Loblaw plans to build Canada’s largest rooftop solar system

Key Takeaways:

• Loblaw Companies Limited plans to install Canada’s largest rooftop solar system at its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, north of Toronto.
• The 7.5-megawatt system will span 435,000 square feet — more than seven football fields — and generate 8.5 million kWh of clean power annually, meeting up to 25% of the facility’s electricity needs.
• The project, set to be operational in 2026, is a partnership with Great Circle Solar and supports Loblaw’s goal of net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040.

The Whole Story:

Loblaw Companies Limited says it is installing Canada’s largest rooftop solar power system at its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, a move the grocer calls a major step in its renewable energy strategy.

The 7.5-megawatt system will cover roughly 435,000 square feet of rooftop space — about the size of seven football fields — and is expected to generate more than 8.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The power will supply up to a quarter of the facility’s total electricity consumption.

“From the moment we began construction on our East Gwillimbury distribution centre, we knew we needed to take full advantage of the rooftop space to generate clean, renewable energy for the facility,” said Tom Marson, Loblaw’s vice-president of building technology and energy. “This solar installation will work alongside several other sustainable features at the DC, including fully electric shunt trucks and advanced building energy management systems.”

The system is slated to begin operations in 2026. Loblaw will partner with Great Circle Solar, which will develop, own and operate the installation. The two companies have collaborated on more than 90 energy projects across Canada since 2012.

“This marque project will be operational in 2026. It is by far the largest of its kind ever contracted in Canada and one of the largest on a single rooftop in North America,” said Clarke Herring, president of Great Circle Solar. “For over a decade, we’ve worked side by side to bring renewable energy solutions to communities across Canada. Loblaw’s continued leadership and long-term commitment to clean renewable energy is consistent and evident.”

The company says the solar array is part of a wider effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, Loblaw reported a 16% cut in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from its 2020 baseline and invested more than $40 million in 500 carbon reduction projects. Loblaw is targeting net-zero emissions for its enterprise operating footprint by 2040.