![\"Woolworths](\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/solar-woolworths.jpg\")
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While Woolworths’ wind power PPA hogged the limelight recently, the company’s solar power rollout is also continuing.<\/p>\n
A few of the recent installations to be finalised at Woolies’ supermarkets include:<\/p>\n
Estimates from Woolworths Group regarding how many of its locations have solar panels installed vary – I’ve seen figures ranging from more than 130 to more than 150. The company recently noted it had 85,000 solar panels in place generating 37 GWh of electricity each year.<\/p>\n
There’s more to come – and not just on the rooftops of supermarkets.<\/p>\n
The company’s new Moorebank National Distribution Centre<\/a> in Western Sydney will have around 9,500 solar panels installed, generating 5,550 MWh of energy each year. That’s equivalent to more than 1,000 Australian households’ annual electricity consumption.<\/p>\n A proposed automated fulfilment centre in Auburn, New South Wales is to also have PV panels (quantity\/capacity unknown), assuming the project passes muster with the NSW Department of Planning.<\/p>\n Solar power isn’t the only renewable energy technology the company is utilising.<\/p>\n Early this month, Woolworths Group entered into its first renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with CWP Renewables involving CWP’s Bango Wind Farm<\/a>, situated 30 kilometres north of Yass in New South Wales.<\/p>\n CWP says the Bango project, which is currently under construction, will be the third largest wind farm in the state. The 10-year deal will cover enough electricity to power 108 supermarkets – or around 30% of Woolworths Group\u2019s NSW electricity needs.<\/p>\n Woolworths Group has a goal of reaching 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025 and to be net carbon positive by 2050; meaning taking more carbon out of the atmosphere than its operations emit.<\/p>\n The renewable electricity target is really significant when you consider Woolworths Group consumes around one per cent of Australia\u2019s electricity<\/a>. Given the myriad ways electricity is utilised in Australia, it’s mind-boggling that one company – as big as Woolworths Group is – consumes so much.<\/p>\n Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci recently stated<\/a>:<\/p>\n “I am constantly reminded of how important shopping more sustainably is becoming, with 70% of customers telling us that taking care of the planet is important to them, and this inspires us to lift our aspirations.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The tree-hugging warm and fuzzies aside, commercial solar<\/a> simply makes good financial sense for businesses large and small that have suitable rooftops, with simple payback achievable in just a couple of years in some scenarios. It’s a particularly good time for businesses to consider PV, with temporary full expensing<\/a> set to come into play – but business owners should consult a tax professional before signing on the dotted line for a system.<\/p>\nWoolworths’ First Renewables PPA<\/h2>\n
Solar Energy A No-Brainer For Business<\/h2>\n