Bunnings

Since 2013, Smart Commercial Solar have been working with Bunnings to achieve their sustainability goals. Over 9 separate tendering events Smart has always won as the preferred supplier, installing on 73 of their 320 stores in Australia.

The retail chain has set a target of becoming 30% renewable powered by 2030. The solar installations have put them on the path to overachieve their target, with some stores generating 50% of their energy needs with their rooftop solar system.

Over the course of 9 tendering stages, Bunning’s has adopted larger system sizes and opted to cover more of their roof. The standard system size has grown from 100kW in 2013, up to 300kW in 2019. This includes a 700kWp solar install at the Caringbah store in Sydney and a notable 430kW install at Bunnings Alice Springs with a 600kWh battery.

Bunnings Alice Springs was an early installation with 100kW on the roof, this was later expanded up to 430kW with the additional battery capacity to generate 80% of the store's energy.

This is an important signal to the market as it proves a large scale battery can work for a commercial store of this magnitude.

Smart has worked closely with Bunnings to develop the right solution that correctly enhances each store. The long-term working relationship has led to innovations and optimisations in process, product selection and delivery. Each store has been fitted with a TV presenting live solar data, this was a challenge overcome by Smart’s Service Team and has become an important message for Bunnings Warehouse customer experience.