Shoprite Group Reaches 100th Solar PV Installation In South Africa, Powers 12,300 Households Annually

The Shoprite Group has reached a major sustainability milestone after completing its 100th solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, a decade after launching its first solar project in 2015. The achievement highlights the retailer’s long-term focus on cutting carbon emissions and improving energy resilience at a time when South Africa continues to face ongoing electricity supply challenges.

With a total installed solar capacity of more than 43,300 kilowatt-peak (kWp), Shoprite now has one of the largest solar portfolios among South African private companies. The retailer said its rooftop solar systems are already generating enough clean electricity each year to power nearly 12,300 households, reflecting the growing role of onsite renewable energy in supporting business operations.

Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group, said the company made a long-term commitment in 2015 to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to solving the country’s energy challenges. He noted that the installation of the 100th solar PV system shows how far the Group has progressed in recent years. According to Raghubir, Shoprite’s accelerated work to meet science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy use is an important step toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Shoprite also reported a steady increase in the share of renewable electricity used across its operations. In the 2025 financial year, renewable sources accounted for 7.2% of the Group’s total electricity consumption. This was higher than the 6.5% recorded in the 2024 financial year and also exceeded the company’s internal target. During the same period, the retailer consumed 151,243 MWh of renewable energy, which helped reduce carbon emissions by 137,026 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Beyond solar power on buildings, the Group has introduced renewable energy solutions in its logistics operations. Shoprite confirmed that 1,397 refrigerated trailers in its fleet have been fitted with solar panels. The retailer said this initiative saves around 3.2 litres of diesel per trailer per day, while reducing emissions by a further 6,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The move supports the company’s efforts to improve efficiency and lower fuel-related emissions in its transport network.

The retailer is also expanding its renewable energy strategy through wheeling projects, where electricity is bought and sold between private parties using the existing transmission grid. Shoprite said it became one of the first companies to wheel renewable electricity through the City of Cape Town’s grid in 2024. It is currently wheeling electricity to eleven sites, including its Home Office in Brackenfell, and is looking for more partners to grow the initiative.

Raghubir said the company’s focus remains on scaling solar installations and increasing wheeling arrangements across supermarkets and distribution centres. He added that Shoprite will continue engaging landlords and partners to unlock more clean energy access, especially in malls where the Group does not own the rooftops. Shoprite said these interventions are helping reduce electricity costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen business resilience.