Sainsbury’s claims it has installed 100,000 solar panels – enough to cover 35 football pitches- in more than 200 of its stores across the UK.

They are expected to generate enough electricity to power almost 2,000 homes and help cut carbon emissions by around 9,785 tonnes every year.

During just one week of the current heat wave, the solar panels generated enough electricity to power 66 homes a year.

Sainsbury’s has also rolled-out ground source heat pumps at 12 stores and installed 74 biomass boilers since 2008.

During a visit to one of its stores, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker (pictured, left) said: “I’m delighted to be here at Sainsbury’s London Colney store to officially launch its new ground source heat pump and to hear more about how the company is using energy more wisely, cutting emissions and powering its stores with clean green energy… The Coalition is committed to helping businesses across the UK cut energy waste and become more energy efficient.”

The supermarket claims it has reduced electricity use by 9.1% over the past four years. In its 20×20 Sustainability Plan, Sainsbury’s has aimed to cut operational carbon emissions by 30% compared to 2005 levels