Shoprite Group Hits Renewable Milestone with 100th Solar Installation

Retail 22 January 2026

Eleven years after embarking on its renewable energy journey, the Shoprite Group has marked a significant operational milestone with the installation of its 100th solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The project, completed at the retailer’s Morula branch in Mabopane, cements the Group's status as holding one of the largest private solar portfolios in South Africa.

Currently, rooftop solar systems are estimated to generate enough clean electricity to power nearly 12,300 households annually.

“In 2015, we made a long-term commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and play an active role in addressing South Africa’s energy challenges,” says Sanjeev Raghubir, chief sustainability officer at the group.

“The installation of our 100th solar PV system reflects the significant progress we’ve made in recent years.

“Our accelerated efforts to meet science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy are crucial steps on the path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

In the 2025 financial year, the Group exceeded its internal targets, increasing its reliance on renewable energy to 7.2% of total consumption—up from 6.5% the previous year. This shift saw the retailer utilise 151,243 MWh of green energy, effectively removing 137,026 tCO?e from its carbon footprint.

The retailer’s sustainability efforts extended beyond its buildings and onto the road. By equipping 1,397 refrigerated trailers with solar panels, the Group saves an average of 3.2 litres of diesel per trailer daily, cutting a further 6,000 tCO?e from its logistical emissions.

In 2024, the group became one of the first companies to wheel renewable electricity through the City of Cape Town’s grid.

It is currently wheeling electricity to eleven sites, including its home office in Brackenfell, and is actively seeking further wheeling partners.

Supplied by: The Shoprite Group.

Guzzle Media