Loblaw Rooftop Solar Initiative Expands
Loblaw Companies Limited is partnering with Sobotec and Solar Roof One to install Canada’s largest rooftop solar system at its Ajax, Ontario distribution centre. Generating 9.7 megawatts of renewable energy—enough to power approximately 3,350 homes—the project is 50% larger than any other rooftop solar installation in the country. Work is slated to begin in spring 2025 and is expected to take approximately one year.
This installation is a key part of Loblaw’s broader strategy to expand its use of solar energy across its network, which already includes systems on roughly 75 buildings generating a combined 34 megawatts. The Ajax facility will boost Loblaw’s total renewable energy production by almost one-third, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The project reflects a growing trend of large-scale solar installations, similar to the one at Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine (https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/rio-tinto-installs-solar-plant-at-diavik-mine/), and demonstrates solar’s potential in diverse settings.
Loblaw: Leading the Way with Rooftop Solar
Loblaw has long championed renewable energy adoption in Canada, integrating solar panels on its store rooftops since 2010. This long-standing strategy is a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Galen Weston, Chairman and CEO of Loblaw Companies Limited, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “This installation is an important part of our renewable energy strategy, and it will help us achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2040.” The panels will be manufactured by Solar Roof One, a Canadian company specializing in solar energy solutions that uses recycled materials and designs its products to withstand harsh weather. This commitment to local, durable manufacturing mirrors global trends, as seen with companies like Canadian Solar opening U.S. facilities (https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/canadian-solar-launches-manufacturing-facility/) to meet the increasing demand for solar technology.
Loblaw Rooftop Solar Project in Ajax
The solar system will be installed atop Loblaw’s 2.5 million-square-foot distribution centre in Ajax, Ontario—one of the largest in Canada. Covering 1.3 million square feet, the installation will be the largest of its kind in the country. The electricity generated will primarily power the distribution centre, with any surplus fed back into the grid.
This project is projected to reduce Loblaw’s carbon emissions by 8,000 metric tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 1,700 gas-powered cars from the road. The project also aligns with ambitious global initiatives such as the Dubai Airports’ rooftop solar project (https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/dubai-airports-install-rooftop-solar-with-panels/), showcasing the increasing scale of solar energy worldwide.
Future of Loblaw Rooftop Solar in Canada
Loblaw’s rooftop solar project in Ajax marks a significant milestone for both the company and Canada’s renewable energy sector, reflecting its dedication to sustainability and leadership. The project’s scale highlights the immense technical potential of Canada’s rooftop solar to generate substantial renewable energy while reducing carbon emissions.
As solar technology costs continue to fall, more businesses are expected to follow Loblaw’s example. Despite setbacks to some public initiatives, such as the cancellation of the “Solar for All” program (as reported by PVKnowHow https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/solar-for-all-canceled-shocking-7-billion-program-cut/), private investment in rooftop solar is poised to contribute significantly to a greener future for Canada.
