Les Compagnies Loblaw Limitée has announced the upcoming installation of the largest photovoltaic system ever mounted on a roof in Canada, set for its East Gwillimbury distribution centre in Ontario. With a capacity of 7.5 megawatts (MW), this array will cover approximately 435,000 square feet, equivalent to more than seven football fields, and is expected to generate more than 8.5mn kWh of electricity each year.
A direct impact on the site’s energy consumption
According to data provided by the group, this photovoltaic infrastructure will supply up to 25% of the annual electricity needs of the logistics centre, located in the Greater Toronto Area. The installation forms part of Loblaw’s strategy to reduce its reliance on the public grid, while optimising the use of unused rooftop space across its buildings nationwide.
Loblaw noted that this project adds to other energy efficiency initiatives already operating at the site, including electric shunting tractors and advanced building technical management systems. This approach reflects a drive to modernise logistics infrastructure and diversify energy sources within the sector.
Renewed partnership with Great Circle Solar
The company has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Great Circle Solar, which will develop, supply, and operate the photovoltaic system. Since 2012, this collaboration has enabled the deployment of more than 90 rooftop solar energy projects across various group sites in Canada.
The facility, scheduled to come online in 2026, will become the largest of its kind in the country and one of the largest in North America on a single rooftop. The president of Great Circle Solar highlighted the significance of this step for the industry, noting that it represents the continuation of over a decade of joint efforts.
Investments and long-term ambitions
Loblaw Group reports having invested more than $40mn in over 500 projects linked to carbon emissions reduction since 2020. Data published by the company show a 16% decrease in its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions between 2020 and 2024.
The scale of the photovoltaic project in East Gwillimbury signals a trend for the logistics and distribution sector in Canada. This development highlights the growing movement to leverage the rooftops of large industrial facilities to locally generate a significant share of their electricity.
