Aldi UK is investing £7.7 million to install solar panels on 90 of its stores by 2026, as part of its drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035. The first phase will see solar systems installed on 41 stores by the end of 2025, with another 49 to follow in 2026. Each store will have a solar system capable of producing up to 144 kilowatts, generating an estimated 100,000 kilowatt-hours annually per store.
The supermarket chain already purchases 100% renewable electricity, but the solar initiative aims to give Aldi more control over its energy production and improve the transparency of performance data. Furthermore, all new stores will be equipped with solar panels from the start.
Aldi’s sustainability efforts also include energy-efficient upgrades to refrigeration and logistics systems. The company has reduced chiller energy usage by 20% with new door installations and is replacing company cars with electric vehicles. The retailer is also exploring low-emission fuels for its logistics fleet.
With this solar expansion, Aldi is positioning itself as a leader in the race towards greater sustainability in the retail sector, ahead of competitors like Iceland, which recently partnered with Shawton Energy for a similar rooftop solar project.
