Saturday, 04 October 2025
ALDI Ireland Begins €5 Million Solar Retrofit Programme with Belmullet Store ALDI Ireland has launched a major step in its sustainability journey with the successful completion of a solar panel retrofit at its Belmullet store in County Mayo. The retrofit is part of a €5 million investment to install solar energy systems across 44 ALDI […]
ALDI Ireland has launched a major step in its sustainability journey with the successful completion of a solar panel retrofit at its Belmullet store in County Mayo. The retrofit is part of a €5 million investment to install solar energy systems across 44 ALDI stores over the next two years, aiming to significantly reduce the retailer’s carbon footprint and reliance on conventional energy sources.
Under this initiative, 22 stores are scheduled to receive solar panels in 2025, with an additional 22 installations planned for 2026. Each store will be equipped with 288 solar panels, expected to generate an average of 100,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This is equivalent to covering approximately 30% of each store’s electricity needs, helping ALDI manage long-term energy costs while advancing its environmental goals.
Ireland has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan. While much focus is often placed on heavy industry or transport, the retail sector plays a significant role in energy consumption, particularly through refrigeration, lighting, and heating.
Supermarkets like ALDI, operating nationwide, have the potential to contribute meaningfully to national carbon reductions. Initiatives like this solar retrofit programme not only reduce emissions but also help normalise the adoption of renewable energy in everyday commercial spaces, making sustainability more visible and relatable to the public.
One common misconception is that solar energy is only viable in sunnier countries. However, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are highly effective even in Ireland’s temperate climate. Modern panels can generate electricity on overcast days and are designed to maximise efficiency even under diffused sunlight.
Ireland receives around 1,100 to 1,600 hours of sunshine annually, which is sufficient to make solar PV a practical and cost-effective solution for commercial and residential use — particularly when paired with smart energy management and storage systems.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland, a company specialising in decentralised renewable energy solutions. This collaboration will allow Greenvolt Next to expand its operations, bringing on new contractors and doubling its retail solar photovoltaic (PV) output in 2025.
Greenvolt Next Ireland is supported by the Greenvolt Group, which works with businesses across sectors to develop solar, electric mobility, and other renewable solutions.
This investment is part of ALDI’s broader commitment to embedding sustainability into its core operations. By prioritising energy efficiency and embracing solar technology, the retailer is taking measurable steps to reduce its environmental impact in Ireland.
The Belmullet retrofit is the first in a series of installations that will see ALDI become a leader in green energy adoption within the Irish retail sector.
ALDI’s partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland is also an example of how climate action can drive economic opportunity. As Greenvolt scales up its capacity to meet this and similar demands, there is potential for new job creation in solar installation, maintenance, project management, and engineering, all of which contribute to a growing green economy.
Developing this workforce is aligned with Ireland’s broader strategy of creating thousands of green jobs over the next decade, as outlined in its National Climate and Energy Plan (NECP).
As ALDI continues this national rollout, it reinforces the role of large retailers in supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The initiative not only contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, but also strengthens the country’s capacity for renewable energy generation.
This solar retrofit programme underscores how targeted investments in clean technology can deliver both environmental and economic benefits, positioning ALDI Ireland at the forefront of sustainable retail innovation.
The completion of the solar retrofit at ALDI’s Belmullet store marks a significant milestone in the retailer’s ongoing investment in sustainable energy solutions across Ireland. As the €5 million programme expands to more stores over the next two years, ALDI Ireland is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also setting a strong example for the wider retail industry. Through its partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland, ALDI is demonstrating that responsible energy practices and long-term business resilience can go hand in hand in building a more sustainable future.
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