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Kathmandu has opened its first solar and battery powered store at Blackburn in Victoria.

Kathmandu has been looking for an opportunity to introduce solar power to stores as part of its long-term commitment to sustainability.

Kathmandu project manager of store development Dean Smith said Blackburn proved to be the perfect site.

“The solar and battery powered system will allow us to operate 100 per cent off the grid and be self-sufficient.

"With a five year pay-back plan it will also lead to substantial cost savings and even allow power to be put back into the system."

Once complete, this solar-battery generator will provide 100% of the Blackburn site's needs at 92,000 kilowatt-hours, offset over 124 tonnes of Co2 emissions.

It will even provide full battery backup power in the event of grid failure or overcast days allowing the store to remain completely safe and operational.

Kathmandu intends to investigate the potential to introduce solar power to other large stand-alone stores, Smith said.

“While it won’t be possible for solar power to be rolled out across the entire store network because many stores are located in large shopping centres not suited to individual solar systems, we intend to assess which of our stores could be adapted for solar power in the future.

"Kathmandu has been using sustainable practices for over 30 years and they are integral to our operations.

"Being able to improve our environmental footprint is one of our key pillars."

A live feed of the stores solar activities will be displayed on a monitor within the store, allowing customers to view the power generation versus usage.

The new solar system has a full battery backup, and will cover the entire roof area of the building with the high-end storage batteries from German battery company Sonnel GmBh, and made in Australia at the former Holden plant in South Australia.

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