Thomas Lyons 
PepsiCo Completes Ireland’s Largest Rooftop Solar Panel Installation
PepsiCo has recently announced the completion of the country’s largest rooftop solar panel installation at its facility in Carrigaline, Cork. The installation is made up of over 4,500 individual solar panels and will provide 25% of the electricity required by the site over the course of a year. During the summer months, the solar panels will have the capacity to provide 100% of the site’s electricity needs. The project began last year and was completed in April 2023.
The development coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Carrigaline facility opening, nearly 50 years after PepsiCo’s Little Island facility opened in 1974. The facility in Carrigaline employs more than 300 people. The unveiling of the solar panel project took place on Friday, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin in attendance. He commended PepsiCo for leading by example in relation to climate change and acknowledged the company’s commitment to investing significantly in its Irish operations, supporting high-quality manufacturing and jobs.
This installation is part of PepsiCo’s global sustainability agenda, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The company has also committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity in its operations globally by 2030. The Carrigaline installation is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
The solar panel installation is not only environmentally friendly but also financially beneficial for PepsiCo. The company will save approximately €40,000 per year on electricity costs. The installation will also help to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint by 400 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to taking 85 cars off the road.
PepsiCo’s initiative is part of a broader trend towards sustainable energy in Ireland. The Irish government has set a target of generating 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Solar energy is a key component of this target, with the government offering incentives for businesses and homeowners to invest in solar panels.
The installation of solar panels on the roofs of commercial and industrial buildings is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland. It not only helps to reduce energy costs but also contributes to the country’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar panels on the roofs of commercial and industrial buildings is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland. It not only helps to reduce energy costs but also contributes to the country’s renewable energy targets.
In conclusion, PepsiCo’s installation of the largest rooftop solar panel in Ireland is a significant step towards achieving the company’s sustainability goals. It not only benefits the environment but also provides financial benefits for the company. This initiative is part of a broader trend towards sustainable energy in Ireland, with the government setting ambitious targets for renewable energy generation. PepsiCo’s investment in solar energy is a positive example for other companies to follow in the transition towards a more sustainable future.
