As solar power becomes an increasingly popular option for sustainable energy production, many major UK companies have embraced solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint.
Here are 5 examples of popular UK Companies that are solar-powered and taking strides to use clean energy in their day-to-day activities.
1- John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership, known for operating John Lewis department stores across the UK and Waitrose retail chains, has recently made a significant investment in solar technology.
The company has now installed solar panels on the roofs of most of its warehouses and stores, with a total capacity of over 14 MW. In addition, the company has pledged to be net-zero carbon across its entire UK operations by 2050 at the latest and has continued to invest in 100% clean energy.
2- IKEA
Swedish design giant IKEA has become a popular destination for many shoppers in the UK, with more than 20 super-stores nationwide.
They are well-known for their commitment to sustainability, but they have gone the extra mile with the UK stores and distribution branches by ensuring they are powered by 100% renewable energy, including solar power.
IKEA has invested heavily in solar panels, with more than 165,000 solar panels installed on the roofs of its UK stores.
3 – Emirates Stadium
Another example of a UK business which uses solar power is the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club in London.
The Emirates Stadium is a great example of a mega-structure with a large solar panel array installed on its roof, which generates up to 228 kW of electricity.
The panels were installed in 2010 as part of the club’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The system is expected to generate around 350,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power around 100 homes.
4 – Sainsbury’s
One of the biggest supermarket chains in the UK, Sainsbury’s, has committed to using 100% renewable energy sources by 2040.
The company has made significant progress towards this goal, with over 250,000 solar panels installed across its store and distribution warehouse network.
These panels have a total capacity of over 100 MW, making Sainsbury’s one of the country’s largest corporate solar power users.
Furthermore, Sainsbury’s has invested in EV technology, replacing most of their delivery fleet with electric vehicles and installing charging ports in their car parks and warehouses.
5 – Co-op
The Co-operative Group, which operates various businesses, including supermarkets, funeral homes, and pharmacies, has also invested significantly in solar energy.
The company has installed a wide variety of solar panels on the roofs of its distribution centres and the majority of its stores, with a total capacity of over 13 MW.
Intending to reduce its carbon emissions, the Co-op’s use of solar panels is a great step toward demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Embrace Clean Energy With Smartly
These are just a few examples of UK companies embracing clean energy sources to help cut their carbon footprint and reduce their reliance on the grid.
As more businesses recognise the benefits of renewable energy, we can expect to see more UK companies switch to solar power in the years ahead.
If you are interested in exploring solar panel options for your commercial business, Smartly is here to help. Many solar panel options are available for businesses, including office buildings, hotels, warehouses, stadiums and more.
Contact us using the live chat feature at the bottom of this page, or send us a message detailing your solar requirements. One of our solar experts will happily advise you on what might be best for your business.