{"id":24308,"date":"2024-08-15T13:25:46","date_gmt":"2024-08-15T11:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/de\/?p=39564"},"modified":"2025-05-13T13:15:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T11:15:54","slug":"successful-thanks-to-overarching-collaboration-photovoltaic-systems-at-the-rewe-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/press-and-media\/newsroom\/stories\/successful-thanks-to-overarching-collaboration-photovoltaic-systems-at-the-rewe-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Successful thanks to overarching collaboration – Photovoltaic systems at the REWE Group"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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REWE Group is a green electricity pioneer in the German food retail sector. We have been supplying our stores exclusively with electricity from renewable sources since 2008. Solar power has great potential, as the roofs of our stores and warehouses offer plenty of space for photovoltaic systems (PV systems). Together with our central energy service provider EHA, we are installing hundreds of such systems on buildings in our group of companies – a major project.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In various federal states, solar roofs are mandatory for new commercial buildings. As REWE Group, we go beyond these requirements and also install a large number of PV systems on the roofs of existing properties. After initial trials in 2022, the solar power project quickly proved its worth in the 2023 field test: In the period from the launch in August 2023 to May 2024 alone, we installed a total of 52 PV systems on our stores, plus 7 systems on REWE Group logistics centres.<\/p>\n

The installations are prioritised on suitable roof areas at administrative locations, warehouses and REWE, PENNY and toom stores. In principle, all roofs are suitable, provided they fulfil certain structural criteria. This applies above all to the roof substructure, the roof structure and the roof statics. However, expansion strategy aspects also play an important role. If, for example, demolition, new construction or relocation of the site is planned in the short to medium term, the installation of a PV system does not make economic sense. The systems enable store operators to cover between 15 and 27 per cent of their annual electricity requirements themselves and at the same time make a contribution to climate protection. The green electricity generated is intended exclusively for the sites’ own supply, while the cost savings are shared out within the Group. This demonstrates the advantage of the co-operative structure: all locations benefit from solar power – not just those with PV systems on the roof.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Strong partners: REWE Group and EHA<\/h2>\n

Our subsidiary EHA, based in Hamburg, is a pioneer of the energy transition and a driver of innovation. EHA is our partner in all energy matters – including the supply of green electricity – and supports us in implementing our energy requirements.<\/p>\n

Together with EHA, we develop optimal and customised PV solutions for our buildings as a full-service provider. EHA has developed a standardised PV system concept for the implementation of the solar power project. The modular, expandable and scalable system is customised to each individual site.<\/p>\n

Behind the complex supply chain of the PV systems is a project team that manages the process hand in hand, from purchasing, transport and storage through to installation. The team consists of colleagues from the REWE Group (procurement and logistics), our own purchasing company in Asia REWE Far East, EHA with its PV team and the logistics service provider Stenkamp. Last but not least, a close exchange with REWE Energy Management is essential, as this is the interface to the store and essential preparations are made for the realisation of a PV system, such as the laying of cables and data cables on the roof.<\/p>\n

The speciality: REWE Group purchases almost all PV components directly from the manufacturers, in some cases also via REWE Far East, which is based in Hong Kong. REWE Group purchases around 95 per cent of all components required for a PV system centrally for EHA. As an energy service provider, EHA is responsible for the technical realisation of the projects and operates the systems. The gap between purchasing and technical realisation can also be closed internally. The support provided by our wholesalers guarantees a customised logistics solution from the supplier to the construction site. In this way, we ensure the availability of the required materials.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Many parties involved ensure that the supply chain runs smoothly.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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It all starts with the manufacturer selection<\/h2>\n

To this end, representatives from REWE Group and EHA meet with various manufacturers of PV systems. The options are then examined, evaluated and selected. Here, EHA benefits from the strengths of the REWE Group, explains Louis Noerenberg, Photovoltaics Project Manager at EHA:<\/p>\n

While we at EHA provide the technical expertise and the exact requirements for the product, REWE Group complements us with its purchasing expertise. The EHA\/REWE Group project team can distinguish itself in purchasing discussions with manufacturers in the solar market through high bundled purchase quantities and a professional supply chain. By directly securing annual quantities, we are very fast and cost-effective in the realisation of new builds for PV systems. In addition, REWE Group collects the components itself from the manufacturers ex works and stores them centrally for EHA – a luxury for the selling manufacturers.<\/q><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I look back with enthusiasm on the fantastic development of our photovoltaic project. From the initial idea to where we are today, we have achieved a lot together – thanks to the great motivation and fantastic cooperation of our teams. We can be proud of that.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n

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Jan-Oliver Heidrich, Managing Director of German energy company EHA Energie-Handels-Gesellschaft.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Jan-Oliver Heidrich, Managing Director of German energy company EHA Energie-Handels-Gesellschaft.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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One supply chain, many parties involved<\/h2>\n

REWE Group sources almost all of the components required for the installation of a PV system from Germany, other European countries and Asia. For example, the solar modules are procured directly from the manufacturer in Asia via REWE Group’s wholesale organisation. REWE Far East, headquartered in Hong Kong and headed by Daniel Wiest, Division Manager Investment & Consumable Goods, provides support in sourcing and processing. The purchased solar panels are shipped and stored in Germany after their arrival.<\/p>\n

The solar panels travel a long way from eastern China, the world’s largest production region, to Germany. Before being shipped by sea container, the panels are inspected on site at the factory. They are then shipped from Shanghai to Rotterdam, which takes around a month. In co-operation with the transport control system, the planned and ongoing goods inwards are tracked,<\/q> explains Daniel Wiest.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Arrived at destination: Storage at the import warehouse in Voerde<\/h2>\n

After being transported by ship, the containers with solar modules are transported by lorry to the central warehouse in Voerde on the Lower Rhine under the direction of our wholesale function, also known as our own business. They are stored there together with other PV components. The warehouse in Voerde, which opened in 2023, acts as an import warehouse for our own business. By utilising existing structures and processes, and in close cooperation with the service provider Stenkamp, the solar business could be seamlessly integrated here.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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