The renewable energy facilities, located at South Supermarket branches in Malolos, Bulacan, and Los Baños, Laguna, became operational in late May 2026 after about a year of construction. The project marks the first solar carports that First Gen built from the ground up.
The installations feature more than 1,600 photovoltaic (PV) panels with a combined capacity of 1 megawatt-peak (MWp), generating clean electricity for the supermarkets during operating hours.
Cost savings
First Gen said the projects have already begun delivering savings on electricity consumption, particularly during daytime peak solar generation, when customer traffic and energy demand are highest.
"We are pleased to note that our solar installations in the South Supermarket branches have been yielding cost savings, helping rationalize their operating budgets, and making their operations more environmentally sustainable for the communities they serve. We are committed to supporting Grand Union in rolling out energy solutions across the rest of their supermarket chain," First Gen Energy Solutions Inc. vice president for solar and commercial business development Mark Malabanan said in a statement.
South Supermarket's management said the lower electricity costs would allow the retailer to improve its operating efficiency, offer customers better deals and enhance the overall shopping experience.
Green impact
Beyond financial savings, the solar facilities are expected to prevent an estimated 527 tons of carbon emissions from electricity use each year. First Gen said this is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed annually by more than 24,200 trees.
Grand Union, a family-owned supermarket company established in 1967, operates 13 South Supermarket branches nationwide and markets itself as the "home of good food," offering fresh produce, groceries and household essentials.
First Gen, the country's largest renewable energy producer, operates 31 facilities powered by solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
