The connected photovoltaic rooftop systems will allow Metro to generate its own electricity from renewable energy sources, helping to curb 12,000 tons of CO2 per year.
E.ON will first install the photovoltaic rooftop systems at Metro locations in Mannheim and Gundelfingen near Freiburg, in addition to Regensburg, Nuremberg-Buch and Nuremberg-Eibach.
These systems will help Metro to produce around 20GWh of electricity per year, allowing the company to stabilize its energy costs.
E.ON remote control center in Hamburg will monitor Metro-operated plants. The systems hold a rated output of up to 749kWp.
Since 2013, Metro and E.ON are implementing various decentralized energy supply projects in Germany and Russia.
Metro is already implementing energy-saving measures in its stores ranging from lighting controlled by motion detectors to the installation of refrigerated rack doors to minimise cooling losses.
The photovoltaic initiative is also in line with the climate target of Metro. In 2011, the group had set a target of reducing its CO2 emissions by a total of 50% by 2030.
Metro Deutschland CEO Thomas Storck said: “With the construction of photovoltaic systems in our stores, we are setting a new milestone in our commitment to the use of new energies and to protect the climate.”
E.ON Connecting Energies CEO Bernd Schumacher said: “E.ON can contribute its know-how in such a way that the best possible result is achieved for customers and the climate.”
Image: The photovoltaic rooftop systems will allow to generate its own electricity from renewable energy sources. Photo: courtesy of E.ON SE.
