Loblaws aims to be green grocer
Toronto Star / Tyler Hamilton / 11 March 2010
Your local Loblaws store could soon be generating clean electricity for the grid. The grocery giant said Wednesday it will install solar photovoltaic panels on four of its stores in Ontario as part of a plan that could see another 132 locations across the province equipped with rooftop solar systems.
The Ontario Power Authority confirmed that Loblaw Cos. Ltd., through a new venture called Fresh From The Sun Energy Inc., has applied and been approved under the province's new feed-in-tariff (FIT) program to put solar panels atop 136 of its stores.
The program pays a premium to producers of clean electricity.
"Green energy production using innovative technologies such as these pilot projects supports our commitment to the environment," said Bob Chant, vice-president of corporate affairs.
The potential systems range from 30 to 500 kilowatts, and depend largely on the size and strength of the roofs. Loblaw said the four pilot locations will be studied to determine whether installations at the remaining stores will follow.
If all are installed, total capacity will exceed 21 megawatts across the chain – enough to power 7,000 homes on a sunny day. Loblaw has partnered with Northland Power Income Fund for the installations.
[Hat tip to SWITCH!]
