Solar energy provides a clean, renewable, and abundant energy source that reduces the carbon footprint, lowers costs, and promotes energy independence and sustainability. Solnet Group is a rapidly growing company focused on advancing the adoption of solar energy through innovative technological solutions.
Wereldhave is a real estate investment company based in the Netherlands. Founded in 1930, the company owns and manages a number of Full Service Centers at various locations in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. These centers are a one-stop location catering to a variety of people’s daily needs, such as shopping, healthcare, sports, entertainment and leisure. Wereldhave has partnered with Solnet, a solar energy solutions provider, to enhance the centers’ sustainability, energy efficiency, and value.
Kim de Munnik, Operations Director at Wereldhave, explains that the company’s collaboration with Solnet Group began in 2022, when Wereldhave sought a partner with expertise in solar panels and the means to implement them.
"They have done several things for us since then, but they mainly help us with the design of the panel project, the tendering, the financial business case, and also the actual implementation of the solar panels."
Competence every step of the way
The partnership started from the Sterrenburg Full Service Center located in Dordrecht in the Netherlands. According to de Munnik, Solnet has installed around 400 solar panels at Sterrenburg. She says that the collaboration is set to continue.
"We are now working towards the implementation of two solar panel projects this year. The fact that we are working on two new projects after the first one in Dordrecht shows that we are very satisfied with the collaboration and how they act as a partner for us."
De Munnik points to Solnet Group’s extensive expertise in solar power technology as a key benefit to Wereldhave. On the other hand, equally important are Solnet’s quick adaptability to changing circumstances and the ability to actually implement their solutions in practice. They are able to successfully navigate any challenges in bringing the technology to Wereldhave’s properties.
"I would definitely recommend a collaboration with Solnet Group. Installing solar panels sometimes seems simple, but there is quite a bit of complexity to this subject when we talk about maintenance, construction, design, subsidies, permits, etc. They are a partner with expertise in all these areas", de Munnik notes.
The compelling case for solar energy
Today, the need to switch to renewable energy is widely recognized, driven by a growing awareness of its benefits and the environmental impact of non-renewable energy sources. For real estate properties specifically, transitioning to solar energy yields far-reaching gains that significantly outweigh the initial investment. They include improved energy independence, increased property value, and positive implications on sustainability. Furthermore, adopting solar energy sets an example and helps pave the way for more eco-friendly property management overall.
For Wereldhave, solar energy has been a marked success thus far. With the two new projects and beyond, the company is poised to further extend its cooperation with Solnet Group.
"I would like to advise every building owner to start working with solar energy. Every building owner who cares about this planet can no longer ignore it", de Munnik concludes.
