The role of solar energy is growing in retail – more SPAR stores now powered by solar panels

The role of renewable energy sources in the retail sector is expanding rapidly: major chains are striving to reduce their carbon footprint through energy efficiency investments and locally generated green electricity. Responding to the growing demand for renewable energy, SPAR Hungary is further expanding its solar panel systems, providing modern, environmentally friendly energy for its stores in Nyíregyháza and Székesfehérvár. SPAR was among the first in the Hungarian retail sector to implement solar developments, and the programme continues to expand.

The latest installations were completed in the first half of 2025 at the supermarket on Tiszavasvári Road in Nyíregyháza and the store on Palotai Road in Székesfehérvár. At both sites, 50 kW systems have been put into operation, capable of generating tens of thousands of kilowatt hours of electricity annually. As a result, at least 15% of the electricity consumption of the affected stores will now be covered by renewable energy.

“Making our energy use more efficient and increasing our reliance on renewable sources is extremely important for SPAR. In 2024, SPAR Hungary used a total of 912 GJ, or 253,256 kWh of renewable electricity, all generated by the solar panel systems installed on the roofs of our own stores. With every new investment, we aim to ensure that solar panels meet the store’s electricity needs as effectively as possible, thereby supporting our commitment to energy-conscious operations” said Márk Maczelka head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

SPAR launched its solar panel programme in Szeged in 2020, followed by installations in Pécs and Dorog in 2022, Göd in 2023, and Dunaföldvár as well as the Pécs INTERSPAR hypermarket in 2024. The largest development so far has taken place at the INTERSPAR in Pécs, where the system, combined with an energy storage unit, can save one month’s worth of electricity consumption for the store. Thanks to projects to date, the company’s annual renewable energy production exceeded 253,000 kWh in 2024 – equivalent to the annual consumption of 80 average family homes.

With the newly launched systems in Nyíregyháza and Székesfehérvár, SPAR is further reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that the shops of the future are not only modern retail spaces but also environmentally responsible units generating their own energy. With each new investment and renovation, the company examines the potential for applying solar solutions, and further installations are planned in the coming years.