Eight Co-op outlets across Lincolnshire will benefit from solar-generated electricity by the end of the year, as work to install arrays begins.
The £120,000 project will see 320 solar modules installed across the stores by Stow-based solar installer Freewatt Renewable Energy.
Each of the planned 10kWp arrays is expected to generate in excess of 71,000kWh a year – enough to power 258 fridge freezers a year estimates Co-op.
Lincolnshire Co-op’s store development manager Matthew Wilkinson said: “Cutting our energy use is something we’re constantly working on, be it with more efficient freezers, LED lighting or Smart Meters to measure what energy we’re using and where.
“Every bit of green energy we produce helps the environment and we’re excited to be following on from our successful solar panel trial at Winning Post with eight more sites.”
Freewatt CEO Julian Patrick added: “We are really excited to be working with Lincolnshire Co-op. The organisation shares many of our values about the community and the environment we live in so it’s fantastic to be a partner in this development.
“The CO2 reduction is good news for the environment and delivering this project is good news for a local business like Freewatt. It’s always great to work on a project where everyone is a winner.”