As we step forward into the supremacy of supermarkets, mega marts, retail chains and large-scale cold storages, the prime concern is how to bear the immense current load and simultaneously power the rising tide of such gigantic commercial units.
For these conglomerates, energy consumption is a significant expense – a supermarket can spend up to $200,000 per year on electricity bills. This is where rooftop solar solutions intervene to steer clear of unnecessary expenses, power these buildings with uninterrupted power supply, and sustain their operation load for years to come.
Government incentives, falling solar panel costs, and innovative financing options make the switch easier. Let us take you through the evolving landscape of retail chain power supply as this blog sheds light on how solar energy adoption is the proven way to reduce power consumption, minimise carbon footprints and ensure a stable power supply during peak hours.
Find out in the following paragraphs how solar power drives profitability and sustainability.
The Business Case: Cost Savings and ROI for Retail Chains
As India’s retail sector grows, large, medium, and small retail chain owners are shifting gears to solar energy to power their operations. With the Indian government’s ambitious renewable energy targets and declining solar tariffs, retail chains are increasingly adopting rooftop solar solutions power to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
For instance, Future Group, one of India’s largest retail chains, has installed solar panels at its logistics hubs and retail stores, significantly reducing energy costs. Similarly, Reliance Retail has set up solar-powered retail stores nationwide, showcasing its sustainability commitment. Even smaller retail chains, like More Retail and HyperCity, are embracing solar power to reduce their energy bills and contribute to a cleaner environment.
This move reduces electricity expenses and aligns with global sustainability trends.
Cold Storage and Solar: Tackling Energy Demands with Solar
Our country’s cold storage industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for perishable goods and government initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses.
Despite over 8,200 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity exceeding 37 million metric tons, there remains a capacity shortfall of more than 10 million metric tons to serve the market adequately.
This expansion brings significant energy challenges, as cold storage operations are energy-intensive, leading to high operational costs. To address these challenges, the Indian government has issued guidelines for solar-powered cold storage systems with thermal energy backup to accelerate adoption, contribute to food security, improve farmer incomes, and reduce carbon footprint.
With solar tariffs at an all-time low, Indian cold storage chains like ColdEX, Snowman Logistics, and Gubba Cold Storage are already exploring solar-powered solutions, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
Future-Proofing Supermarkets: How Solar Energy Enhances Sustainability Goals
Integrating rooftop solar solutions in commercial buildings is a strategic move toward long-term sustainability and cost efficiency. In our country of surging energy demands, malls and markets consume a dreadful amount of electricity daily. Hence, a steady source of power generation will help combat the energy crisis and intermittent power cuts.
Solar-powered refrigeration and lighting ensure uninterrupted operations, even during power outages, enhancing energy resilience. By generating their electricity, these buildings can reduce diesel consumption for generators. Resulting in cost savings, stoppage of greenhouse emissions and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Nimbus Solar Solutions: Navigating the Twists and Turns of Commercial Adoption of Rooftop Solar Solutions
We have witnessed the transformative power of rooftop solar solutions for commercial establishments. As we navigate the twists and turns of this rapidly evolving industry, we’re committed to helping malls, supermarkets, and cold storage chains harness the benefits of solar energy.
