Two Laois supermarkets have begun generating electricity

Aldi stores in Portarlington and Portlaoise are now generating electricity as part of a €5 million green energy plan by the retailer.

The stores were among the first tranche of 22 ALDI stores nationwide to be retrofitted with solar panels in 2025. A further 22 Aldi stores will be retrofitted in 2026 as part of a €5 million investment. 

It took place thanks to a new two-year partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland, Aldi is rolling out a nationwide solar retrofit programme across Aldi stores nationwide.The Portlaoise and Portarlington stores underwent a major solar panel retrofit which was completed on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Once installed, each solar panel system will comprise of 288 solar panels and is expected to generate an average of 100,000 kWh annually; the equivalent of powering a washing machine for over 1,000 cycles, which covers approximately 30% of each store’s electricity consumption.

The initiative helps the business to safeguard its energy supply, reduce its dependency on the national grid and manage external price pressures—which is all part of Aldi’s commitments to operate and grow sustainably, while delivering innovations and efficiencies that drive low prices for Laois customers.

Aldi’s partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland is a strong example of how strategic investments in renewables can benefit both the bottom line and the environment. The growth will allow Greenvolt Next Ireland to bring on new contractors to support Aldi’s rollout nationwide.

This investment is projected to double Greenvolt Next’s retail PV sector output in 2025, positioning the company for further growth across Ireland and strengthening its position as a leading renewable energy supplier.

Greenvolt Next, supported by Greenvolt Group, provides businesses with decentralised renewable energy solutions, including solar and electric mobility, among many others.

Sustainability Manager at Aldi Ireland,  Rachel Nugent said: “we are committed to continually investing in green solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. We’re excited to launch this solar retrofit programme, beginning with 22 stores in 2025 and continuing with even more in 2026.”

CEO at Greenvolt Next Ireland, Owen Power, said: “Major retailers like Aldi have a quick and easy route to adopting renewable energy. With their large flat roof spaces, installing solar panels is straightforward, doesn’t interfere with daily operations, and requires low maintenance. It is fantastic that Aldi is seizing the benefits of solar to meet its climate goals, as well as reduce energy costs and reliance on the grid.”