Arko Corp. plans to install solar panels on top of the canopies and store rooftops of at least 300 of its convenience stores, the parent company of convenience-store retailer GPM Investments told CSP Daily News Tuesday.
The c-store operator announced Monday that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with solar-technology provider Apollo Power. Under the MOU, GPM will review using Apollo Power’s flexible solar technology across its stores. Both sides expect to finalize the agreement within 60 days, GPM said in a statement.
During the review period, Apollo Power has been granted exclusivity for developing solar projects at designated sites, GPM said.
The planned solar rollout would be a turnkey effort—including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services as well as design, installation and grid connection—with an estimated total value of about $53 million over the next few years, GPM said. Apollo Power will manufacture the solar panels and handle the installations, the c-store retailer told CSP Daily News.
GPM said it aims to lower energy costs across its convenience-store portfolio.
“Apollo Power’s technology gives us an opportunity to reduce electricity expenses at many of our locations and enhance the overall performance of our assets,” Arie Kotler, Arko president and CEO, said. “This collaboration is about making our properties stronger, more efficient and better positioned for the future.”
Oded Rozenberg, CEO of Israel-based Apollo Power, said the partnership highlights the company’s “unique technological advantage—the ability to generate solar energy even from rooftops that cannot support traditional panels.”
- GPM Investments is No. 7 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
GPM Investments is a wholly owned subsidiary of Richmond, Virginia-based Arko Corp. It has more than 1,500 stores under more than 25 regional store brands, including fas mart, Li’l Cricket and Scotchman.
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