amazon solar panels not web size

Source: P2 Photography

Amazon said the solar systems would generate equivalent electricity to that needed to power 4,500 homes

Amazon is to install solar panels on its distribution centres across the UK in a move it says will save 6,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The rooftop panels will be deployed on 10 DCs over the coming 18 months, subject to planning and landlord approval.

Amazon said the solar systems, funded by Macquarie Principal Finance, would generate equivalent electricity to that needed to power 4,500 homes, with a capacity of 20 megawatts.

The move is part of Amazon’s commitment announced last year to deploy solar systems on 50 DCs globally by 2020, the online retailer said.

The company is also to install batteries at some DCs to manage energy use in co-ordination with the National Grid, charging at times of low demand and powering facilities at times of high demand.

The announcement coincides with GB Green Week, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of how businesses and the public can contribute to tackling climate change, and showcasing achievements.

“As our fulfilment network continues to expand, we want to help generate more renewable energy at both existing and new facilities around the world in partnership with community and business leaders,” said Stefano Perego, operations director for Amazon UK.

“We are putting our scale and inventive culture to work on sustainability, which is good for the environment, our business, our customers, and the communities in which we operate. By diversifying our energy portfolio, we can keep business costs low and pass along further savings to customers.”

Claire Perry, minister for energy and clean growth, said: “Ten years on from the Climate Change Act, the first-ever Green GB week is a time to build on our successes and explain the huge opportunities for business and young people of a cleaner economy.

“I’m delighted to see how many more businesses and organisations such as Amazon are seizing this multibillion-pound opportunity to energise their communities to tackle the very serious threat of climate change.”