Grocers make the smallest profit margins of all industries. That’s why Stop & Shop, one of the largest supermarkets in the Northeast, has taken steps to go solar in eight of their stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The latest solar panel installation was recently completed in Boston last week. The combined solar power systems will generate an estimated total of 1.8 megawatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. This is about the same energy that 153 homes would consume.

Stop and Shop has made the decision to go solar as part of a larger plan for 365 stores in the Northeast to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent from a 2008 baseline by 2015. Their comprehensive energy approach includes reducing energy usage through different improvements, including incorporating new refrigerator cases and efficient lighting technology.

The most recent store to complete the solar panel installation is at 1100 Massachusetts Ave in Dorchester (Boston). Dorchester now joins Massachusetts stores in Dedham and Somerville, the Fairfield location in Connecticut, and four more locations in New Jersey, that are already flaunting solar on their roofs.

Stop & Shop says the solar panels will reduce overall electricity consumption of the stores by 8 percent. “Businesses are waking up to the benefits of solar power,” said Stop and Shop spokesperson Faith Weiner. “As one of the largest food retailers in the Northeast, we’re proud to incorporate solar panels into our building…”

It’s wonderful that local businesses are taking steps toward sustainability. It will not only save Stop & Shop money, but it will also build credibility and goodwill with the residents of these states.

For those looking to support a more sustainable business, here are the locations of the eight Stop & Shop stores that have installed solar power:

Massachusetts:

779 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA

160 Providence Highway, Dedham, MA

1100 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA

Connecticut:

760 Villa Avenue, Fairfield, CT

New Jersey:

3333 Route 27, Franklin Park, NJ

1129 Rte. 34, North Aberdeen, NJ

940 Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ

400 Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ