In one of Portugal’s hottest regions, an Intermarché supermarket has turned its rooftop into a high-performance solar plant, producing more power from the same space and cutting energy costs in record time.
Located in Beja, the store’s large daily electricity demand made rooftop solar a natural choice. Delivered by SEM IR, the 296,45 kWp system deploys AIKO’s high-efficiency N-Type ABC modules.
José Eduardo, SEM IR CEO, commented: “AIKO’s modules offer exceptional output, and because they produce their own photovoltaic cells, we have full confidence in the quality. The German-backed insurance provides an extra layer of security and the sleek, black-framed design integrates perfectly with the supermarket’s architecture.”
Compared with TOPCon modules, AIKO’s ABC technology allows +12,25 kWp more capacity on the same rooftop, or a 50,30 m² reduction in space for the same capacity.
The investment is expected to pay back in just 2,77 years, with a levelized cost of electricity of €0,01802/kWh — far below the €0,16/kWh grid cost. Partial shading optimization, valuable on rooftops with chimneys and ventilation ducts, further protects generation and strengthens returns.
Beja’s intense summer heat added another challenge. In conventional modules, a higher temperature coefficient means output drops more steeply as temperatures rise, reducing both daily yield and lifetime revenue. AIKO’s ABC modules have a lower temperature coefficient, maintaining higher performance during peak heat, while reduced annual degradation ensures stable generation over decades.
Mário Nunes, Manager of Intermarché Beja, added: “I recently installed the AIKO modules and I’m extremely pleased with my choice. The quality of the material is visible at first glance, and the aesthetic finish of the panels gives a modern and elegant look to the roof of my store. The energy efficiency is also remarkable and I’m producing more energy than I expected. Without a doubt, a premium solution worth the investment.”
