SolarBK partners with Vincom Retail in developing an energy management strategy for shopping mall systems

As energy costs shift from a fixed expense to a strategic variable in retail operations, shopping malls are being forced to rethink how they consume electricity. Rather than focusing solely on energy savings, Vincom Retail has adopted a system-wide energy management approach.

 Partnering with SolarBK, the deployment of rooftop solar systems across 50 shopping malls nationwide not only optimizes operating costs but also lays the foundation for a long-term sustainable retail model.

The Energy Challenge of Modern Shopping Malls

Modern shopping malls are more than retail spaces. They are complex ecosystems operating continuously, with lighting, air conditioning, elevators, cinemas, food courts, and entertainment activities running from morning until night.

Due to their scale and high utilization density, electricity has become one of the most critical operating costs. Energy consumption directly affects financial performance, operational stability, customer experience, and a brand’s sustainability image.

For a large system like Vincom Retail, the challenge lies not in individual buildings but in managing energy across the entire portfolio
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From Energy Saving to System-Wide Energy Management

As early as 2019, Vincom Retail began approaching energy as a long-term strategic issue. Instead of focusing on isolated efficiency measures, the company adopted a holistic energy management mindset.

Green building criteria were standardized from the design stage. Operational controls were tightened to reduce unnecessary consumption. Most importantly, renewable energy was integrated as part of core operational infrastructure rather than a supplementary solution.

Within this strategy, SolarBK plays a critical role as the technology and implementation partner, supporting Vincom Retail in embedding rooftop solar into its operational backbone. Rooftop Solar Deployment by Regional Logic

Since 2019, Vincom Retail and SolarBK have deployed rooftop solar systems across 50 shopping malls nationwide. The rollout was tailored to regional characteristics to maximize effectiveness.

In Northern Vietnam, where summer peak demand places heavy pressure on the grid, shopping malls such as Vincom Tĩnh Gia, Việt Trì, Hạ Long, Hải Phòng, Thái Bình, and Uông Bí were equipped with rooftop solar systems ranging from over 100 kWp to nearly 400 kWp. These systems help reduce dependence on grid electricity during peak hours and stabilize operations during heatwaves.

In Central Vietnam, where solar irradiation is particularly favorable, malls such as Vincom Đà Nẵng, Phan Rang, Tuy Hòa, Cam Ranh, and Buôn Ma Thuột leverage rooftop solar to maximize clean energy generation during daytime, when mall activity is at its peak.

In Southern Vietnam, where utilization density and continuous electricity demand are high, malls including Vincom Mega Mall Thảo Điền, Lê Văn Việt, Biên Hòa, and Quang Trung use rooftop solar to stabilize long-term energy costs and optimize asset performance.

This nationwide deployment reflects a consistent, system-level energy strategy rather than isolated pilot projects. Value Beyond Cost Savings

Operational estimates show that rooftop solar helps Vincom Retail shopping malls reduce energy costs by approximately 5 percent. However, the greater value lies beyond direct savings.

Rooftop solar enables partial on-site power generation, reduces reliance on the grid, and provides clean energy data for ESG reporting. As global retailers increasingly scrutinize carbon emissions across their value chains, this capability enhances the attractiveness of shopping malls to international brands.

Energy as Strategic Infrastructure

The key insight in Vincom Retail and SolarBK’s approach is viewing rooftop solar not as a “green add-on” but as future-ready infrastructure.

At scale, rooftop solar standardizes sustainable operations, improves cost predictability, and mitigates long-term energy risks.

The partnership between Vincom Retail and SolarBK illustrates a clear trend. Modern shopping malls no longer compete solely on location or consumer experience but also on the sustainability and resilience of their operations behind the scenes.

In this context, rooftop solar is no longer just a technical solution. It is a risk management tool, an ESG foundation, and a strategic pillar for the future of retail operations.

Energy is no longer just an operational cost, it is a strategic decision.
Discover how modern shopping mall systems are approaching sustainable and resilient energy management with SolarBK.