LIDL
A leader in the retail sector scaling solar across Ireland
THE COMPANY
Lidl,
a leader in the retail sector
Lidl is one of Europe’s largest retail chains, operating over 12,000 stores worldwide with a strong presence in Ireland and the UK. Known for its commitment to value and quality, Lidl has also emerged as a frontrunner in embedding sustainability into its core operations.
In recent years, Lidl has set ambitious climate goals to reduce its carbon footprint and lead the way in sustainable retail. Central to this strategy is the adoption of renewable energy solutions across its stores. Recognising the importance of aligning environmental responsibility with cost efficiency, Lidl partnered with Greenvolt Next Ireland (formerly Enerpower) in 2017 to develop and execute an innovative solar powered retail transformation programme.
This collaboration has transformed Lidl’s rooftops into green energy powerhouses, contributing directly to the company’s renewable energy targets and advancing its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
THE PROJECT
Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems Across Lidl Stores
Since the beginning of the partnership, over 100 Lidl stores across Ireland have been fitted with rooftop solar PV systems, each with a capacity of either 188 kWp or 210 kWp. Collectively, these installations amount to more than 20 MWp of renewable energy capacity, making it one of the largest distributed solar programmes in the Irish retail sector.
Key numbers that
speak for themselves
+
100
stores powered with Solar PV
+20
MWp
Installed Capacity
188-210
kWp
per system
10,000
tons
CO2 avoided annualy (estimated)
THE CHALLENGE
Scaling Solar Across a National Retail Footprint
Rolling out solar across such a wide network of stores presented unique challenges:
Logistics & Standardisation – ensuring systems were consistent across diverse building designs.
Business Continuity – installations had to be carried out without disrupting daily store operations.
Grid Connection & Permitting – navigating requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Despite these challenges, Lidl and Greenvolt Next delivered a seamless rollout, demonstrating that a solar-powered retail transformation can be achieved at scale.
SOLUTIONS
A tailored solution to meet Lidl’s needs
Technical Solutions
Deployment of rooftop solar PV systems on over 100 Lidl stores.
Standardised system sizes of 188 kWp and 210 kWp to streamline design and installation.
Integration with Lidl’s energy management systems to optimise renewable usage on-site.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
To ensure Lidl’s solar-powered retail transformation delivers long-term value, Greenvolt Next provides comprehensive O&M services:
Continuous system performance monitoring
Panel cleaning programmes
Thermographic inspections
Replacement of components as required
THE RESULTS
Delivering measurable ESG impact across Ireland
The Lidl–Greenvolt Next partnership has already generated millions of kWh of green electricity across the store network. Each rooftop system contributes directly to Lidl’s renewable energy strategy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering operational emissions.
10,000
tons
CO2 avoided annually
+20
MWp
renewable energy capacity installed
+100
stores benefiting from green electricity
This initiative is more than just an energy project, it is a solar-powered retail transformation that positions Lidl as a leader in sustainable retailing, setting an example for other multinational companies
LOOKING AHEAD
Ireland’s First Lidl Carbon-Neutral Store in Mynooth, co Kildare
Building on the success of rooftop rollouts, Lidl and Greenvolt Next are now collaborating on a groundbreaking project: Lidl’s first carbon-neutral store in Ireland.
The site will feature a hybrid renewable solution, 575KW, combining:
Rooftop solar PV
Three Solar carport systems
Battery energy storage 200kwh for optimised use of on-site generation
This integrated design ensures maximum self-consumption of renewable energy and will serve as a blueprint for the future of sustainable retail across the country. It represents the next phase in a solar-powered retail transformation, demonstrating how Lidl is not only reducing emissions today but also future-proofing its operations for tomorrow.
”This partnership with Lidl is a perfect example of how large-scale retailers can lead the way in sustainability. By turning over 100 store rooftops into clean energy generators, we’ve delivered a solar-powered retail transformation that reduces emissions, supports Lidl’s ambitious ESG goals, and shows what can be achieved when business and sustainability go hand in hand.
Owen PowerCEO Greenvolt Next Ireland and UK
