsets the equivalent of 185,000 vehicles' worth of harmful carbon emissions. That's just Arizona. In New York, a new initiative to help expand solar into parking lots has more than doubled commercially zoned land where EV charging stations can be sited, "freeing up" an additional 400 million square feet of space throughout the city. Sun-rich states like Texas, New Mexico, and Florida could also benefit, and even if we're "just" adding fresh energy sources to municipal parking, dealer lots, and public schools, we could do a lot to reduce the cost of energy generation for the entire community. And, for what it's worth, that seems to be right in line with the big reasons why people are choosing to add solar to their homes today. Top comment by Pedro Liked by 16 people Germany has a broader incentive for large commercial roofs to add solar. It has also been successful. I think the underlying goal here is that the more energy generated by renewables, means stronger national sovereignty: No coal, oil. or natural gas reliance. That takes a lot of coercive cards off the table. View all comments What do you guys think - would something like this work in the US, or are we too far gone down the sophomoric, pseudo-libertarian rabbit hole to ever dig our way out? Let us know your take in the comments. SOURCE | IMAGES: Asia Business Daily, via LinkedIn; Standard Solar. [DES-1038_Electrek-Banners_EVs_0797c2] --------------------------------------------------------------------- If you're considering going solar, it's always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it's free to use, and you won't get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you'll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. 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Comments Expand Close comments Expand Close comments Guides Solar power Solar power South Korea South Korea Author Avatar for Jo Borras Jo Borras volvojo1 I've been in and around the auto industry for over thirty years, and have written for a number of well-known outlets like CleanTechnica, Popular Mechanics, the Truth About Cars, and more. You can catch me at Electrek Daily's Quick Charge, The Heavy Equipment Podcast, or chasing my kids around Oak Park, IL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Jo Borras's favorite gear [bluetti-6V1A2322] BLUETTI BLUETTI portable power solutions give safe, dependable power when and where you need it. chargeway has live pricing CHARGEWAY A lot of apps tell you where the plugs are. Chargeway does, too -- along with everything else!