Aldi’s division vice president said Feb. 2 he did not have specific information to share about solar panel installation at two Jacksonville stores, but said the number will continue to grow.
“Driven by the ALDI commitment to minimizing our impact on the environment and reducing our operational carbon footprint, many solar projects are taking place in Florida and across the country,” said Matt Thon, based in Haines, in an emailed statement Feb. 2.
“In fact, ALDI has increased the number of stores and warehouses with rooftop solar systems by more than 45% since 2017, and this number will continue to grow as we expand our solar portfolio.”
Aldi is adding rooftop solar to at least two of its Jacksonville stores.
The city issued a permit Jan. 27 for the discount grocer to add a photovoltaic system to the roof of its store at 9445 Argyle Forest Blvd. in Southwest Jacksonville.
Design Electric Inc. of Naples is the contractor.
The city also is reviewing a permit to add rooftop solar to the store at 15324 Max Leggett Parkway in North Jacksonville.
Both permits list the project cost at $101,600.
Thon said that in Aldi’s recent EPA milestones announcement the grocer is committed to becoming a more sustainable business.
“Sourcing alternative energy solutions is just one avenue through which we are pursuing this commitment,” he said.
The corporate.aldi.us site says the company has been adding rooftop solar to its facilities nationwide.
Aldi said in October that as part of a $5 billion capital investment in new and remodeled stores across the U.S., it is increasing its renewable energy building elements, including preference for energy-saving LED lighting, energy-efficient refrigerated systems and rooftop solar systems on 12 warehouses and 108 stores “and counting.”
“Our renewable energy portfolio continues to remain an important piece of that strategy in making long-term improvements,” it said.