Big E Food Corporation, the Filipino company behind the well-known Lemon Square brand, has energized a 1.685 MWp solar rooftop system at its manufacturing facility in Bulacan, marking a major step toward cleaner and more cost-efficient food production.
The project was developed in partnership with Berde Renewables under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement using a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model. The arrangement allows Big E to adopt solar energy without upfront capital expenditure, while Berde handles financing, installation, and long-term operations of the system.
The early deployment is already delivering measurable operational benefits, particularly as Big E scales production to meet nationwide demand. With energy costs remaining a key pressure point for manufacturers, the shift to solar helps stabilize electricity expenses and reduce exposure to price volatility in the Philippine power market.
According to Berde Renewables Group CEO and Co-Founder Morris Zhou, the partnership demonstrates how local manufacturers can transition to clean energy while improving cost efficiency. He emphasized that the model enables companies to decarbonize operations without requiring upfront investment.
Beyond financial benefits, the installation also delivers significant environmental impact. The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,166 tons annually—equivalent to planting around 53,000 trees each year—supporting broader sustainability goals in the food manufacturing sector.
Big E Chairman and Founder Ernesto Vergel de Dios said the company’s adoption of solar energy reflects its long-term commitment to both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. He noted that sustainability has become an integral part of delivering everyday products to Filipino households.
Berde Renewables, backed by global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital, continues to expand its renewable energy footprint across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Thailand. The company currently has over 127 MW of signed projects and a growing development pipeline, positioning it as a key player in distributed solar adoption in Southeast Asia.
The Big E installation adds to a broader trend of Philippine manufacturers turning to behind-the-meter solar systems to manage rising energy costs while advancing decarbonization targets. As more companies adopt similar models, renewable energy is increasingly becoming a core operational strategy rather than a supplementary initiative.
