Beating the Heat: How Intermarché Beja Maximized Solar Output in Portugal’s Sunniest Region
September 24th, 2025
In one of Portugal’s hottest regions, a 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.
High Efficiency in Limited Space
Located in sun-drenched Beja, the store’s large daily electricity demand made rooftop solar a natural choice. Delivered by SEM IR, Lda, the 296,45 kWp system uses AIKO’s high-efficiency N-Type ABC modules.
“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,” says José Eduardo, CEO of SEM IR, Lda.
Compared with TOPCon modules, AIKO’s ABC technology allowed +12,25 kWp more capacity on the same rooftop, or a 50,30 m² reduction in space for the same capacity. Over 30 years, this translates into:
• +43,1 MWh first-year generation (515,8 MWh vs 472,7 MWh)
• +1.323,4 MWh lifetime generation (14.309 MWh vs 12.985,6 MWh)
• +€169.395 lifetime savings (€1.831.539 vs €1.662.144)
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, ventilation ducts, or similar structures — further protects generation and strengthens returns.
Performance That Withstands Extreme Heat
Beja’s intense summer heat adds 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.
“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. What’s more, the energy efficiency is remarkable — I’m producing more energy than I expected. Without a doubt, a premium solution worth the investment,” says Mário Nunes, Manager of Intermarché Beja.
By generating a significant share of its electricity on-site, Intermarché’s Beja store reduces dependence on grid power, shields itself from price volatility, and lowers operating costs — showing how AIKO’s technology can help retailers in high-sun regions combine sustainability with solid financial returns, contributing to a zero-carbon future.
