Commercial Solar is changing the game for LIDL GB.
End Client: Lidl GB
Our Client: Square 4 Services
Main Contractor: Keil Construction
Commercial Solar – The LIDL Case Study
Meeting Sustainability and Efficiency Goals
In 2019, LIDL GB made a commitment to purchasing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. An essential part of this strategy was to add Solar PV arrays to all new LIDL stores in the country, and soon after, this initiative extended to existing stores.
Our client, Square 4 Services Limited, entrusted The Energy Smart Group as their Solar PV partner. This includes handling all installation aspects of their projects. While they are a team of renewable consultants, they do not have in-house engineers.
We are successfully transforming their projects from plans and specifications into fully operational systems. We have been building a strong, ongoing relationship since 2020 when we completed our first LIDL Solar PV installation.
Key Requirements that make our partnership work:
– Implementing a lean system to reduce over-production and export of unused energy
– Maximising the use of renewable solar energy to replace mains usage
– Seamlessly integrating the solar power system with the current electrical setup at each commercial store
– Ensuring no disruption to daily store operation
– Installation to run to a tight schedule, ensuring completion within designated deadline for each store
– Handover of full operations and maintenance manuals upon completion
Projected Savings Per Year
The savings of each store are projected at £55874.35 per year, with an estimated 159,641 kw per annum. This is a huge saving to each store that have equipment running 24/7.
Each store must achieve a payback target of 7 years, meaning the design and specifications for the project are required to be exact.
The design process involves selecting high-efficiency solar panels and advanced inverters. Each site is equipped with a 188.6kW system, comprising of 400-500 panels, tailored to maximise energy production and seamlessly integrate with existing electrical setups.
The Energy Smart Group has completed over 50 LIDL Solar PV systems, and there’s more to come…
Over the past 4 years, here at The Energy Smart Group, we have successfully implemented over 50 Solar PV systems across Lidl stores. We are proud to be significantly contributing to LIDL GB’s sustainability goals.
This case study highlights the planning, execution and outcomes of this extensive solar installation project, showcasing the benefits of renewable energy in the retail sector.
