Big E Food Corp., the company behind the Lemon Square line of baked goods, has energized a 1.685-megawatt-peak rooftop solar installation at its Bulacan production plant, signaling a deeper push into renewable energy as manufacturers grapple with rising power costs.
The system was developed with Berde Renewables under a 25-year power purchase agreement structured on a build-own-operate-transfer model. The setup allows Big E to adopt solar power without upfront capital, with Berde financing, installing, and operating the facility while supplying electricity at more predictable rates.
Energy remains a major expense for food manufacturers expanding output to meet nationwide demand. By shifting part of its energy load to solar, Big E aims to shield operations from price swings in the grid while improving long-term cost efficiency.
“Partnering with a heritage Filipino brand shows how manufacturers can decarbonize while managing costs without initial investment,” said Berde Renewables Group CEO Morris Zhou.
Beyond cost savings, the project underscores Big E’s transition from a traditional bakery into a more sustainability-focused food producer. The rooftop system is expected to cut carbon emissions by about 1,166 tons annually—roughly equivalent to planting 53,000 trees each year—linking operational efficiency with environmental gains.
Founder and chairman Ernesto S. Vergel de Dios said the move supports both affordability and responsibility goals. “We continue to deliver products Filipinos love while reducing energy costs and advancing sustainable operations,” he said.
The project forms part of Berde Renewables’ broader expansion of distributed solar solutions across the Philippines, targeting industrial clients seeking cleaner, more resilient energy sources amid ongoing market volatility.
