Co-op is set to install solar panels on up to 700 sites across its food, funeral care and logistics portfolio to bolster its personal green energy supply.

The installation is set to take place across the entire country over the next three years, as the convenience retailer aims to deliver 30,000 MWh generation of solar energy, equivalent to 12,500 homes, through the introduction of up to 76,000 solar panels.

Over the next 12 months, Co-op’s property and procurement teams will work with its development partner Zestec Renewable Energy in identifying suitable sites to receive the solar panels.

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The plans are designed to alleviate pressure on the wider national grid infrastructure and further the mutual’s commitment to become Net Zero across its own operations by 2035.

Co-op group property and sustainability director Heather Thomas said: “Our investment in onsite power generation across our estate is part of Co-op’s commitment to playing its role in the transition to Net Zero.

“This project, alongside increasing our investment in corporate power purchase agreements, is crucial to guaranteeing that the energy we use in our operations is renewable and traceable.”

Earlier this year, Co-op boosted its renewable energy usage with a new 15-year deal to power the equivalent of 55 food stores as it “accelerates its path towards decarbonisation”.