53 Lincolnshire Co-op sites have fitted solar panels in two years

Solar panels have been installed across 53 Lincolnshire Co-op sites in the last two years, as part of the retailer’s Environment Sustainability Strategy.

The co-operative launched its £2m solar panel investment programme in April 2024. Over the last six months, the installations have generated over 560k kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity - the equivalent of powering 225 average UK homes annually.

In addition, since the programme began, over 1.74m kilowatt hours (kWh) has been produced, reducing carbon emissions by over 220 tonnes, saving the equivalent of driving over 877k miles in the average petrol car.

A further 10 sites are scheduled for installation as part of the programme and are expected to produce 294k kWh a year, enough to power 117 average UK homes annually.

Solar panels can provide around 12% of a site’s electricity demand, Lincolnshire Co-op said. Once completed, all 62 of its sites are expected to generate over 1.8m kWh of renewable electricity a year, on top of its efforts with energy efficient CO2 refrigeration systems, insulated door curtains and fridge doors that use 27% less electricity on average.

Further eco features have been implemented within Lincolnshire Co-op food stores to help the Society achieve its sustainability goals.

In 2025, the business invested £8.5m and signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) to source 50% of its energy from the London Array wind turbine farms for 10 years. It also looks after local green spaces with the help of local volunteers and colleagues, by organising community clean-ups and gardening activities, and fundraises for environmental groups through its Community Champions scheme.

Nick Wood (above left), electrical and mechanical project manager, said: “The installation of solar panels across our sites marks a significant milestone in our wider ambition to become more environmentally responsible.

“We’re already seeing the positive impact of this investment, and it will play a crucial role into steering us towards a greener future and help us care for our local environment.”