A family business in Labasa is now reaping the rewards of finding assistance through the Business Link Pacific (BLP Climate Category) Business Support Grant.
Naodamu Supermarket owner Satend Prasad, who serves around 300 customers and employs ten people, discovered the Support Grant through the BLP website.
The supermarket is taking major steps toward greater sustainability and energy independence with support from Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) and a $20,000 Business Support Grant from Business Link Pacific.
Business Assistance Fiji shared that before the grant the supermarket relied heavily on the grid for electricity, particularly for refrigeration and lighting, incurring significant costs.
BAF says the owner was motivated by the opportunity to cut energy costs and operate more sustainably, so he began the application process.
Despite the challenge of gathering paperwork and quotations, Prasad pushed through, determined to bring change to his business.
BAF says the grant was fully used to fund the installation and commissioning of a rooftop solar panel system and today, the system powers all of the supermarket’s lighting, chillers, and freezers, significantly lowering energy bills and enhancing the business’s resilience.
They say to manage the new system effectively, the supermarket uses a mobile app that tracks real-time solar production and energy consumption.
This allows the team to monitor daily savings, detect issues early, and optimise usage – all from a smartphone.
While the solar system has only been operational for a few weeks, the impact is already clear and Prasad is confident that the savings will allow the business to reinvest in stock, improve customer service, and offer greater financial security for staff.
Business Assistance Fiji says adding to the success story is Prasad’s son, who is actively involved in day-to-day operations and passionate about renewable energy and business management.
They say being tech-savvy and forward-thinking, he manages the solar app and proudly notes.
Prasad says at this rate, with the Labasa weather, they will be able to sell electricity back to Energy Fiji Limited (EFL).
He says going solar has not just cut costs, but it reduced the supermarket’s carbon footprint and strengthened customer loyalty.
He also says locals have praised the initiative, seeing it as a positive move for both the environment and the community.
Looking ahead, Naodamu Supermarket plans to invest in energy-efficient appliances and better waste management, continuing its journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Prasad says the grant has made a real difference for their business and community.
He adds they are very grateful for the support.
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